Our Window on Westonbirt volunteers have explored the arboretum this week to let you know what's looking its best. Keep an eye out for the following seasonal highlights - they're not to be missed! You can also use our Arboretum Explorer to discover more tree locations around the arboretum.
Hamamelis japonica
Witch hazels, with their delicate curling petals and perfumes, continue to delight across the arboretum. They range from large mature shrubs such as the Japanese witch hazel in Savill Glade (Hamamelis japonica) to new plantings along Main Drive, Willesley Drive and in Cherry Glade in shades of yellow, copper and bronze.
Corkscrew hazel
Bunches of catkins across the site also brighten grey days. Look out for a lovely green group of hazels by Silkwood Barn and the long-tasselled Turkish hazel on Palmer Ride. But the most curious is the Corkscrew hazel (Corylus avellana 'Contorta' ) at the bottom of Savill Glade. This form of native hazel is said to have been found in a Gloucestershire hedgerow in the 1860s and dug up by Lord Ducie of Tortworth Court who distributed it to his friends, including George Holford.
Hamamelis x intermedia
Behind the Great Oak Hall you can look out for another witch hazel, Hamamelis x intermedia, providing a welcome burst of colour and scent at this time of year.
