Japan Is The Highlight Of Autumn At The English Arboretum‏

The first week of October should be a great time of year to visit an arboretum in the UK, but the weather had been so mild that the leaves on most of the trees were still looking a very healthy green. But on a day with blue skies and sunshine, and nothing but rain forecast for the foreseeable future, we thought we'd risk a visit to the National Arboretum at Westonbirt, known worldwide for its spectacular autumn colour. 

 Our gamble paid off. Scattered around the grounds was an extensive collection of Japanese Acers and Maples which were turning wonderful shades of red, orange and yellow, from bright scarlets to rusty golds, their leaves glowing in the sunshine, on a largely green canvas. A photographers delight. 

They weren't the only trees that had Jan clicking away. We discovered rare specimens left, right and centre beside the trails that wound their way through the mid 19th century Old Arboretum woodland and glades. Helpful information boards told us what they were and what made them special. They have nearly 80 "champion trees", being the tallest or largest of their kind in Britain. 

 Although it was sunny, there was quite a chill in the air and a sharp breeze, so were glad we'd taken our fleeces and coats as we wandered around just a small amount of the 18,000 trees and shrubs in the 600 acre site.

With all the photo stops, our one hour walk took over two. To refuel, we stopped for lunch in the arboretum restaurant which had a pleasant outdoor terrace in the sun that was sheltered from the breeze. The food was surprisingly good, but that may have been the beautiful location and healthy appetite we'd built up. 

 Our afternoon walk took us to another section of the arboretum, Silk Wood, which had the biggest display of colourful maples and acers. They were lovely but the most memorable was a tree that gave off a strong smell of caramel. We walked back and forth through the sweet smelling haze before we figured out which tree it was, a Japanese Katsura. Only the decaying leaves give off the heavenly aroma definitely making it the right time of year to visit the Westonbirt Arboretum.