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Friends of Bedgebury Magazine Issue 10 Autumn/Winter

2017 www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk Friends of Bedgebury What is Bedgebury all about? Magazine Issue 10 Autumn/Winter by Katherine Jary In answer to this question, many will cite ‘amazing outdoor recreation activities’ and we 2017 know that Bedgebury’s play, cycling and Go Ape are well-known and much loved, but what makes them special and why are they here at all? Some of our visitors, and perhaps a few more of our loyal and passionate members, will What is Bedgebury all about?...... 1 Science at Bedgebury...... 24 know that the Pinetum is important for international tree conservation efforts and creates a range of special habitats for Britain’s rarest flora and fauna. But have you ever wondered Editor’s Letter...... 2 Active Forests...... 28 why this is and what makes Bedgebury’s conservation work so unique? Dallimore’s Legacy...... 4 Volunteering...... 30 In this edition, we want to offer you some answers to these questions and show you how Global Tree Conservation...... 8 Improving our financial performance...... 32 your membership subscriptions and donations support this important work. We think the best place to start is with School children help to save a Apprenticeship at Bedgebury...... 34 Bedgebury’s ‘Vision’ and ‘Goals’. These make struggling cedar ...... 12 Site information and our partners...... 38 the site’s purpose and ambitions clear and Events and activities...... 16 help us to make the right decisions for its future. Enjoy the benefits of membership!...... 40 What interests our members?...... 22 We’d like to share these guiding principles with you using stories from around the site. Some aspects will resonate with your experience when visiting, others may surprise you. Crucially, Bedgebury is striving to achieve a great many diverse goals with a wide range of passionate stakeholders, but what is the theme common to all our activities? It is all about the trees! Bedgebury’s trees. Cover: Bedgebury works hard to protect the natural Many of the beautiful photographs in this edition were provided environment for future generations, by saving by David Jenner, a creative landscape photographer based in endangered trees and by creating and protecting a Kent. David has captured the beauty of our Pinetum throughout Editor: beautiful tree-filled green space where people and the seasons. His images have won many awards including Katherine Jary. nature can thrive. Our trees make our recreation Kent Wildlife Photographer of the Year and he now conducts photographic workshops here at Bedgebury. Proof readers: special and our conservation unique, and our Elspeth Hill, Rachel Mason, trees create a unique landscape and amazing Mina McPhee, Jeanette outdoor space for people and wildlife to enjoy. Armstrong and John Gordon. follow us on Contributing photographers: Mina McPhee, Ann Waller and We’d love more of our members and visitors follow us on David Jenner. to recognise Bedgebury’s importance and understand the work that we do. Please support Contributing Florilegium artist: www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk us as we aspire to deliver our vision to ensure Helen Hiorns. Bedgebury continues to be, and is recognised as, Design: This magazine is free to members. a ‘world leading centre for conifer conservation Fraser Allen. However, a donation of 40p would pay for the cost and a place that connects people with trees’. of printing it. A donation of £1 would enable us to This magazine is printed on Are you game? Read on to find out more… raise funds for something you love at Bedgebury. sustainably sourced paper. Jenner David Courtesy 1 membership subscriptions and this year we and that all its recreation income is Editor’s Letter have been sharing the apprentices’ learning ploughed straight back into the visitor To explain each of the seven guiding journey with you via a blog on our website. experience or tree conservation projects. by Katherine Jary goals behind Bedgebury’s vision, we Emma and Phil, Bedgebury’s current Bedgebury’s Manager, Patrick West, Bedgebury’s Vision and Goals will share with you a unique Bedgebury apprentices, explain on pages 34 to 36 explains the site’s financial strategy in story. In this way, we hope to bring the why they chose to pursue an apprenticeship more detail on pages 32 to 33, and shares Bedgebury will be recognised as a world goals to life and share some real and with us and the value they hope to add to its future financial goals as the Forestry leading centre for conifer conservation and relevant examples of the actions and Bedgebury’s future as a result. Commission make decisions about the next phase of Bedgebury’s development. a place that connects people with trees. decisions behind each one. Of course, it goes without saying that A timeline sets the heritage scene on Bedgebury is also home to the most These development decisions are being To protect and enhance the pages 4 to 6, as we dip into Bedgebury’s extraordinary outdoor recreation space made with the views and opinions of 1 National Pinetum and its past and explore the influence of key with miles of beautiful traffic-free walking members and visitors in mind. Members biodiversity and heritage value. individuals like William Dallimore on the and cycling, and acres for children’s play. will have received a variety of invitations this Bedgebury landscape we enjoy today. The importance of Bedgebury for both summer to participate in research intended visitors and volunteers, and their mental and to guide our decision making. On pages To lead and support global conifer On pages 8 to 11 and pages 12 to 14, physical health and well-being, is explored 22 to 23, the results of one of these initial 2 conservation programmes that we explain our role in global conifer on pages 28 to 31. surveys are shared and the impact of their help protect biodiversity. conservation and the ways in which we findings on the site explored. This research The recreation offer (including the events hope to inspire people to take action. will continue into 2018 and we would urge and activities listed on pages 16 to 21) To provide opportunities to improve To do this, we will tell you the story you to participate where you can. We will has another important role to play at people’s understanding and of the critically endangered Mulanje report on their findings in future issues of the 3 Bedgebury. Many of you may know that appreciation of trees, inspiring them cedar, and the efforts being made by a Friends’ magazine. Bedgebury is a not-for-profit organisation to take action to protect the natural number of conservation organisations, environment and support our work. including Bedgebury (and groups of local schoolchildren here and in Malawi), to save the cedar from extinction and To provide research opportunities regenerate the local communities that 4 to identify future forestry species depend upon it. to mitigate climate change and susceptibilities to pests and disease. As home to the most significant collection of temperate conifers in the world, Bedgebury is an important laboratory To provide opportunities to improve for research into climate change and 5 people’s physical and mental well-being. tree pests and diseases. Dr Richard Jinks of the Forestry Commission’s Research To pursue opportunities that improve team explains, on pages 24 to 26, how 6 our financial performance in order to scientific research being conducted in the support our conservation, learning Pinetum will impact the way all of us will We hope that you enjoy our Bedgebury and well-being programmes. live in the future. stories. We believe that each individual Part of protecting that future is ensuring story is fascinating, but collectively we hope To value and develop our staff that we recruit, train, encourage and they give our readers a fresh perspective on 7 and volunteers so they realise enrich the very best forestry students in Bedgebury and new insight into its role and their full potential and are ready to order to develop the Bedgebury curators purpose. We hope to inspire you to support our work with your time or money and to support a wide range of activities, of the future. Bedgebury’s apprenticeship explore a new facet of the site the next visitors and stakeholders. programme is directly supported by your time you visit. Courtesy David Jenner David Courtesy 2 3 GOAL 1: To protect and enhance the National Pinetum, its biodiversity and heritage. Dallimore’s Legacy by Mina McPhee Mighty redwoods from tiny seeds do grow! This may be a trite rendition of the old saying about oaks, but in the case of Bedgebury it is the literal truth... not only because Bedgebury is all about its trees, but because without the vision, passion and energy of a few people almost one hundred years ago, Bedgebury Pinetum would not exist. The Forestry Commission was established in 1919 to manage the woodland resources of the country after the First World War. The Commission’s brief was to acquire and plant land with timber. Around the same time, an avid botanist and conifer specialist at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, was becoming concerned A young William Dallimore about the impact of London’s pollution on Kew’s conifer collection. William Dallimore The first of the conifer seedlings nurtured at started his botanical career as a trainee Kew were planted by William Dallimore at gardener at Kew in 1891 and worked his way Bedgebury in 1925 alongside the conifers up to the role of foreman there (equivalent planted in the 19th century by William to being an assistant curator now). In the Beresford, owner of Bedgebury House. The process he developed a great passion for National Pinetum was born! and knowledge of conifers. Indeed, his book ‘Handbook of Coniferae’ remained the A key aim of the National Pinetum standard text on the subject for more than was ‘to grow as many species of 40 years. Dallimore’s dream was to create conifers as the climatic conditions a national pinetum dedicated to collecting, growing and learning about conifers from will allow.’ (Dallimore – 1923) William Dallimore planned and supervised around the world. to devote his time to Bedgebury, battling for grouping trees of the same species together, all the early plantings at Bedgebury. For him its survival in the face of financial difficulties species are now spread across the Pinetum, Dallimore was adamant that a new home Bedgebury was not only a site of scientific and wartime issues. having regard for the most suitable ground should be sought for Kew’s conifer collection. interest and conservation but also the and climatic conditions for each and in the With the blessing and support of the then canvas for inspired landscape planning, the Since Dallimore’s death in 1959, the Pinetum hope that some will survive the next great Director of Kew, Arthur Hill (a keen botanist results of which are the still beautiful vistas has evolved with the times. Following the storm. Allowing public access was also a and taxonomist), a partnership was sought that everyone admires today. Dallimore devastation of the Great Storm of 1987, move away from Dallimore’s vision for the with the Forestry Commission. retired from Kew in 1936 and moved to Kent the planting policy changed. Rather than Courtesy David Jenner David Courtesy 4 5 National Pinetum. What would he Bedgebury through the ages… have thought of Bedgebury today? First official mention of Bedgebury Now, just a few years away from 815: in a deed of Cenwulf, King of Sponsor the centenaries of both the Forestry Mercia. However, the land had been Commission and the Pinetum, occupied since much earlier times. it is right that we review William The estate gave its name to the Dallimore’s legacy once more to Norman de Bedgebury family who owned ensure that the Pinetum continues times: it. The name derives from the Old a bench to thrive. As most of the trees in the English for ‘pasture by the bend’. Pinetum will not reach their peak for John Bedgebury’s young widow, another several hundred years, a 1425: Agnes, married Walter Culpeper (or renewed and relevant long-term vision Colepeper), bringing the estate under Culpeper ownership for 235 years. at Bedgebury for Bedgebury remains vital. 1660: Following the English Civil War, Bedgebury The individuals named in blue in was sold to Sir Thomas Hayes. this article and the timeline have given their names to places within 1680: Sir James Hayes built an imposing new house. the Pinetum. Have you visited these places and wondered why they are The estate passed to William so named? Now you know! If you Beresford, 1st Viscount Beresford, 1836: a Field Marshal under the Duke of haven’t found them yet, pop into the Wellington. His wife was his first Information Office on your next visit cousin and a widow, Louisa Hope. to find out more. William Beresford created the hamlets 1850: of Kilndown and Bedgebury to house the extra estate staff needed to support the inception of his Pinetum. The estate passed to Alexander Beresford-Hope (son of Louisa from her 1883: first marriage) and his wifeMildred , after whom the avenue of Lawson cypress in the Pinetum is named.

