Wiltshire
| CHEMICAL THREAT |  | | | CASH BOOST |  | | | CRIMESTOPPERS FAMILY FUN DAY |  | | | MONEY STOLEN |  | | | PICTURE GALLERY |  | |
|
|
|
Westonbirt blooms on its wilder side
 |
| Bluebells are a sure sign that spring has arrived |
Spring is in full bloom at Westonbirt Arboretum. Traditionally May is the month for cherry blossom, azaleas and rhododendrons at the National Arboretum, but take a walk on the wilder side and uncover its best-kept spring secret - carpets of bluebells.
The bluebell is one of the UK's favourite wildflowers and this has to be one of the best local bluebell displays. The hazy blue flowers are at their peak in the first two weeks of the month, and carefully managed Silk Wood is the perfect bluebell spot. Throughout May follow the easy Spring Trail, soak up the simple pleasures of the season and even take advantage of Westonbirt Wednesdays - on any Wednesday in May get 50% off the entry price.
Hugh Angus, Head of Westonbirt's Tree Collections, says: "Bluebells are magical. They're a sure sign that spring has arrived, and it's looking like one of the best bluebell years ever here. Across the country interbreeding with Spanish bluebells is an ongoing threat to the much-loved native bluebell. But we'll continue to do everything we can to make Westonbirt a safe haven for these and other native plants."
For further information about Westonbirt Arboretum and its spring events, visit www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
Westonbirt Arboretum is managed by the Forestry Commission. It is open all year round - from 9am-8pm, or dusk if earlier. During Spring, admission to the whole arboretum is £7 for adults (£6 concessions), £2 for children (18yrs and under). Annual membership is also available.
Westonbirt Arboretum is three miles south west of Tetbury on the A433 (Tetbury to Bath Road). It is 10 miles north east of Junction 18 of the M4, and south-east of junction 13 of the M5.
12:40pm Monday 5th May 2008
Print 
Email this
Comment
What are these links for?
If you liked this article and would like to share it with others on the web who might be searching for good content we've made it easy for you to do it.
At the bottom of all articles, you'll see links to six sites. These sites - commonly called 'social bookmark' or 'social news' sites - have large communities of web users who share and rate interesting, useful and fun things on the web.
Clicking the links will automatically add the address of the story you are reading to one of these sites, letting you share it with others. Each site will ask you to register to share stories. Registration is free and once a member, you can store, recommend and search for stories that interest you.
More on Digg
More on del.icio.us
More on Furl
More on reddit
More on NowPublic/
More on Yahoo!