Window on Westonbirt Arboretum

a group of tall silver and black barked trees in winter grassy woodland without their leaves

Silver birch

This really is the time of year to focus on barks in all their variety of colour and texture. The peeling rust-red bark of the Paperbark maple is striking, as is the clean white of this lovely group of Silver birches on The Link in Silk Wood (Pictured: Betula pendula 'Tristis').

Highclere holly 'Golden King'

There are still plenty of berries, though, especially on the hollies. Look out for the distinctive variegated yellow-edged leaves of the Highclere holly 'Golden King' on Loop Walk and Main Drive (Ilex x altaclarensis 'Golden King'). This is a cultivar of our native common holly.

Dark red berries sit along a branch surrounded by leaves which are a mixture of dark and pale green with cream

clusters of yellow candle like flowers and spiky green leaves

Mahonia x media 'Charity'

Flowers are provided by the Mahonias on Main Drive (Mahonia x media 'Charity' ). In clusters of sulphur-yellow and delicately-scented, these are a welcome find on a grey day.

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Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

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Home to 2,500 different types of tree and shrub from the far corners of the globe and 5 national tree collections, Westonbirt is the perfect place for you to...

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A group stand around listening to a guided walk in the distance. Behind them in the far distance is a grand building.

Walking trails and routes

Westonbirt Arboretum Guided Walk

Join our experienced and knowledgeable volunteers as they guide you through the Old Arboretum.

Together you'll explore the best seasonal features of the Old Arboretum - and as the...