1899: The estate was sold to Isaac Lewis, a City financier, and it gradually fell into ruin. The estate was bought by the Crown Estate for the newly formed Forestry 1919: Commission. The house and 200 acres were separated and sold to the Church Education Corporation who opened a girls’ school there in 1920. To find out more, call William Dallimore died having worked 1959: tirelessly for the Pinetum both before and after his retirement in 1936. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew 01580 879842 relinquished Bedgebury completely to 1965: the Forestry Commission. The Forestry www.lovebedgebury.org.uk Horseshoe Pond (or The Black Pond) Commission has managed it ever since. May 1953 6 7 To lead and support global conifer GOAL 2: Trees Campaign, the Millennium Seed Bank conservation programmes that help Partnership and the International Conifer protect biodiversity Conservation Programme. For the last 15 years, staff from Bedgebury Global Tree Conservation have been undertaking expeditions all over the world, from the remote mountains by Dan Luscombe, Collection Manager of northern Vietnam to the giant redwood This planet is home to 630 conifer species. They account for nearly 30% of the world’s forests forests in California, collecting seed from and they grow on every continent except Antarctica. Conifers include the tallest, largest and some of the last remaining conifer forests oldest living organisms and they have survived since the time of the dinosaurs. However, before it is too late. The seeds we collect are they are now under enormous threat from mankind’s insatiable appetite for timber and brought back to the UK where they can be space. Huge demands are put upon them, from unsustainable harvesting for their valuable grown on at Bedgebury and, as a secondary and versatile timber to large scale forest clearance for housing and farming, and, in some precaution, stored in the Millennium Seed cases, the stripping of their bark for medicines. Bank. Every batch of seed is carefully Another alarming issue for conifers is the Conservation groups all over the world are scanned, x-rayed, tested for viability and Nursery training in Malawi effect of climate change caused by human working to save threatened species. Whilst pre-treated before sowing. Successes and activity. The changing climate is already we continue to maintain and conserve failures are meticulously recorded to help us having a detrimental effect on forests around Bedgebury’s amazing range of trees, as the achieve maximum germination; if you can’t the world. In North America, non-native national conifer collection, we are necessarily get the seeds to germinate then you cannot insects are causing widespread devastation focussed on conifer conservation. conserve the species! to coniferous forests already weakened by Bedgebury is now actively involved in tree It is the specialist knowledge that we acid rain. If we are not careful it may be too conservation projects around the world, have developed in collecting the seeds, late to repair the damage caused by man working with partner organisations like germinating and nurturing the seedlings and these essential natural resources will be Botanic Gardens Conservation International, and establishing them in the Pinetum that gone forever. Fauna & Flora International, the Global has gained us the reputation of being experts in conifer conservation.

Bedgebury’s Dan Luscombe with Kirsty Shaw, Head of Ecological Restoration and Tree Conservation for BGCI, and the team from the Makolera nursery 8 9 Bedgebury’s recent successes to grow 1.5 million seedlings over a three- year period. To further support the project, Vietnamese golden cypress we are also undertaking experiments in the Xanthocyparis vietnamensis Bedgebury nursery and trialling different types of containers to increase the speed and success of germination. We hope that

