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Home , Bedgebury Forest, Jacqui Abbott, Paul Heaton, The Great Plant Hunt

BEDGEBURY Spring/Summer 2018 Events

Bedgebury’s dawn chorus • Getting active in the forest • How to capture the perfect image •

Suggested £1 donation www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk Cover image: Come and see our stunning cherry tree Welcome to our avenue in bloom this spring! new look magazine! by Katherine Jary Manager, The Friends of Bedgebury Pinetum We have smartened it up, changed our eco-paper to better show off our beautiful Bedgebury pics, and narrowed the focus of each edition. Magazines will now appear when we have a Bedgebury story to tell. Keep your eyes peeled for each new edition in your member e-mails and in the Visitor Centre atrium, and do tell us what you think about them. If there is a Bedgebury story you’d like us to tell in future, please just get in touch! In this edition, we want to tell you about the inspirational array of events and activities on offer at Bedgebury this spring and summer, including a new Pinetum walking trail for you to try. Some will enhance your appreciation of our wonderful Pinetum through its landscape, wildlife or trees, others will offer you the chance to achieve your own personal goals for 2018 in a spectacular outdoor environment. We hope that you can find at least one activity at Bedgebury this spring and summer that will enable you to connect with nature in a way that works for you. Bedgebury is run not-for-profit, with recreation supporting conservation. By enjoying the site’s events programme, you are contributing directly to Bedgebury’s conifer conservation efforts as well as supporting the development and maintenance of the Contents recreation facilities that you enjoy. Welcome to our new look magazine!...... 1 Thank you for your support. What’s on at Bedgebury...... 2 If you want to get in touch to share your view of the magazine, Event calendar ...... 3 or to ask us to tell a particular Bedgebury story, e-mail us at Race calendar ...... 5 [email protected] Bedgebury’s dawn chorus: going for a song! ...... 11 Hidden secrets of the Pinetum: a walking trail...... 13 Getting active in the forest...... 26 A different way of seeing...... 28 Site information and our partners...... 30 Enjoy the benefits of membership...... 32 Coming later this year…...... 33

1 What’s on at Bedgebury Event calendar

For more information on any of the events listed, please contact either: MARCH Bedgebury Visitor Centre Information Office on 01580 879820 or visit Saturday 3rd Drop in from Volunteer recruitment day 10.00am to 2.00pm www.forestry.gov.uk/bedgebury APRIL The Friends of Bedgebury Pinetum on 01580 879842 or visit Tuesday 3rd 9.00am to 3.00pm Easter holiday forest camp www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk Monday 9th to Drop in from Bedgebury National Pinetum habitat trail Friday 13th 10.00am to 2.00pm Events and activities may be subject to change. We recommend that you ring either of the Tuesday 10th 9.00am to 3.00pm Easter holiday forest camp numbers above before visiting. Saturday 21st 5.30am Dawn photography workshop* Friday 27th 10.00am Take better pictures with your smartphone* Sunday 29th 5.00am Bedgebury's dawn chorus* MAY Friday 11th 10.00am Starting digital photography* Saturday 12th 10.00am Starting digital photography for teenagers* Friday 18th 10.00am Take better pictures with your smartphone* Saturday 19th 9.30am Introduction to birdsong* Wednesday 30th 8.45pm Nightjars of the forest* Thursday 31st Before sunset Bat walk* JUNE Friday 15th T.B.C. Forest Live concert – Paloma Faith Friday 16th T.B.C. Forest Live concert – and Saturday 23rd T.B.C. Bedgebury Forest Cycle Club – 6-hour endurance race Saturday 30th 12.30pm Bedgebury’s butterflies – a talk and walk* JULY Dates T.B.C T.B.C. Summer holiday forest camp Saturday 7th T.B.C. Illyria outdoor theatre – The adventures of Dr Dolittle Saturday 7th Before sunset Bat walk* Saturday 28th Before sunset Bat walk* School holidays 9.30am to 5.30pm 9-Cone treasure hunt trail sheet AUGUST Dates T.B.C T.B.C. Summer holiday forest camp 2nd 3rd 9th 10th 10.30am to 3.00pm Hands on cones activity 16th 17th 23rd 24th School holidays 9.30am to 5.30pm 9-Cone treasure hunt trail sheet Saturday 4th 1.00pm Bedgebury’s butterflies – a walk* Saturday 4th Before sunset Bat walk* Friday 10th Before sunset Bat walk*

