Perfectly Imperfect trail - Wabi

Autumn Westonbirt

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Perfectly imperfect trail - Wabi

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Wabi

Originally wabi was used in Japan to define a sense of solitude, sorrow or being troubled. This later changed to become more positive, and reflected the peace found when one finds acceptance in negative circumstances.

Endangered, but not alone

This Japanese red maple (Acer pycnanthum) is classed as ‘Vulnerable’, with only 1500 mature trees left in the wild. An even rarer maple here, Amami maple (Acer amamiense), is ‘Critically Endangered’ with only 10 trees left in the wild. It’s amazing that we get to stand next to these trees, at Westonbirt! 

Botanic gardens like Westonbirt offer hope for threatened tree species. We contribute to ex-situ conservation of rare trees by preserving their genetic diversity, providing access for research and ensuring the species lives on should the worst happen.