Collecting Betula seed in Japan Widdringtonia seedlings the results of these experiments will improve the tree’s chances of re-establishment on the mountain in Malawi. On page 12, you can Xanthocyparis seedlings find out how we have involved local school Seedlings of this endangered species were children, with the support of the charities first successfully raised in the nursery at Starfish Malawi and BGCI, in seed-sowing Bedgebury, akin to breeding the first pandas An x-ray of the seeds of the Widdringtonia whytei experiments in the Bedgebury nursery. in captivity. Ancient native populations, better With more and more trees threatened in the wild, Bedgebury has a substantial role to play in suited to a temperate environment, have global tree conservation. All the seed-collecting expeditions mentioned in this article, along over time become fragmented because of with many other important Pinetum projects, have been funded by the Friends. Please support population pressure and are now isolated us with your time, donations or membership and help Bedgebury make a difference. on the tops of mountains in northern Vietnam. As a result, successful germination in their native environment has become progressively more difficult. Whilst cuttings can readily be used to bolster populations, they do not promote genetic diversity. In contrast, we successfully collected cones from the native Betula chichibuensis in the nursery populations and germinated the seeds; growing them on with greater success than Britain in more than 30 years. We now have any organisation before us. Our aim is to try more than 100 plants in our nursery, more to return this new material to its home range than are known to exist in the wild. in the mountains of northern Vietnam. Mt Mulanje cedar Chichibu birch Widdringtonia whytei Betula chichibuensis In 2017, Bedgebury was invited to support Bedgebury is not just a collection of conifers; the ‘Save our Cedar’ project led by Botanic 30% of the trees in the Pinetum are in fact Gardens Conservation International (BGCI). broadleaf! In 2014, staff from Bedgebury Experts from Bedgebury were invited to travel went to Japan with colleagues from Oxford to Malawi to assist with the conservation of University Botanic Gardens and Harcourt this critically endangered tree and to give Arboretum to collect the seed of this critically advice based on knowledge gained from endangered birch. Seedlings from these working in our own nursery. The project aims collections were the first to be raised in to help local communities set up nurseries Mount Mulanje 10 11 GOAL 3: To provide opportunities to improve schools and persuaded them to take part It was an extremely enjoyable in the project at Bedgebury. We were also morning. The visit was extremely people’s understanding and appreciation of trees, fortunate in being able to work with Liliana inspiring them to take action to protect the Derewnicka from BGCI, who played a major well organised and all the role in pulling together the project and came different agencies worked really natural environment and support our work. down to assist on the two days when the well together. It exceeded our children visited us. expectations and we would love to School children help to save a Classes from three schools (Etchingham, come again! Goudhurst and Kilndown, and Sandhurst Teacher, Sandhurst Primary Primaries) made the trip to Bedgebury in struggling cedar April. In each case by Cath Weeks, Learning Manager Holly Nicholls from Starfish Malawi and Lili from BGCI introduced the Mulanje cedar and its plight, before members of the Forestry Commission’s Learning Team led the groups through the Pinetum, This is conservation in action! Fiona has two Phil didn’t realise that his apprenticeship helpers as she pots up seedlings from the would involve working with children… critically endangered Mulanje cedar. In April 2017 sixty local school children Why, he asked, couldn’t local schoolchildren helped to save a critically endangered help to plant Mulanje cedar seeds at species from extinction. Bedgebury? The idea was so perfectly aligned to the Learning Team’s raison d’etre How many eight year olds can say that? (as summarised in the Bedgebury goal This project was a spin-off from Bedgebury’s above) that we jumped at it. We saw it as role as propagation experts in the ‘Save Our a great example of how Bedgebury’s trees Cedar’ project (see pages 10 to 11), a multi- and expertise can help conifers, and help partner international project led by Botanic people too: in this case by opening local Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) children’s eyes to trees, and helping them to which aims to save Malawi’s national tree, realise that they, too, can make a difference. the Mulanje cedar, from becoming extinct The serendipity was hard to ignore. in the wild. This tree is classed as ‘Critically Many Kent schools already have strong Endangered’ and is tipped by experts to be links to Malawi thanks to Starfish Malawi, an the next tree species to disappear from the organisation that links schools in the UK to planet unless something can be done. their counterparts in Malawi. We were lucky The idea came from a chance conversation enough to work with Starfish Malawi in this with Dan Luscombe at the Bedgebury offices. project. They talked to their contacts in local

12 13 introducing them to other rare trees which I was surprised by the variety and Bedgebury has helped to save. The children size of trees, knowing the seeds are then worked with Bedgebury’s Operations Team in the nursery to plant wild-collected collected from around the world Mulanje cedar seeds, as well as potting by the team, how hard the team up a seed of something a little less rare (a work and how much they have to THE FIRST TIME I visited the Pinetum, I was lucky enough to be given a sunflower!) to take home as a memento. guided tour by the then resident Dendrologist, now Collection Manager, do to keep it all up and running, as Dan Luscombe. The conditions on that damp afternoon were far from The schools were sent a follow-up teachers’ well as thinking of the future of the photogenic but, nevertheless, Dan admirably described the beauty of Bedgebury as it transforms itself through the seasons. Despite the pack including background information trees and our planet. The children about the Mulanje cedar and an invitation to drizzle, I could see that this was a landscape photographer’s dream and I was eager to return so a take part in a poster competition to highlight enjoyed being the first to plant the couple of months later, with the Forestry Commission’s permission, I made my first early morning visit. Arriving in the dark and not really knowing my way around, I caught a few mystical shots of the its plight. There is potential for a similar Mulanje cedar seeds. fog rising above Marshal’s Lake before venturing further into the Pinetum. As dawn approached, I activity to happen with the twinned schools Teacher, Goudhurst and Kilndown Primary found myself in Dallimore Valley looking across a swathe of mist-covered trees surrounded by a vast in Malawi, and for children from both line of towering conifers which were waiting for the morning light. When the sun appeared, I was countries to talk and share their experiences not disappointed by the effect. As the mist started to lift, the whole place lit up like a forest fire with with each other. and it inspired them to take direct action sumptuous golden light enveloping every nook and cranny like a slow-motion avalanche. For a brief both to protect the natural environment moment I forgot the task in hand as I stared at the sight unfolding before me. To this day I return to With my manager’s hat on, this project and to support our work. In addition, it was shoot the same scene but the image I ticked every box in the Bedgebury goal a lovely example of different Bedgebury took on that magical morning is still one of my favourites... stated at the start of this article. It provided teams working together alongside external a great opportunity to improve people’s partners. Most importantly, the evaluation From a photographic perspective, the understanding and appreciation of trees, comments from schools suggest that they location I chose could not have been valued it too. better. Not only was it a delightful composition, but the footpath offered the perfect leading line drawing the eye into the scene. Mother Nature provided a dramatically misty focal point with a sublime sunrise in the distance. It’s at moments like these that If my images have inspired I realise why I get up at stupid o’clock you to take up photography to go out with my camera. It was this or improve your existing skills shot that cemented my love affair with behind the camera, then please the Pinetum. enquire about the photographic workshops that I run throughout the year. If you would like to hire me for a photographic shoot or book me for a one-to-one tutorial, then please do get in touch.