2 3 * Friends’ events Race calendar Booking conditions for all events FEBRUARY excluding Friends’ events: Sunday 25th From 8.30am Buggy running – 5k and 10k MAY Non-members will be subject to the Wednesday 2nd 7.00pm Nice Work – 5k and 10k summer series – race 1 standard vehicle admission charge unless Sunday 20th From 8.30am Buggy running – 5k and 10k otherwise specified. Sunday 20th 10.00am Nice Work – 5k and 10k canicross challenge JUNE Wednesday 6th 7.00pm Nice Work – 5k and 10k summer series – race 2 Booking conditions for Friends’ Wednesday 20th 7.00pm Nice Work – 5k and 10k canicross challenge events (marked *): JULY All events are held in, or will start from, the Wednesday 4th 7.00pm Nice Work – 5k and 10k summer series – race 3 Sunday 15th From 8.30am Buggy running – 5k and 10k Visitor Centre unless otherwise specified. Wednesday 18th 7.00pm Nice Work – 5k and 10k canicross challenge Full payment is required to reserve places AUGUST on all events. Wednesday 1st 7.00pm Nice Work – 5k and 10k summer series – race 4 Wednesday 15th 7.00pm Nice Work – 5k and 10k canicross challenge No refund can be offered for failure to attend any course or event. SEPTEMBER Saturday 22nd 7.00pm Nice Work – 10k head-torch run If excessively adverse weather is forecast, a cancellation e-mail will be sent three Buggy running The entry fee of £12.50 includes a timing chip, days before the event. If you are unable to medals, certificate and sticker set. Entries can be made online at www.buggyrunningevents.co.uk attend on the proposed alternative date, you will be offered a full refund. Try the Highway Rat trail… Dogs are not permitted at any of the events listed. Events involving a walk may not be suitable for those with limited mobility. Non-members will be exempt from the Sunday 25th February standard vehicle admission charge when Sunday 20th May attending Friends’ events. Sunday 15th July The Highway Rat © 2011 & TM Julia Donaldson/Axel Scheffler Until November 2018 Friends’ Gift Vouchers may be redeemed Buggy running is a great way to enjoy the Stand and deliver! against any event marked with an asterisk* benefits of outdoor exercise without the need for costly childcare! Not only is it fun and sociable, This year, why not try our Highway Rat trail, it’s the perfect opportunity to burn off those based on the popular children’s book written by calories through a safe and effective workout. It Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. may also relieve stress and boost your mood! Choose to walk, jog or run with your little one Buy an activity pack and pretend to be a as you follow a 5k or 10k off-road trail. highway bandit as you join the Highway Rat on Sessions will run from approximately 8.30am to his forest adventure! Follow the trail to complete 11.00am. Meet beside the Go Ape cabin. fun activities and spot characters along the way.

4 5 Activity packs are available from the Visitor Join the Bedgebury Bright Sparks Forest Information Office for £3 and include an interactive School this Easter for an adventurous day of trail leaflet, character stickers, a pencil/crayon for den building, fire lighting, campfire cooking plaque rubbings and Highway Rat mask! and more! For more information see the advert on page 9. Volunteer recruitment day Similar days will be offered this July and August. Keep an eye on our websites for more information. Volunteer at Bedgebury? Perfect for 7 to 12-year olds. The day will run from 9.00am to 3.00pm. £45 per child. Your time could help others!

Try the Bedgebury National Pinetum Our Visitor Experience Volunteers help our visitors to habitat trail get the most from their time at Bedgebury. They play a key role in meeting the visitors, helping RECRUITMENT Saturday 3rd March them with their queries, giving them directions DAY and advice. Drop in to the Visitor Centre between 10.00am Sat 3rd March and 2.00pm to find out how you can join our You could make a real difference by giving visitors 10am – 2pm team of dedicated volunteers. a warm welcome at Bedgebury. Do you like meeting people or enjoy sharing your passion for Bedgebury’s trees, vistas, wildlife or cycling? Or perhaps you are studying From Monday 9th April to Friday 13th April horticulture or arboriculture and wish to put your Bedgebury National Pinetum is a fantastic new skills into practice by working in the Pinetum? place for wildlife! Volunteering at Bedgebury could be for you! Follow the Pinetum habitat trail which guides We will provide full training as well as free you through the Pinetum to see some of the vehicle admission on the day of volunteering, fascinating wildlife living here and test your refreshments, appropriate uniform and safety skills as a top-class wildlife spotter! equipment. You will also receive an invitation to various volunteer events including our annual No need to book, just drop in to the Visitor Centre volunteer ‘thank you’ BBQ. between 10.00am and 2.00pm. Children should be accompanied by an adult. For more information email: [email protected] £2 per child. Normal admission charges apply. Easter holiday forest camp with the Calling all children! High Partnership We need your spring photos! Whilst enjoying your visit to the Pinetum, why not capture the theme of ‘Bedgebury in Spring’ in a smartphone photo? We would love to see your favourite Tuesday 3rd April images, so upload If you are interested – please get in touch: Tuesday 10th April them to Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #BedgeburyInSpring [email protected] 6 Dawn photography workshop* Take better photographs with your smartphone*

Friday 27th April Presents Saturday 21st April Friday 18th May A wonderful opportunity to join award-winning photographer, David Jenner, as he leads a small Following a sell-out series of events last year, group into the Pinetum to take photographs professional photographer, Lisa Hills, is back to during the ‘golden hour’ of the morning. teach us how to use our phone cameras to get stunning photographs. This is the season when the Pinetum is bursting with spring colour, so photographers will Lisa will lead a photographic walk in the Pinetum be spoilt for choice when deciding what to to show you how to make the most of the photograph first! camera and editing features on your phone. Forest School Inspired Dates

David will share his photography knowledge Pushchairs and toddlers are especially Holiday club and offer advice on how to take great pictures in welcome on this course to ensure you have Tuesday 3rd your own personal child models to practise on! challenging light. The walk will be followed by a April post-production classroom session where David The workshop will start at the Visitor Centre at Drop the kids off for an will show you how you can make your images 10.00am and will last approximately 2 hours. adventurous day of den even more spectacular using Adobe Lightroom. £18 per adult. Tuesday 10th Limited numbers. Hot drinks and breakfast pastries building, fire lighting, April are included in the price. Bedgebury’s dawn chorus* campfire cooking and more! Participants should bring their own DSLR, or similar full function bridge camera, and a tripod. A laptop Times loaded with Lightroom or some other photo editing software is useful but not essential. This workshop will start at 5.30am and finish at approximately 10.30am. 9am-3pm £85 per person. Suitable Ages Cost

