The collection consists of many champion trees, many of which were among the first planted in the UK. The trees originate from many continents and countries including Japan, China, North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Middle East and India.

Previously abandoned

After a period of successful management by the nearby HMP Leyhill Prison, the arboretum fell into neglect at the beginning of the 21 century, and was abandoned to bramble and invasive rhododendron. In 2015 we began the daunting task of starting to clear and restore the woodland, our community of volunteers very much enjoying the challenge!

Replanting

We are now in the process of begining to replant the arboretum. To guide us we have had a planting policy commisioned. This helps us select species, with set criteria:

  1. Characterise Tortworth’s Spirit of Place and the Ducie inheritance
  2. Enhance Landscape and Seasonal Interest for visitors
  3. Support the programme of Education and Wellbeing
  4. Conserve the arboretum’s Dendrological Interest
  5. Support Wildlife Conservation and Biodiversity

Sponsor a tree

By sponsoring you’ll be making a substantial gift to the arboretum, ensuring it is cared for and supported for generations to come.

You can either sponsor one of our existing champion trees or select an exciting new species to add to the collection.

Find out more