You can contact me on... 07714 324563 [email protected] You too can support ‘Save Our Cedar’. Donations to the Friends of Bedgebury Pinetum pay for Pinetum expertise and support tree conservation projects just like this. Visit our website More of my images can be found at... to find out more. www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk/pinetum/ www.davidjenner.co.uk 14 You can contact me on... 15 07714 324563 [email protected]

More of my images can be found at... www.davidjenner.co.uk Bedgebury Autumn Guided Walk Bird Ringing Talk and Walk (*) Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3rd to 19th Thursday 12th October 3.00pm to 5.30pm Events and activities October 11.00am October Tuesdays and Thursdays 11.00am Autumn Guided Walk 3rd to 19th Friday 6th 10.00am Fungi Walk (*) Thursday 12th 3.00pm Bird Ringing Walk and Talk (*) Saturday 14th 10.00am Fungi Walk (*) Monday 23rd to Friday 27th 10.00am to 2.00pm Hunt the Hidden Boxes Drop-in Activity November Courtesy David Jenner David Courtesy Various Approx 8.00am Winter Bird Ringing (*) What is bird ringing and why does it matter? Saturday 18th T.B.C Nice Work 5k & 10k Autumn Canicross Challenge Join us on one of a series of guided walks Bird enthusiast and local bird ringer, Christine Sunday 19th T.B.C Nice Work 10k & Half Marathon Forest Run around the route of the autumn seasonal trail and admire the contrasting colours provided by George, will give an illustrated presentation on Saturday 25th 10.00am AGM The Friends of Bedgebury Pinetum the mix of deciduous and conifer trees in the bird ringing followed by a guided walk through December beautiful and unique landscape of the Pinetum. the Pinetum at roosting time. Various Approx 8.00am Winter Bird Ringing (*) Walks will start from the Visitor Centre at 11am and cost £2 Learn about the birds that can be found at Friday 1st to 10.00am to 12.00pm Christmas Tree Sales per person. Call 01580 879820 to book. Bedgebury in the winter and see or hear some of Wednesday 20th on 14th December the summer visitors who may not have left yet. Saturday 2nd 9.30am Christmas Wreath Making - parent and child session (*) Fungi Walk (*) The talk is open to all although the walk may not be Saturday 2nd 1.30pm Christmas Wreath Making - adult only session (*) Friday 6th October 10.00am to 12.00pm suitable for anyone with limited mobility. Walk and talk - £12 per person. Talk only - £8 per person. January 2018 Saturday 14th October 10.00am to 12.00pm From January Highway Rat Trail Hunt the Hidden Boxes Drop-in Activity Various Approx 8.00am Winter Bird Ringing (*) Monday 23rd October to Friday 27th October Thursday 25th 1.30pm Birds of Bedgebury Presentation and Winter Walk (*) February Various T.B.C Nice Work Running Events

Various Approx 8.00am Winter Bird Ringing (*)

HURRY! For more information on any of the events Booking Conditions listed, please contact either: Full payment is required to reserve places on all events. Friday 6th has now SOLD OUT for Saturday 14th Bedgebury Visitor Centre Information Office No refunds can be offered for failure to attend any Limited spaces still available event. on 01580 879820 or visit Our sell-out fungi walks are back! Join in this half-term family activity and follow our Please ensure you dress appropriately for the www.forestry.gov.uk/bedgebury seasonal trail hunting all the hidden boxes along forecast weather conditions. Join Bryan Bullen of the Kent Wildlife Trust as he the way. Just like real geo-caching, you can leave The Friends of Bedgebury Pinetum If excessively adverse weather is forecast, a leads an insightful and informative walk through a small gift in the boxes and you might find on 01580 879842 or visit cancellation email will be sent before the event. the Pinetum. As you discover and identify the something rather interesting too! www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk If you are unable to attend on the proposed different fungi that grow across the site, Bryan will alternative date, you will be offered a full refund. talk you through their characteristics and uses. Drop-in to the Visitor Centre between 10am and 2pm to Events and activities may be subject to Dogs are not permitted at any of the events listed start. Cost £2 per child. Children must be accompanied by The edibility of fungi will not be a feature of this walk an adult. except as participants in the Canicross challenge change. We recommend that you ring either of and no fungi will be picked by walk attendees. the numbers above before visiting. advertised on page 18. Events involving a walk may not be suitable for This event may not be suitable for anyone with limited Friends’ Gift Vouchers may be redeemed those with limited mobility (please call for details). mobility. £20 per person. against Friends’ events (marked *). Normal admission charges apply to non-members attending events unless otherwise stated.

16 17 Winter Bird Ringing (*) Nice Work 10k & Half Marathon Forest Run November 2017 to February 2018 Sunday 19th November Various dates TBC Real

Join Nice Work for this brand new half marathon Bird ringing can help monitor changes in bird and 10k race along the undulating trails of Christmas productivity, survival rates, dispersal and migration, Bedgebury forest. There will be medals and finish enabling us to tackle conservation issues. line goodies on offer for all finishers, plus prizes for the leading men and ladies. Bedgebury’s bird ringer, Christine George, will be ringing birds at Bedgebury from November Enter online at www.nice-work.org.uk. trees through to early spring on still, sunny weekday mornings, approximately once a fortnight. A very AGM - The Friends of Bedgebury Pinetum On sale 1-3 December & 8-20 December small audience for each session will have the Saturday 25th November opportunity to observe wild birds close up. Are you a member? Join us and put your 10am - 4pm (until noon on 14 December) Each session will start at around 8.00am and will last for questions to those responsible for Bedgebury! about 2 hours. The venue will be confirmed closer to the event. Join us at 10am in the Education Room at the Visitor Centre. As this event is weather dependent, anyone who would To find out more, keep an eye on your e-mails or visit our like to attend should register their interest by calling 01580 website: http://bedgeburypinetum.org.uk/memberships/ Buy a tree and enjoy these 879842. We will contact interested individuals a day or two latest-agm-minutes/ before a session is due to take place (once the weather forecast becomes known) to fill the spaces. 100% Santa Approved Trees benefits on the day of purchase Each session, once arranged, will cost £6 per person. Friday 1st December to Wednesday 20th December * Free vehicle admission Nice Work 5k & 10k Autumn Canicross Challenge * Free Christmas tree sapling Saturday 18th November * Free mince pies A variety of * 10% discount in Bedgebury shop sizes available * Terms and conditions apply, Please see our website for details including 10ft trees

Don’t miss the winter specials Luxury wreaths British-grown Christmas trees will be on sale at Bedgebury throughout December. Choose from the menu at Bedgebury Cafe... for sale Following the success of Bedgebury’s first ever traditional Norway Spruce, Nordman Fir or a Canicross Challenge in May, Nice Work will be back pot-grown variety. Buy early to avoid this autumn with another Canicross event. The race disappointment! is open to runners of all abilities and there will be plenty of medals and treats on offer for dogs and For sales enquiries, dates and availability call the Visitor Information Office on 01580 879820. their owners as they cross the finish line! For more details and to register visit www.nice-work.org.uk. For more information call 01580 879820 18 or visit forestry.gov.uk/bedgebury

1883_Xmas2017_bedgebury (A5).indd 1 26/09/2017 12:14 Christmas Wreath Making (*) Birds of Bedgebury Presentation and Winter Saturday 2nd December 9.30am to 12.30pm Walk (*) Looking for gift ideas? Parent and child session Thursday 25th January 1.30pm to 4.00pm Saturday 2nd December 1.30pm to 4.30pm Adult only session Here are some suggestions for interesting and unusual gifts that will give great pleasure and lasting memories to your loved ones.