Sunday 29th April Our activities are suitable for

Join local wildlife expert, Simon Ginnaw, as ages 7-12. Younger children £45 per child he leads a small group around the Pinetum may attend by prearrangement For in the true nature of things, if we at sunrise. Simon, whose particular expertise rightly consider, every green tree is bird identification and behavioural ecology, will unravel the complexity of the Pinetum’s bird is far more glorious than if it were song and, hopefully, find a star bird or two for www.khwp.org.uk made of gold and silver. the group, such as the beautiful firecrest. The walk will start from the Visitor Centre at 5.00am ~ Martin Luther King ~ and will last approximately 3 hours. Call to book on £12 per person. 8 01580 879820 or 01580 879842 Nice Work 10k & 5k Summer Series Do you want to learn how to use the features of your camera and get fabulous results? Bedgebury’s dawn chorus: Professional photographer, Lisa Hills, will combine practical camera and photography knowhow to show you how to take great photos. going for a song! She will give you tips on composition and lighting and will help you understand the role of shutter Bedgebury’s mix of conifer and broadleaf trees makes it a very special habitat speed and aperture so that you can be a more for a huge variety of birds. It is this variety which imbues the Pinetum with magic confident photographer. The session will include at daybreak in the springtime when the whole place comes alive with the un- such things as: • How to take sharp photos of objects with a orchestrated symphony that is the dawn chorus. Race 1: Wednesday 2nd May blurred background To the uninitiated, early morning birdsong may just sound like a jumble of trills and • How to capture action Race 2: Wednesday 6th June • Landscape photography whistles. However, it heralds an annual mating ritual that has been honed to perfection Race 3: Wednesday 4th July • Reviewing and critiquing your images by evolution. The dawn chorus is the song of male song-birds in spring and serves very Race 4: Wednesday 1st August Limited numbers. Participants should bring their own specific and important functions. DSLR, or similar full function bridge camera. 2018 sees Nice Work return with this great The session will start from the Visitor Centre at Birdsong is an invitation to females of the same species. It advertises the male bird’s summer series using the undulating paths and 10.00am and will last approximately 2 hours. availability and fitness for fatherhood. It is also a way of staking territory and warning trails of Bedgebury Pinetum & Forest. The session on Saturday is a ‘teens’ session for other males of the species to stay away! The event is open to runners of all abilities with young people who are interested in photography. a choice of either a 10k or 5k route; with 5k Suitable for anyone over 12. Adult supervision will be From his song, a female can judge the fitness of a male. She considers the complexity required for those under 18 years of age. runners completing one lap and 10k runners of the song and its volume. Singing first thing in the morning, before foraging for food, £25 per person. completing two. shows that the singer is a strong specimen capable of fathering healthy chicks. Being Medals and finish line goodies will be on offer to Introduction to birdsong* able to defend territory through song shows that he will be a good food provider for his all finishers and series prizes will be awarded to family. the leading male and female with points gained for race positions across the summer series. As spring progresses, matches are made, and territories established. The birdsong gradually reduces until, by summer, almost all the males stop singing as they become The race will start at 7pm with parking in the main Visitor Centre car park. busy rearing their young. Job done … until next spring! For more information, and to enter, visit www.nice-work.org.uk. The entry fee includes Bedgebury’s Dawn chorus walk and our Introduction to birdsong workshop, both led by Bedgebury vehicle admission. wildlife expert Simon Ginnaw, are a fantastic way to learn more about birdsong and the birds that make Bedgebury their home. Starting digital photography* Image courtesy of Lisa Hills Saturday 19th May To book your place at any of Simon’s birding events Intrigued by birds? Want to learn more about this spring and summer please call 01580 879842. bird behaviour and birdsong? This workshop is an introduction to birdsong * for more details on the terms and conditions of Friends’ events, and bird identification through song, and is run please see page 2. by wildlife expert, Simon Ginnaw. During the morning, Simon will unravel the complexities of bird song to help you begin to identify the different APRIL species as you walk through the Pinetum. This workshop is perfect for complete novices wanting Sunday 29th 5.00am Bedgebury’s dawn chorus* Friday 11th May to learn more about birds and their behaviour. MAY Saturday 12th May (for teenagers) The session will start from the Visitor Centre at Saturday 19th 9.30am Introduction to birdsong* Have you got a digital SLR camera but no clue 9.30am and will last approximately 3 hours. Wednesday 30th 8.45pm Nightjars of the forest* about how to move away from the ‘Auto’ setting? £18 per person. 10 11 Nice Work 10k & 5k canicross challenge birds but the enchanting nightjar is considered to be one of our best. We hope to share with you the mesmerising ‘churring’ of this bird and Hidden secrets of the Pinetum: perhaps a wing-clap or two on this walk with wildlife expert, Simon Ginnaw. We may also see ‘roding’ woodcock or hear tawny owls. a walking trail Need convincing? Read about Bedgebury’s by Ann Waller and John Gordon nightjar in . www.theguardian. com/environment/2017/jun/19/thrall- Sunday 20th May – 10.00am nightjars-ghostly-song-country-diary Wednesday 20th June – 7.00pm The walk will start from the Visitor Centre at 8.45pm and will last approximately 2 hours. Wednesday 18th July – 7.00pm £12 per person. Wednesday 15th August – 7.00pm Join Nice Work for the return of this sell-out Bat walk* event in the south east canicross calendar. Following the picturesque paths and trails of Bedgebury Pinetum & Forest, this event is open to canicross runners of all abilities from novices to experienced athletes. Runners can choose the 10k or 5k race route and there will be medals and dog treats on offer to all finishers, with prizes awarded in both races for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd placed male and female. Thursday 31st May - Simon Ginnaw The race is organised in partnership with Saturday 7th July – Jan Collins Fit Together Canicross who will be on hand Saturday 28th July - Simon Ginnaw throughout the event to help with any canicross related questions or advice. Canicross kit will Saturday 4th August – Jan Collins be on sale during the day. Friday 10th August - Simon Ginnaw The race will start at the time shown with Bedgebury is lucky enough to have six parking and race registration in Bedgebury species of bat that make the Pinetum their Walled Garden. home. Armed with bat detectors, join local bat specialists, Simon Ginnaw or Jan Collins, For more information, and to enter, visit www.nice-work.org.uk. The entry fee includes at sunset to see and hear some of the bats Bedgebury vehicle admission. that live in the Pinetum and learn more about these mysterious creatures. This is also an Nightjars of the forest* opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of the Pinetum at night. “Definitely a ‘bucket list’ wildlife item to witness. No need to travel half way across the world, no need to wait until a BBC wildlife film crew arrives to subsequently broadcast it into your living room.” said a BioBlitz recorder on witnessing a spectacular bat display at Bedgebury. The walk will start half an hour before sunset (exact Wednesday 30th May time to be advised closer to the date) and will last approximately 2 hours. Bedgebury forest is home to many special £12 per person. 