Walsall Arboretum designated first West Midlands Ancient Tree Site in milestone year
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Walsall Arboretum and country park have been designated the first Ancient Tree Site in the West Midlands conurbation by the Woodland Trust, due to the exceptional number of veteran and ancient trees present. This comes as the park celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2024.
The Arboretum and country park have around 130 veteran trees, with 17 of those classed as ancient. The minimum criteria for a site to attain the Ancient Tree Site designation is for an area to have 100 veteran trees, of which 10 need to be ancient. The Walsall Ancient Tree Site includes all of the historic Arboretum, the extension, the Country Park, and the strip of land on the far side of the canal running up to Longwood Lane and Hay Head Wood.
“ This designation is timely as the Arboretum celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2024. It is wonderful news for Walsall and its wildlife. This designation places the Arboretum in the same company as Chatsworth, Richmond Park and Windsor Great Park. We thank the Woodland Trust for recognising the quality and importance of our premier green space, but also want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of local resident and Woodland Trust volunteer Mike Glasson, who has tirelessly surveyed the trees in the park over a number of years. “
“ It’s really important that we recognise special natural environments. Walsall Arboretum and country park are of great significance. Ancient trees and woodlands are precious and irreplaceable, they are our living legends, which is why the Woodland Trust is campaigning to bring them under protection. By recognising the Arboretum, it helps us to value its significance and in turn work with Walsall Council to safeguard its future. “
ENDS.
Notes to Editors
About Walsall Arboretum
Walsall Arboretum is a rural retreat at the heart of Walsall town centre. First opened in 1874, it now spans 170 acres and includes Hatherton lake, the country park and the extension.
The site attracts over a million visitors a year, with people of all ages enjoying events such as the annual bonfire and fireworks, funfairs, fun runs and activities such as: cricket, tennis, bowling, informal football, walking, cycling, and running. The Saturday parkrun attracts hundreds of people every week. In summer, the splash pad and children’s play area also attract thousands of visitors. With a trim trail, skatepark and multi-use games area there really is something for everyone. And, in amongst all this activity, there are spaces for quiet contemplation and opportunities to enjoy the vast array of plants and animals that inhabit the space.
The Arboretum will mark its 150th anniversary in 2024 with celebratory events throughout the year. Events will include a music, food and craft fair on the original date the park was opened, 4 May. Full information to be announced soon. www.go.walsall.gov.uk/parks-and-green-spaces/visit-our-parks-and-play-areas/walsall-arboretum
Find out more about Walsall's parks and green spaces here: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/parks-and-green-spaces
About the Woodland Trust
The Woodland Trust is the largest woodland conservation charity in the UK. It has over 500,000 supporters. It wants to see a UK rich in native woods and trees for people and wildlife.
The Trust has three key aims:
- protect ancient woodland, which is rare, unique and irreplaceable
- restoration of damaged ancient woodland, bringing precious pieces of our natural history back to life
- plant native trees and woods with the aim of creating resilient landscapes for people and wildlife.
Established in 1972, the Woodland Trust now has over 1,000 sites in its care covering approximately 29,000 hectares. Access to its woods is free so everyone can benefit from woods and trees.