You can now buy Bedgebury Gift Vouchers! These can be purchased for any amount and can be redeemed against Friends’GIFT VOUCHERS membership and Friends’ events or in the gift shop. They can

even be used to pay for day admission! Bedgebury’s mix of broadleaf and conifer trees creates a unique habitat for resident and migrant Get into the mood for Christmas as you create a birds. unique and personal Christmas wreath for your Available from the home! Birding enthusiast and local bird ringer, Christine Information Office. George, will give an illustrated talk about the GIFT MEMBERSHIP Talented local florist, Suzanne Price, will teach you birds that frequent the site, their habits and techniques and tricks of the trade that will help behaviours and the best times to see or hear you make your wreath a work of art. them. She will follow the talk with a winter walk The session on Saturday morning is a parent and child in the hope of seeing the elusive hawfinches that Give someone you love a familyfrom the membership Information to Office. Available online, over the phone or session, where all paying adults can bring one child aged overwinter in the Pinetum. Bedgeburyto the and site giveand allthem it offers unlimited for a admissionwhole year. 8 or over with them at no extra cost. Each paying adult will The talk is open to all although the walk may not be take home one wreath. suitable for anyone with limited mobility. Seasonal refreshments will be provided. All the materials Walk and talk - £12 per person. Talk only - £8 per person. for your wreath are included in the price. £45 per adult. Bedgeburypainted Florilegiumthe by stunning Originalthe highly are botanical artwork skilled nowBEAUTIFUL available. artistsand illustrations prints of the Why of Nice Work Running Events not visit our website to see a range of their work? Highway Rat ARTWORK February 2018 onwards You could even commission a unique work of art January 2018 onwards capturing your favourite tree at Bedgebury! E-mail us on [email protected]

SPONSOR A to find out more or to place an order. MOSAIC BLOCK

Why not give someone you love a

unique and wonderful gift by sponsoring to find out more. www.lovebedgebury.org.uk a mosaicblock block will beon engravedour new atrium with your wall? personal Each want and show how much you care. The Highway Rat © 2011 & TM Julia Donaldson/Axel Scheffler Visit Local running company, Nice Work, have a full message. Whatever the occasion, say what you schedule of races planned for 2018. Keep an eye For 2018 try our Highway Rat Trail, based on the on the Bedgebury website for details or visit popular children’s book written by Julia www.nice-work.org.uk. Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. Join the Highway Rat on his forest adventure. Follow the trail to complete fun activities and spot characters along the way. Buy an activity pack for £3 and pretend to be a highway Love Bedgebury - be part of something amazing! bandit! www.lovebedgebury.org.uk 20 family, though perhaps it is because both provide an excellent way for families to support environmental concerns on the doorstep. It might even be that they are ‘trusted’ charities for What interests our members? the limited family purse. Whatever the reason, we would love Bedgebury to be viewed in the by Katherine Jary same way as they are – we are doing similar things! However, as they are large, well-known In June, we asked you, our members, about the things that interest you. Here’s what you told us! and national conservation charities, this is a challenge for ‘little old’ Bedgebury! What do you love about Bedgebury? What values are important to you? We started the survey by asking you to select the 3 things you love most about Bedgebury. Honesty trumped every other value in this question with 73% of you listing it in your answers. The most selected option was the joy of the great outdoors (ticked by 50% of you) – enhanced Matters of the environment also scored well at 53%, as did loyalty (39%) and responsibility (38%). by our views and vistas (25%) and the peace and tranquillity (26%) that can always We believe very strongly that understanding is the key to tolerance and support. be found somewhere on site even on the busiest days. However, you also As a result, we do speak honestly with our members, responding love the bits we’ve added - our walking trails (30%), bike trails (40%) and individually to comments, complaints and concerns. We can never children’s play (33%). When we asked you to rank your favourites, promise to ‘fix’ everything our members dislike, but we can usually most of the things you loved received an even mix of votes explain honestly why things are as they are. Even if the answer between first, second and third. However, bike trails (40%), does not suit you, we hope to retain your support through dog walking (25%) and the café (15%) were ranked first far the process. We will take your values into consideration more often. We were not surprised; we know that these as we make decisions for Bedgebury and we will try to are the subjects our members are most passionate and communicate our decisions more effectively with you. vocal about. When and how often do you come? Which causes are important to you? Your replies tell us that more than 75% of you visit at Here you could select up to 3 causes that you support. least once a month, and that on average you visit a As 38% of you visit most frequently with children, it is not staggering 40 times a year, making membership surprising that ‘children’s causes’ was listed by 50% of awesome value at £66 for the year. I wish we could you and ‘education’ by 34% of you. Mental and physical hold the subscription at this level for a 4th year, well-being causes also dominated, listed by 20% and but we should warn you that this is not going to be 43% of you respectively. possible. Remember to renew early if you want to Only 12% of the votes cast (from 33% of you) were secure another year at £66! for tree conservation – a challenge for us as a tree Most of our most frequent visitors come during off peak conservation charity! However, 41% of you do value periods to walk the dog, or with another adult, or to enjoy our rare trees, special wildlife or conservation efforts the site’s flora and fauna. Most of our members (but only at Bedgebury, so although tree conservation per se may just) come during our peak times (54%). not be high on your list of priority causes, our conservation efforts are important to you because they are creating an The survey gave us a clearer idea about the differing priorities outdoor environment that gives you and your family the things of our weekday and weekend visitors, with children, play and you want, need and enjoy. cycling to the fore on more occasional weekend visits with matters of peace, flora and fauna, and dog walking most valued during the more Local, national or international? regular weekday visits. For most of you, the importance of the family prevailed again when you I am sure there is nothing to surprise you in these results but, as we make future were asked about the location of the charities you might support, with local plans for Bedgebury, understanding our most loyal and regular visitors is very charities the preference for 55% of you (over national (32%) and international important to us. (13%). However, when asked to select your preferred environmental charities, Thank you for supporting our survey with your time. If you want to continue to our colleagues in the National Trust and Woodland Trust, both UK-wide charities, contribute to our learning process, please visit our website where you can find took the majority (52%) vote. This could be because you are lovers of the great other ways to participate through surveys and focus groups on site. outdoors and, like Bedgebury, both organisations provide beautiful spaces for the http://bedgeburypinetum.org.uk/memberships/were-listening/ 22 23 GOAL 4: To provide research opportunities conifers to an international research group b) Germination of embryos of Chilean plum to identify future forestry species to looking at the ways that conifers survive yew (Prumnopitys andina). Intact seeds are drought. difficult to germinate in part because of a very mitigate climate change and susceptibilities hard seed coat. After various temperature to pests and disease. Pests and diseases are, unfortunately, an treatments to allow the embryos to mature, increasing threat to our trees, and the conifer the seeds have been cracked and the collection has an important role in helping embryos surgically removed and incubated on Science at Bedgebury scientists understand which species might moist filter paper under controlled conditions. be at risk when a new disease occurs. For by Dr Richard Jinks, Forest Research example, since the 1990s, Dothistroma b) A pinetum is a special kind of arboretum. to questions about the genetic relationships needle blight (DNB), also known as red An arboretum is a botanical garden where between specimens. band needle blight, has become a serious trees are grown for science, education and disease on pines (Figure 2). A survey of the Just over a third of the world’s conifer species ornamental purposes. The National Pinetum occurrence of DNB on all the pine species are currently listed by The International Union at Bedgebury was originally set up with the growing at Bedgebury provided valuable for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in the mid- information on variation in susceptibility being of conservation concern. Bedgebury 1920s as a scientific collection of the world’s within this important group of trees. The c) and d) Older seedlings after transplanting. works with many organisations (such as temperate conifers and casual visitors were Pinetum also acts as an early warning the International Conifer Conservation c) not encouraged. William Dallimore, the system for detecting outbreaks of new Programme based at the Royal Botanic founder, wrote in 1929, “... people who diseases. For example, investigation of Garden Edinburgh, and the Millennium Seed are genuinely interested in trees are to be recent damage and death of some fir Bank at Wakehurst Place, among others) admitted but that for the present ordinary species in the Pinetum (Figure 3) was on many aspects of conifer conservation trippers and particularly picnicers (sic) are including: assessing the conservation Figure 1. Some examples of propagation to be discouraged…” He was concerned status of threatened conifers, advice on research. about the safety of the collection and propagation, seed collection from natural considered the public to be a fire risk and populations for long-term storage, and a) Digital X-ray of seeds to assess seed quality. responsible for breaking his tree labels. Now, raising plants for planting as specimens or In this example, some seeds are empty, others of course, the public - including picnickers for distribution to other collections. Many of have been infected by insect larvae, and only - are made very welcome and visit in their the seeds collected are of unknown quality one is full with an embryo and is capable of d) thousands each year, but the underlying and often require complicated treatments germination. scientific functions of the Pinetum continue. before they can germinate. Bedgebury a) The trees at Bedgebury are a living database works closely with the seed scientists at of conifers and other temperate species. Forest Research to assess seed quality Accurate identification and record keeping using digital X-ray equipment and to devise are key to maintaining the Pinetum’s scientific protocols for germination of difficult species value but it is essential to keep the specimens (Figure 1). in good condition and to maintain the The extensive well-documented collection breadth and relevance of the collection. All at Bedgebury offers many opportunities for this requires the expertise of the Collection scientists who want to compare the biology Manager and tree team who research and of different trees, not least because they document the classification and history of are conveniently growing together in one each specimen. In collaboration with Forest place and not spread around the world. Research, Bedgebury is about to explore The Pinetum provides access and material the value of using DNA technology to help for researchers. Recent examples include with this work which will provide answers providing shoot material from a range of 24 25 Figure 2. Dothistroma needle blight is a timber. This is driven by the needs of climate serious fungal disease affecting pines and the change and the increasing incidences of collections of pines at Bedgebury have helped new pests and diseases that are preventing us understand which species are vulnerable. continued use of important forestry species. The surviving plots in the original ‘Forest a) Corsican pine which was an important Garden’ at Bedgebury (now just ‘The Plots’) timber species is particularly susceptible. are, once more, providing useful information a) on the growth and characteristics of potential timber species. The measurements of the growth and survival of specimens of lesser- known species, such as some of the Asiatic pines, are helping us to identify potential timber trees of the future. Figure 3. A dying specimen at Bedgebury of Taiwan fir (Abies kawakamii) infected with the fungus Neonectria neomacrospora. This tree was one of the first recorded outbreaks of the b) Close up showing the characteristic red bands disease in Britain which has since been found on needles with fruit bodies in centre of them. at other locations on other species of fir. b)