12 13 This walk takes you off the beaten track to discover areas of the Pinetum that are hidden House. It is now closed to the public but is used Turn left at the bottom of the hill, go from the main visitor route. The route follows a mix of paths, mainly mown grass, with to host events in the summer. 8 through the gate and turn right on the some moderately steep inclines and downward slopes, and one section of road. When you reach a surfaced path in front road. TAKE CARE ON THE ROAD. Conditions can be slippery underfoot in winter and bad weather, so please take care and 4 of you (***) turn left and follow it straight Enjoy the views of Marshal’s Lake on your make sure that you are wearing appropriate footwear. ahead uphill towards Churchill Wood right, which looks beautiful throughout You will enjoy some fine views and may discover a few secrets about Bedgebury along Sir Winston Churchill’s grandson unveiled a the year and is a popular picnic spot. Of the way. plaque at Bedgebury in 1969 naming Churchill particular note are its mass of lilies in summer Wood, honouring his family’s great name and and the spectacular tree colours reflected in Duration: 1 ½ - 2 hours celebrating the Forestry Commission’s jubilee. the lake during autumn. Distance: 3.25 miles *** At this point, you can choose to take a short Walk along the road for about 100m and detour to see our Leyland cypress hedge. 9 go through a gate on the right, back Where to start the trail… With the lake on your right, follow the into the Pinetum. Follow the surfaced Walking into the Leyland cypress hedge, 2 surfaced path downhill and round to path alongside Marshal’s Lake until reaching a planted in the 1970’s as a wind break, is like From the Visitor Centre, turn left and the right. Shortly after the bend, leave very large log on the left of the path. Then 1 entering another world! The Leyland cypress walk back up the main surfaced path the main path and walk diagonally left up bear left uphill on a grassy track (signposted is a lovely conifer, planted in the right place… towards the car park. Take the first the grass slope towards a bench at the top of ‘Toilets’) to the top of the hill. Turn left then but let this hedge be a warning to those who turning right, pausing to look at the view of the hill. From the bench look across the lake bear right and go out of the Pinetum through a plant it in their garden! the lake. to the Visitor Centre. wide gate on to Park Lane. Bedgebury is owned and looked after by the Where the surfaced path bears slightly We want the Pinetum to be an attractive place to On the opposite side of the road you Forestry Commission, which is the government 5 left towards the Walled Garden, cross visit, so we choose many of Bedgebury’s trees 10 will see a wooden gate with large logs department for woods and forests. Bedgebury a grassy strip and carry straight on into to provide interest for visitors all year round. We in front of it. Go through the gate to is a unique mixture of two different elements: Churchill Wood, following a broad track. Where think about not just what the plants look like enter our ‘Forest Plots’ area. Follow the the track bends sharply round to the left, after a. A commercial timber forest (which also has close up, but about longer views too. This bank grassy path straight ahead to a 4-way 150m, go half-right on a mown grassy path. facilities for people getting active outdoors, is particularly important because it is the main junction. Go straight over the junction and such as mountain bike tracks and Go Ape), view from the Visitor Centre opposite and is the This is a good area for butterflies and insects continue ahead. and most recently planted area of the Pinetum. in the summer. This area was badly affected Our ‘Forest Plots’ are an important b. a globally-important conifer collection: by the 1987 ‘Great Storm’. As a result, we know Walk up behind the bench (B4), conservation area. A large number of rare and the National Pinetum, which you can that this area gets battered by south westerly 3 continuing diagonally to walk on a mown endangered trees have been planted here see in front of you. Bedgebury National winds. So, when we re-planted this formerly grass path through an avenue of trees. to create five forest areas, each representing Pinetum has over 10,000 trees of which agricultural land we included big spruces to act As you come out of the trees you will enter a one of the continents where conifers live. approximately 70% are conifers. as a windbreak to protect the rest of the trees. wide-open field with a high wall away to the These trees have been propagated from seed No other Forestry Commission site, or left. Continue walking ahead, bearing slightly Carry on for about 200m to the end of collected from natural populations and could anywhere else that we know of, has this right to keep along the tree line on your right. 6 the grass path and, just over a drainage be used in future to repopulate threatened combination of activities. This makes forest areas. Bedgebury is unique in planting Ahead, and in the distance, you will see ditch, turn right following the line of the Bedgebury very special! such numbers of conifers – it’s a world first Bedgebury House, the original private house ditch. After 80m, at a 4-way junction, turn So, what is a pinetum? A pinetum is a tree – and we do it to preserve as much genetic of Bedgebury estate. The house and land hard left and then, after another 80m, follow collection that focuses on conifers, although variety as possible. surrounding it was sold and separated from the track as it curves round to the right. we don’t just have conifers in our pinetum. Bedgebury National Pinetum many years The National Pinetum at Bedgebury started At the next junction, with a gate out After about 200m, at a path junction with ago. The house became a private girls’ school 11 life as ’ collection of conifers, 7 onto Park Lane visible on your left, bear a shallow ditch across it, turn right. Follow until it was closed in 2006. It is now a private which was moved here in 1925 because slightly right and then left, to follow a the path as it curves through trees. residence. they couldn’t cope with the smog in London. wide grassy path going downhill towards a Ahead, on your right, you will see a large We still have a close working relationship The high wall you can see on your left is the sponsored bench (B17). Enjoy the beautiful group of monkey puzzle trees (Araucaria with Kew. Before that, the Pinetum was the Walled Garden, built between 1840 and 1870, view down to Marshal’s Lake. Continue down araucana). These are the tall trees with dark, pleasure garden for a big private house. and was the old fruit garden for Bedgebury to the bottom of the hill. spikey leaves.

