More than 100 plant labels dating back to the 1800s have been unearthed in the one of the oldest parts of the National Arboretum, Westonbirt.

The discovery of 130 cast metal labels provides a fascinating link to the past when the arboretum was planted and maintained by an army of gardeners for the interest and pleasure of the Holford family.

"It tells us much about what trees and shrubs were being grown, and the importance that previous gardeners put on displaying and labelling their plants," said curator Simon Toomer.

Twenty five of the labels identify rhododendrons, which were a feature of the arboretum during the early 19th century.

There is currently a specialist researching the rhododendrons, and the label find will help to guide a programme of replanting of the unusual hybrids and cultivated varieties first grown by the Holfords.

The labels were found by the Tree Team during regular development and maintenance work. They are a variety of shapes and sizes, and some are marked on the back J. Smith Royal Label Factory, Stratford on Avon.

The factory was in existence from 1874 and got its Royal Warrant in 1876 for supplying identification tags for Queen Victoria's rose garden.

The labels are being kept at the arboretum and may be exhibited at a later date.