Get Active every morning at Bedgebury! found to be the first occurrence in Britain of Neonectria neomacrospora. This is Join a guided walk, a Bike Spin session or a significant fungal disease that was damaging and killing firs in northern Europe. Saturday’s Parkrun for a breath of fresh air. Since this initial alert, there have been several more findings on fir species across Britain. Coming soon: Bedgebury continues to support its original Nordic Walking, ‘OFF Bike’, Tai Chi and Yoga. mission of finding trees that can be grown for If you want to support Bedgebury’s contribution to tree conservation, climate change and Look out for £3 per car admission between 8am and 11am tree disease research, or the search for new timber species, you can make a donation to the from 1st December 2017 Conifer Conservation Project fund with the Friends of Bedgebury Pinetum. Donations to this fund can be used for no other purpose. Why not visit the Conifer Conservation Project ‘Plots’ Visit www.forestry.gov.uk or in the Pinetum? They are little known to the casual visitor, but make for an extraordinary, interesting and beautiful walk all year round. Pop into the Information Office at the Visitor email [email protected] Centre on your next visit if you are not sure where to find them! for more information. 26 GOAL 5: range of opportunities both at peak and Whether it is a peaceful walk in the Pinetum To provide opportunities to improve off-peak times. Examples of some of these or a more energetic game of table tennis people’s physical and mental well-being. activities are; the Friday morning ‘Health at the play area, Bedgebury is committed Walk’, our midweek running group, Ladies to offering an environment for healthy ‘Real Spin’ cycle sessions, the Saturday 5k lifestyles and encouraging visitors to stay fit Active Forests forest Parkrun, and Nice Work’s 10k summer in the fresh air. by Jo Pappenheim, Active Forests series and autumn half marathon. Coordinator “I love running in Bedgebury, I run At Bedgebury we are playing an important here for mental and physical health. role supporting the Government’s new I get to see the changing seasons strategy for an ‘Active Nation’ through and feel I have the place to myself. our ‘Active Forests’ initiative. This initiative seeks to increase the number of physically I have made great friends in the active people by offering opportunities running group who make me come to cycle, run, walk and play in a beautiful back each week.” outdoor environment. Corinne French (Wednesday running group) A key focus for Bedgebury is to develop the broader benefits of sport, such as “Over the last 9 months my mental well-being, social engagement confidence has grown and I feel and community development. Many of the that this is due to riding out with a physical activities that we offer on site can reduce stress, build confidence and contribute member of the Quench team and to a healthy lifestyle. The emphasis is on the group of friends that I have made having fun, keeping fit and making friends. during my ‘Real Spin’ sessions.” We are working with local sports and Laura Krovina (Real Spin) health organisations to create a broader “The health walks are a good way to de-stress and relax, you definitely feel better after you have been. We love to be out in the peaceful forest watching the wildlife and enjoying the trees and changing environment.” (Friday ‘Health Walk’ group)

To find out more about keeping active at Bedgebury, visit the Forestry Commission website www.forestry.gov.uk/bedgebury or e-mail me, the Bedgebury Active Forests Coordinator, on [email protected]. For more information on ‘Real Spin’ visit: quenchuk.co.uk/bedgebury/health-wellbeing.

28 29 GOAL 5: To provide opportunities to improve people’s physical and mental well-being. Volunteering by Liz Randall, Volunteer Coordinator This goal seems very straightforward - of course Bedgebury provides opportunities for you to improve your physical and mental well- being! We offer 2,000 acres of forest criss- crossed with cycle trails and walking pathways and a further 300 acres in the Pinetum for you to walk in and enjoy the stunning tree collection. We like to think that after spending cortisol, helping to lower pulse rates and If you’d prefer to spend your time talking to time at Bedgebury your muscles have been lower blood pressure when compared to people, why not join the Visitor Experience stretched, your heart has had a good workout city environments. Volunteers. On busy days, they meet and and there is a smile on your face. greet visitors to tell them about the wonders Bedgebury’s volunteers can also ‘Forest of the Pinetum, the thrills of the cycle track or As Bedgebury employees, we, too, can Bathe’ and enjoy a physical workout. Our simply where to find our facilities. remain physically fit when we are at work. ‘Wednesday Wild Crew’ is out in the Pinetum It is not unusual for a visitor-facing team every week clearing scrub, spreading We offer a variety of ways to volunteer at member to walk five or six miles on a shift; woodchip and more. Indeed, the mere Bedgebury, so why not come and have directing traffic in the car park, litter picking act of volunteering has been shown to a go? See for yourself the positive impact on the trails and emptying the rubbish bins. benefit the mind. Research following the volunteering can have on your physical and Our mental well-being is also nourished by ‘Green Gym’, a British Trust for Conservation mental health. the forest environment. A volunteer recently Volunteers project, found that volunteering showed me an article about ‘Forest Bathing’ can reduce social isolation, alleviate stress or shinrin-yoku in Japanese. Research has and depression, and lead to general health shown that forest environments promote improvements. lower concentrations of the stress hormone, Our Sunday Conservation Volunteers meet twice a month to immerse themselves in the great outdoors, getting their hands dirty clearing scrub and ditches, cutting and raking long grass, cutting down invasive saplings and sometimes even enjoying a good bonfire!