14 15 North

To

6 7

11 Churchill Wood 8 12 Marshal’s Lake 9 Forest Plots (site of trials and 13 future conifer Leyland conservation plantings) cypress hedge 15 5

10 Forest office B2079 The Walled 4 14 Garden Events arena Dwarf conifers 16

Juniper collection 17 Yew collection 18 Thuja Hill’s Avenue National Cycle collection Glory Hole Network Route 18

3 19 Lawson cypress collection

Lady Mildred's Carriage Drive 2 22 Leyland cypress collection 21 Hidden secrets 1 20 Education of the Pinetum Overflow area car park To the Visitor Centre Forest a walking trail by Ann Waller and John Gordon Main Entrance

To A21

To Play Trail and Go Ape When you reach the monkey puzzle There are toilets just inside the gate on your Shortly after the brick building, bear After a short distance you emerge from 12 trees, continue ahead, keeping them right if you need them. 18 right and follow the grass path up a hill 20 the trees into a clearing with lots of on your right. After going through the gate, with the towards two benches. Pass them on heather. Cross the clearing and turn your right and continue uphill. You are now in right on to a grassy path going downhill. The monkey puzzle tree was around in the time 16 toilets on your right, bear slightly left on the ‘Glory Hole’ area of the Pinetum. Almost When you come to a fork in the path, with a of the dinosaurs but is now endangered in its a narrow path heading towards a tall immediately take the path to the right and, stand of Scots pine on your right, take the left homelands of Chile and Argentina. The seeds pine tree in the middle of the path. Go shortly after, go up a few steps. Turn right fork and carry on downhill (this grassy path of the monkey puzzle tree cannot be stored in around the pine tree and follow the path towards a bench under a large sponsored can be quite overgrown at times). At the a seedbank, so the trees must be grown to be round to the left. You will see our tree nursery tree with exposed roots, called Pinus radiata bottom of the hill, bear left over a stream and conserved. Bedgebury is a leader in this activity. up on your left. (Monterey pine). you will reach a main surfaced path. This Following the path around the plots to The tree nursery provides a place where path is Lady Mildred’s Carriage Drive. 13 we can propagate seeds and trial different This area displays glorious colour in the right, you will come towards a springtime due to the many azaleas and Lady Mildred’s Carriage Drive was originally group of eucalyptus on your right. Do germination techniques. In 2011, these facilities were upgraded thanks to a £42,500 grant rhododendrons. This area was once an old the carriage drive entrance to Bedgebury go closer to see the dramatic pale, peeling quarry and tip! House, stretching all the way from the A21 at bark close up if you like. When the path from the Friends of Bedgebury Pinetum. Bedgebury’s nursery has been successful in The large Monterey Pine is a sponsored . It is an avenue of Lawson cypress bends round to the left, carry straight on named after Mildred, wife of Sir Alexander keeping the eucalyptus on your right. germinating seeds from some of the world’s tree… take a look at the dedication on the most threatened trees species. Bedgebury was label. Many people sponsor trees or benches Beresford-Hope, in 1883. Nearly all eucalyptus species are evergreen. the first place in the world to successfully raise around the Pinetum, and all the donations Go straight across and walk uphill on As with other members of the ‘myrtle’ family, the Vietnamese golden cypress from seed. received support the conservation work 21 the grass mown path. As you walk eucalyptus leaves are covered with oil glands. Although the nursery is out of bounds to the undertaken on site. uphill, stop at the sponsored bench in The copious oils produced are widely used in public, periodically the Friends offer nursery front of you and turn around to look at the perfumes and medicines. Walk up and over the rooted incline to tour events. Please join us at one of these if 19 the left of the sponsored tree. From old, dead tree. Continue uphill. you want to know more about Bedgebury’s After about 150m, at the 5-way path here you will see the path straight This old oak tree has reached the end of 14 ground-breaking propagation work. junction, turn right, then after 25m across the valley leading into the trees its life, however, as standing dead-wood bear right. Continue across a small You will join a main surfaced path by opposite. From the incline, walk downhill to it is an extremely important habitat for 4-way path junction and follow the path 17 our yew collection. Turn left. Follow the the wide grassy valley, called Hill’s Avenue. wildlife. The Pinetum is a glorious landscape round to the left. surfaced path along past the fenced-in Cross it and bear left slightly uphill onto the containing several BAP (Biodiversity Action mown grass path that you saw from the You will see some beehives on your right. In dwarf conifer collection on your left, below the Plan) designated landscapes where we are other side. Shortly the path divides. Take the addition to honey bees, Bedgebury’s flower- nursery, and past a brick building on your right. doing much more to promote biodiversity left fork. rich grassland and heathland supports at least and conservation than our work with The common yew is one of only three conifers 11 of Britain’s 25 species of bumblebees as well conifers alone suggests. When we make native to the UK, the others being juniper and Hill’s Avenue is named after Sir Arthur Hill, as a wide variety of solitary bees. who was the director at Kew Gardens in decisions about how to look after the Scots pine. Yew is a source of the anti-cancer Pinetum, we’re always balancing three Before continuing on your walk, can you find 1919 when Kew was seeking a new home drug Taxol. Bedgebury is home to the national things: the wildlife, our visitors and, of the ‘Honey Bees at Work’ sign that has been for its conifer collection. Hill was a keen yew collection; a comprehensive ‘living gene course, the trees themselves. placed a short distance away, near to point 15. bank’ of many of the garden varieties. botanist and taxonomist. Along with William Dallimore, the curator at Kew during that time, At the top of the hill walk straight When you reach a 4-way path junction, The brick building you are passing was he was instrumental in seeking a partnership 22 across and down the zig-zag path 15 turn left towards the Met. Office originally the dog kennels for Bedgebury with Bedgebury. back towards the Visitor Centre. weather station for Bedgebury House when it was privately owned by the National Pinetum. At the next path junction, Beresford family. turn right along the fence, and after 50m turn left to retrace your steps towards the We hope that you enjoyed our Hidden secrets of the Pinetum walking gate that you came through earlier and go trail. Why not return to the Visitor Centre now and enjoy a hot drink and a back into the Pinetum. slice of cake in the Bedgebury Café!