I’d like to take this opportunity to say a great big THANK YOU to our wonderful volunteers who gave up 9,000 hours of their time in 2016/17 to help build cycle paths, run the Bedgebury Cycle Club, meet visitors, undertake conservation work in the Pinetum, label the tree collection, help out with school groups, create stunning botanical artwork, give advice at trustee meetings, monitor flora and fauna species and assist with events. For more information on volunteering at Bedgebury, visit our website: www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk/home/volunteering/

30 31 Rather than stopping the important but GOAL 6: To pursue opportunities that improve our unprofitable activities, we have instead financial performance in order to support our chosen to invest in the visitor experience Bedgebury and its commitment conservation, learning and well-being programmes. to ensure Bedgebury remains a popular } and well supported attraction. Over the to conservation are helping to coming years we hope these investments { save conifers globally Improving Bedgebury does not will enable the surplus generating parts { make a profit } of our business to grow to meet the cost of support provided by the Friends of Bedgebury the important conservation and learning Pinetum, and its members, is vital as we activities. Alongside these investments the continue to develop the site. our financial Bedgebury’s tree collection remains as important today as it was when the site was It is not our intention for Bedgebury as a whole to make a profit, but we need to finance its performance conceived in 1925. non-profitable activities without recourse to government. This is a significant challenge but one which we are focused on achieving whilst still ensuring that Bedgebury remains an by Patrick West, Bedgebury Bedgebury’s trees are necessary to affordable, inspiring and beautiful place to visit. Manager help the UK Government meet its commitment to the Global Strategy for Bedgebury does not make a profit. This Plant Conservation (GSPC), a commitment may surprise a great many visitors; the made along with 195 other governments. How do the Friends contribute site is popular and supports a number This strategy recognises the importance of of successful businesses so you might plants and the wider benefits they provide be forgiven for thinking it generates an for all life on earth, and aims to ensure their to the site’s finances? annual profit for the Forestry Commission. conservation. The Friends don’t just manage propagators, the installation of play furniture Bedgebury doesn’t and I will explain why. memberships! We also provide Bedgebury A third of the world’s conifers have and bursaries to support school visits to site. Whilst there are parts of Bedgebury with a number of business and support been assessed as ‘under threat’ by the Our financial performance for 2015/6 and that generate income, including vehicle services. These include the shop we run International Union for the Conservation 2016/7 is summarised below. admission and business leases, this income in the Visitor Centre, the sponsorship of Nature (IUCN) because of uncertainties is insufficient to offset the costs of our opportunities we offer supporters, the posed by human destruction, climate 2015/6 2016/7 important tree conservation, science and provision of Pinetum and ecology events change and new pests and diseases. learning activities. Bedgebury’s financial and the management of seasonal agency £462k Turnover £479k Bedgebury and its commitment to performance is improving but the site has staff for the Forestry Commission. We help conservation are helping to save conifers never generated a surplus. The annual loss members and visitors on site by manning Friends globally. Firstly, it is a safe place where in 2016/17 was £147,000. the Friends desk all day every day in funds tree species can be grown and made the Information Office. We produce this invested in So why does Bedgebury continue to pursue available for future recovery programmes Bedgebury magazine and engage with our members non-profit making activities? The simplest and, secondly, it creates a place where £172k projects £175k and visitors via our website, e-mails and way to improve our financial performance the Forestry Commission and the Friends social media. We are generously supported Surplus would be to stop the tree conservation and of Bedgebury Pinetum can bring to the retained by some talented local suppliers who charge £71k £78k learning activities altogether. This approach attention of visitors the importance of trees for future us very little for their professional services would undoubtedly improve our financial and their conservation. projects in order to support our work, and the site performance but it would be short-sighted; Cost of By continuing to play our part in global benefits from the wisdom and experience of £99k £101k sales tree conservation we are committing to a our volunteer trustees. financial investment which comes at a cost A third of the world’s The surplus funds we generate support to Bedgebury, but one which is relatively conifers have been Bedgebury projects, resource and activities £121k £126k small if you consider the economic value of Friends such as seed-collecting expeditions, Pinetum overheads assessed as conifers and their importance in the context } (only 26% of turnover) apprenticeships, volunteering, specialist { ‘under threat’ of worldwide biodiversity. 32 33 To value and develop our staff and GOAL 7: volunteers so they realise their full potential and are ready to support a wide range of activities, visitors and stakeholders Apprenticeship allows me to gain new practical skills and to at Bedgebury learn about tree care and identification from by Emma Bacon and Phil McGovern my knowledgeable team mates. Phil: Trees and forests have always been very inspirational to me. Growing up in the ‘90s, the issues of global warming and the destruction of the rainforest were hot topics What have we done so far on the apprenticeship? throughout my education and I felt a strong desire to somehow make a difference in Emma: The apprenticeship has a well- the future. I spent a lot of time on Forestry structured training scheme and, so far, we Commission sites growing up and I always have attended courses in brush-cutting thought how much fun it would be to be and clearing saw use, chipper use, basic part of a forestry team and learn how to tariffing (measuring the amount of standing look after our forests and produce timber in timber in a woodland area), chainsaw use, a sustainable way. Bedgebury provides the hand tool use and tractor driving. best possible learning environment as I have Our regular Pinetum tasks can include Why did we want to undertake the the opportunity to be involved with a vital anything from mowing and strimming grass apprenticeship at Bedgebury? conservation project as well as learning all to carrying out established tree checks. These the skills required to be successful within a Emma: Before coming to Bedgebury I tree checks involve assessing the health of forestry role. The wealth of experience and worked in London in a large visual effects tree specimens, weeding them, applying knowledge available to me here, and the film company with long hours and where, mulch and removing or replacing cages. more often than not, I was seated in the huge variety of trees, makes Bedgebury the dark in front of a computer. Although I got perfect environment to expand my skills. We have a large group of enthusiastic to work on some amazing films, I craved daylight and the outdoors. I decided to make my break from film and follow my dreams. I began volunteering at Bedgebury and quickly realised this was where I wanted to be! A few months after taking on a role in the visitor centre, the apprenticeship positions were advertised. I jumped at the opportunity to apply! The apprenticeship has provided me with an amazing opportunity to get to know Bedgebury in more detail and be involved in its role in conifer conservation. It