18 19 Forest Live Tickets cost £43.00 (plus £4.80 booking fee) and include free admission for those arriving for the concert from 4pm.

Forest Live concert – Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott

Forest Live is a major live music series, managed by the Forestry Commission. Held every year in seven beautiful forest locations across the country, over 1.5 million people have attended a gig in the programme’s 17-year history. With everything required for a great night out, including good food and drink, the concerts are renowned for their informal and relaxed atmosphere set to a Saturday 16th June spectacular forest backdrop. Income generated from ticket sales helps to look after the nation’s forests Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott’s latest album sustainably, for people to enjoy and wildlife to thrive. ‘Crooked Calypso’ charted at No 2, making it their Full terms and conditions are available to view at highest release as a duo to date. It follows two www.forestry.gov.uk/music further top 5 albums in ‘What Have We Become’ Tickets are on sale now from the Forestry (’14) and ‘Wisdom, Laughter and Lines’ (’15). Commission Box Office. Call 03000 680 400 or buy online at www.forestry.gov.uk/music Paul Heaton, one of the UK’s most successful songwriters, with some 10 million album sales Paloma Faith under his belt, first came to public attention in the early ‘80s as the front man of Hull-based indie poppers , best known for their third single ‘Happy Hour’ and their No 1 a capella, Isley Bros cover ‘’. In 1988, Heaton formed , who released 10 hugely successful albums. Jacqui Abbott was lead vocalist for The Beautiful South from 1994 to 2000 and she sang many of their signature hits including ‘’, ‘Perfect 10’, ‘Don’t Marry Her’ and ‘Dream A Little Dream’. The Forest Live gigs will see them play material Friday 15th June from their albums as a duo and songs from With her acclaimed Number 1 album ‘The The Beautiful South and the Housemartins. Architect’ riding high in the charts and a BRIT Tickets cost £33.50 (plus £3.85 booking fee) and nomination for Best British Female, Paloma Faith include free admission for those arriving for the announces ‘The Architect Summer Tour’ including concert from 4pm. dates as part of Forest Live. The new album is currently on course to become her fourth double platinum album in a row – which would make her the first British woman in chart history to achieve this incredible feat! This walk is also available as a downloadable PDF from our website. Visit Equally at home both onstage and in the studio, these shows will undoubtedly be one of https://bedgeburypinetum.org.uk/home/activities/free-fun/ the highlights of the summer season. 20 21 Bedgebury Forest Cycle Club The walk on 4th August will start at the Visitor Centre 6-hour endurance race at 1.00pm and will last approximately 2 hours. £10 per adult and £4 per child under 16.

Illyria outdoor theatre Sponsor a bench The adventures of Dr Dolittle by Hugh Lofting at Bedgebury

Saturday 23rd June Why not take part in the Club’s 6-hour endurance To find out more, call race using the tracks in the club’s training area. Race against the clock to record the highest total number of laps completed within the 6-hour period! 01580 879842 Further details will be available to view at www.boarsonbikes.co.uk nearer the time. www.lovebedgebury.org.uk Bedgebury’s butterflies* Saturday 7th July Dr John Dolittle starts out as a human doctor, but, once he is taught by his wise old parrot Polynesia how to talk to animals, he becomes the most celebrated veterinary doctor in England! Soon, word of his skills spreads and animals across the world send messages asking for his help. So, he buys a leaky old ship and, together with his trusty pet crew, sets forth on a mission to Saturday 30th June – a talk and walk heal illness, right wrongs and gain a greater understanding of the animal kingdom. Saturday 4th August – a walk Join Jip the dog, Chee-Chee the monkey, Dab- Do you want to be able to tell your gatekeeper Dab the duck and the permanently hungry from your meadow brown? Gub-Gub the pig on this funny, much loved and Join butterfly specialist, Anna Picken, at one of exciting adventure! two events this summer at Bedgebury to learn Suitable for cheeky monkeys aged 5+. The performance about the resident and migrant butterflies that will take place in Bedgebury’s Walled Garden and can be found in the Pinetum. As you walk around is a non-seated event so please bring picnic rugs or the Pinetum you will learn about the habits of small foldable chairs. Dogs are not permitted. More butterflies and how to identify the different species. information will be available nearer the time. “Illyria is an Equity Outdoor Touring Guidelines The event on 30th June will be prefaced by a compliant company”. presentation about butterflies at the Visitor Centre. This will start at 12.30pm and will be followed by the walk. This event will last approximately 2.5 hours. £12 per adult and £4 per child. £10 for just the walk, £8 for just the talk (child price remains unchanged).

22 Hands on cones activity Also planned for 2018… Join us this spring and summer for one of our family nature ‘walk and learn’ events. We hope to bring you a Bedgebury mini-beast safari and walks to explore Bedgebury’s wildflowers. Watch out for the dates on our website: bedgeburypinetum.org.uk/home/ activities/events-calendar and on our Facebook page: @bedgeburyfriends 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 23rd and 24th August Did you know that most species of coniferous tree have their own unique cone? Enjoy interactive cone handling with the Bedgebury learning team to find out more about small cones, giant cones and everything in between! No need to book, just drop in to the Visitor Centre between 10.30am and 3.00pm. Children should be accompanied by an adult. Free to all participants, normal admission charges apply.

9-Cone treasure hunt trail sheet

Available throughout the school summer holiday period from the information Office or from the team in the Visitor Centre during the hands on cones activity. The Pinetum is home to one of the world’s greatest collection of conifers, so it is a fantastic place for a cone treasure hunt! There are nine beautiful trees with cones for you to find along the trail. You’ll soon see for yourself how unique Post your beautiful spring and summer images to and varied conifer cones can be. bedgeburyfriends lovebedgebury Children should be accompanied by an adult. £2 per trail sheet. Normal admission charges apply. #lovebedgebury 24 Getting active in the forest by Jo Pappenheim peaceful (or strenuous!) bike ride on our Active Forest Coordinator forest trails, or maybe even a thrilling Tree Top adventure. There is much to choose “In every walk with nature one from at Bedgebury. receives far more than he seeks.” We are encouraging our visitors to stay John Muir healthy in the outdoors by offering a special off-peak vehicle admission rate of Being active every day can improve your just £3 between 8am and 11am every day. physical and mental well-being and can A breath of fresh air every morning will make you feel more energetic. The NHS help you to look and feel good, and to be reports that people who are active have a fitter and healthier. You will have fun and lower risk of heart disease, strokes, Type 2 meet like-minded people. diabetes, some cancers, depression, and dementia. Regular physical activity is Join us this spring and summer and enjoy associated with lower rates of depression Bedgebury’s beautiful Pinetum and Forest. and anxiety. We have something for everyone and there is so much for you to choose from: There is growing evidence that combining activities such as walking or cycling • Learn a new skill and try Nordic Walking. ‘with nature’ boosts well-being as well • Enjoy running again with our Return to as improving stamina, strength and Running group. circulation. The combination of nature • Join our weekly Health Walk group and exercise is one of the most important and spend time in the outdoors with a factors in determining how people feel. relaxed and sociable walking group. Activity does not have to be intense to • Challenge yourself with a Real Spin cycle be effective. Something as simple as a class at Quench. Get Active every morning at Bedgebury! peaceful walk in the trees, enjoying the • Participate in our off-road Parkrun every sights, smells and sounds around you, can Saturday at 9am. Join a guided Nordic Walk, a Bike Spin session bring enormous benefits. Although the • Meet a friend for a walk and catch up in reasons are not completely understood, the beautiful Pinetum. or Saturday’s Parkrun for a breath of fresh air. it has been shown that interacting with • Get back on your bike and explore the nature helps reduce stress and mental forest’s cycle trails. £3 per car admission fatigue and improves concentration. • Share your love of the outdoors with the At Bedgebury there is a great choice of family and explore the new Highway Rat between 8am and 11am activities on offer in a wonderful green children’s walking trail. environment. Perhaps a relaxed walk • Find a quiet spot by the lake, admire the Visit www.forestry.gov.uk or and talk in the Pinetum with friends, or a views and watch the world go by… email [email protected] For more information about the activities on offer at Bedgebury visit for more information. www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk/