34 35 volunteers at Bedgebury and we undertook of us keen to go forward into a forestry role Donate... and make your mark at Bedgebury! a coppicing project with them in Churchill’s after our apprenticeship, we are putting a lot Wood in the winter. of energy and enthusiasm into our training. We hope this is reflected in the Pinetum. There is a great emphasis on learning within our team and we have attended informative What are our aspirations for the future? trips to the Arb Show at Westonbirt, Oxford Emma: I have really enjoyed the Arboretum and Wisley for a Soil Symposium. apprenticeship so far and I would love to stay We have also been included in visits from the at Bedgebury to continue contributing to the Forestry Commission’s Plant Health team to care of the collection. But whatever the future further our knowledge of pests and diseases. holds, I will carry on learning and building Phil and I gave a presentation to the Ticehurst upon the skills I have acquired during my Gardeners earlier this year about Bedgebury time at Bedgebury and I will try to inspire and our team gives regular talks about tree others with my passion for tree conservation. related subjects to other Bedgebury staff. Phil: The apprenticeship will provide us Why is the apprenticeship with everything we need to move into a good for Bedgebury? forestry role, but we will also have specialist Phil: The apprenticeship scheme is clearly knowledge of conifer conservation that will great for us, but we also want it to be great be unique. I would like to use this expertise for Bedgebury. The high-quality training to make a real difference to the tree species programme is very valuable for our work at that are under threat in today’s social and Bedgebury as we have developed the skills environmental climate. There is not enough and know-how to perform a wide variety of focus on conifer conservation and I would tasks safely and productively in the Pinetum. like to use what I have learnt to become an The apprenticeships have also been valuable advocate for their protection. I would also like for the existing team; having two apprentices to encourage better and more sustainable keen to learn has encouraged them to forestry practices that are more appreciative expand and share their knowledge. With both of rare and interesting specimens. Phil and Emma with other apprentices from the region

Whatever the occasion, say what you want and show how much you care… As each stunning hardwood mosaic block gains a donor, the Love Bedgebury mosaic in the Visitor Centre will grow to reveal the beautiful and emblematic Larix laricina design. Love Bedgebury - be part of something amazing! If you would like to learn more about the apprentices’ journey at Bedgebury, you can follow Emma’s blog on our website www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk/pinetum/forest-apprentice-blog/. For more information visit our website Thank you for supporting the forest apprentice roles with your membership subscriptions and donations. www.lovebedgebury.org.uk

36 or call 01580 879842. We, the Friends of Bedgebury Pinetum and Our partnerships enable us to be the Forestry Commission at Bedgebury, world-leaders in the diverse activities Site information and would like to express our gratitude to all our we undertake: from conifer conservation, partners. Without their help we would be mountain biking and helping people to our partners INFORMATION unable to achieve all the wonderful things appreciate and enjoy nature, to helping us to we do at Bedgebury. source funding for all of our valuable work. Site opening times Charity no. 1113325 October 8.00-18.00 Our partners include: ‘Supporting the work of Bedgebury November 8.00-17.00 and the National Pinetum’ December 8.00-16.00 Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew January 8.00-16.00 The Friends of Bedgebury Pinetum Magazine February 8.00-17.00 Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh This magazine is produced by the Friends of March 8.00-18.00 Bedgebury Pinetum charity. It aims to inform Forest Research GLOBAL TREES members about the work of the charity and Office opening times CAMPAIGN Fauna & Flora International its upcoming projects and events. It is also an October 9.30-16.30 opportunity to share the wonders and stories November 9.30-16.30 Botanic Gardens Conservation International of Bedgebury. December 9.30-16.00 Botanic Gardens Education Network January 9.30-16.00 Patron Royal Botanic Gardens, Wakehurst Place February 9.30-16.30 HRH The Countess of Wessex GCVO March 9.30-16.30 Royal Horticultural Society Trustees General enquiries The University of Oxford Botanic Garden and Mr M Kerr (Chair) Mr J Gordon (Treasurer) 01580 879820 Harcourt Arboretum Mrs B Backhouse Mr P Barnes [email protected] Mr K Brookbank Mr K Fletcher The International Conifer Conservation www.forestry.gov.uk/bedgebury Programme Mrs E Hill Mr M Paine www.facebook.com/bedgeburypinetum Mrs E Reid Mr J Sheldon www.twitter.com/BedgeburyP Sport England Mr P Vingoe Mr K Webber The Arts Council Staff information Staff information and contact details Our volunteers Bedgebury Manager Friends’ Manager Friends’ team Patrick West Go Ape Katherine Jary Sharon Booth Recreation Manager Quench Cycles Mina McPhee Mark Clixby Ann Waller The Kent High Weald Partnership Learning Manager General enquiries Bedgebury Forest Cycle Club 01580 879842 Cath Weeks [email protected] Collection Manager Bedgebury Café Dan Luscombe Membership enquiries [email protected] Bedgebury National Pinetum is cared for The Forestry Commission Arboreta Advisory Committee: by the Forestry Commission for people, Sponsorship enquiries Contributing to the strategic direction of the National Pinetum at Bedgebury and the National [email protected] wildlife and trees. www.forestry.gov.uk Arboretum at Westonbirt. Volunteering enquiries Lord Howick Mr Roy Lancaster OBE VMH [email protected] www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk Mrs Elizabeth Banks DL Mr Giles Coode-Adams OBE VMH (Chair) www.lovebedgebury.org.uk Mr Gavin Grant Mr Malcolm Kerr LLB MRICS www.facebook.com/bedgeburyfriends Mr David Knott Mr Tony Hall www.instagram.com/lovebedgebury 38 39 Enjoy the benefits supportsupport of membership!

Join the Friends of Bedgebury Pinetum to Batsford Arboretum and Garden Centre Enjoy the benefits of help us support the Forestry Commission in 0138 670 1441 its management of Bedgebury as a world- www.batsarb.co.uk class centre of conifer research, conservation membership! Birmingham Botanical Gardens and education, as a landscape of rare and allall year year round round 0121 454 1860 endangered flora and fauna, and as a www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk site for high quality, healthy recreation. Brogdale Collections* The Bedgebury annual membership 0179 553 6250 subscription enables one of two specified cars www.brogdalecollections.org from the same address to gain admission to the site all year round* and will entitle you The Yorkshire Arboretum to an e-copy of the Friends’ magazine. 0165 364 8598 * Excluding Christmas Day when the site is closed, www.yorkshirearboretum.org or when the site is closed due to adverse weather. The Living Rainforest Annual membership 0163 520 2444 Only £66 per car (£72 from 1st December www.livingrainforest.org 2017) - fantastic value for the whole family Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Visit only once a month and save more 0131 248 2909 than £70 per annum www.rbge.org.uk Friends also enjoy admission to Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew other gardens and arboreta. 0208 332 5655 Included within the annual membership www.kew.org subscription is a free admission pass for the lead member to the gardens and arboreta Royal Botanic Gardens, Wakehurst Place** listed. Additional family members can also 0144 489 4066 obtain an admission pass to these gardens www.kew.org/wakehurst and arboreta for the year for less than the price Westonbirt, the National Arboretum of a day admission ticket to many of them. 0300 067 4890 Additional admission cards - £12 per person www.westonbirtarboretum.com (£15 from 1st December 2017) per annum Terms and conditions apply. These offers are subject to change or cancellation at any time. Free entry to some gardens is restricted at certain times of the year and in Buy your personalised greeting cards for every occasion at some cases car parking charges apply. Please check their websites or telephone for more information. https://bedgeburypinetum.org.uk/greeting-cards personalise with your own text, photos or artwork Join or renew NOW add donations, gifts or contribute to a fundraising campaign

Agapanthus orientalis from an original * Excludes fruit festivals watercolour by Helen Hiorns. ** Car parking charges apply 40 41 supporting good causes through the sale of personalised greeting cards https://makingadifference.cards Courtesy David Jenner