26 27 A different way of seeing by Lisa Hills was eleven and I fell completely in love with photography. My Dad was a keen Ask three people to take a picture of the photography enthusiast and I still have, same view, and you may well get three and love, the black and white and colour completely different images! The focus of photographs that he took with his camera. the image may be different. The light and Some of my best childhood memories shade, the viewing angle or how large or come from sharing his photography small the components appear to be, will assignments. all vary. Each photographer will bring their own personal perspective to the image – Now, having achieved success as a their way of seeing. That is what makes a commercial photographer, I am continuing photograph so personal and so powerful. my photographic journey by exhibiting my own, more artistically abstract photographs, Anyone can learn how to use a camera, by curating other people’s images and by but, more importantly, if you want to take sharing my skills with others. brilliant photos you need to learn different ways of seeing. It is about taking control My workshops are all about bringing Image courtesy of Lisa Hills of what you see through the lens so that a passion and excitement into photography; different perspective can be captured. helping you to be inspired by the images APRIL around you so that you are enthusiastic Friday 27th 10.00am Take better pictures with your smartphone* Photography is my passion. When I run every time you pick up a camera or a MAY a workshop, I am not just teaching you smartphone. I also teach the technicalities Friday 11th 10.00am Starting digital photography* how to use your camera; I am indulging of camera-use and will give you hints and Saturday 12th 10.00am Starting digital photography for teenagers* my own passion! Friday 18th 10.00am Take better pictures with your smartphone* tips to improve your photography… just in I got my first proper camera when I case you were wondering! * for more details on the terms and conditions of Friends’ events, please see page 2.

To book your place at any of Lisa’s photography events this spring and In July 2018 you can see Lisa’s work at the summer exhibition at the summer call 01580 879842. University of Kent.

28 29 We, the Friends of Bedgebury Pinetum Our partnerships enable us to and the Forestry Commission at be world-leaders in the diverse Bedgebury, would like to express our activities we undertake: from conifer gratitude to all our partners. Without conservation, mountain biking and their help we would be unable to helping people to appreciate and enjoy Site information and our INFORMATION achieve all the wonderful things we do nature, to helping us to source funding Charity no. 1113325 Site opening times at Bedgebury. for all of our valuable work. March 8.00-18.00 ‘Supporting the work of Bedgebury Our partners include: partners April 8.00-19.00 and the National Pinetum’ May to August 8.00-20.00 Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew September 8.00-19.00 The Friends of Bedgebury Pinetum Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Magazine Office opening times Forest Research This magazine is produced by the Friends of March 9.30-16.30 GLOBAL TREES CAMPAIGN Bedgebury Pinetum charity. It aims to inform April to September 9.30-17.30 Fauna & Flora International members about the work of the charity and (weekends and school holidays) Botanic Gardens Conservation its upcoming projects and events. It is also an April to September 9.30-16.30 International opportunity to share the wonders and stories (weekdays in term time) Botanic Gardens Education Network of Bedgebury and to raise funds in support of Bedgebury’s important conservation activities. General enquiries Royal Botanic Gardens, 01580 879820 Patron [email protected] Royal Horticultural Society HRH The Countess of Wessex GCVO www.forestry.gov.uk/bedgebury The University of Oxford Botanic Garden Trustees www.facebook.com/bedgeburypinetum and Harcourt Arboretum Mr M Kerr (Chair) Mr J Gordon (Treasurer) www.twitter.com/BedgeburyP The International Conifer Conservation Mrs B Backhouse Mr P Barnes Programme Staff information Mr K Brookbank Mr K Fletcher Sport England Mrs E Hill Mr M Paine Bedgebury Manager Mrs E Reid Mr J Sheldon Patrick West The Arts Council Mr P Vingoe Mr K Webber Recreation Manager Our volunteers Staff information and contact details Mark Clixby Go Ape Learning Manager Friends’ Manager Katherine Jary Quench Cycles Cath Weeks The Kent High Weald Partnership Friends’ team Sharon Booth Collection Manager Thea Jones Mina McPhee Dan Luscombe Bedgebury Forest Cycle Club Ann Waller Sarah Harrington-James Bedgebury National Pinetum is cared for Bedgebury Café General enquiries by the Forestry Commission for people, 01580 879842 wildlife and trees. The Forestry Commission Arboreta Advisory Committee: [email protected] www.forestry.gov.uk Contributing to the strategic direction of the National Pinetum at Bedgebury and the Membership enquiries National Arboretum at Westonbirt. [email protected] www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk Lord Howick Mr Roy Lancaster OBE VMH Sponsorship enquiries www.lovebedgebury.org.uk Mrs Elizabeth Banks DL Mr Giles Coode-Adams OBE VMH (Chair) [email protected] www.facebook.com/bedgeburyfriends Mr Gavin Grant Mr Malcolm Kerr LLB MRICS Volunteering enquiries www.instagram.com/lovebedgebury [email protected] Mr David Knott Mr Tony Hall

30 31 Enjoy the benefits Coming later this year… Later in the summer, we hope to bring you an edition updating you on the important of membership work being done by Collection Manager, Dan Luscombe and his team here in the nursery at Bedgebury and on the ground in Malawi, to save the critically endangered Join the Friends of Bedgebury Pinetum to Batsford Arboretum and Garden Centre Mulanje cedar. We introduced Bedgebury’s involvement in this Malawi-based project, help us support the Forestry Commission 0138 670 1441 in its management of Bedgebury as a www.batsarb.co.uk run by Botanic Garden Conservation International, in our AW17 magazine edition; it is a world-class centre of conifer research, great example of the invaluable conservation work undertaken by our conifer experts in Birmingham Botanical Gardens conservation and education, as a collaboration with other global conservation organisations. 0121 454 1860 landscape of rare and endangered www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk As part of the Mulanje cedar project, Learning Manager Cath Weeks and her team will flora and fauna, and as a site for be continuing their work with the well-known local charity Starfish Malawi. In 2017, they high quality, healthy recreation. Brogdale Collections* brought children from three local schools to Bedgebury to learn about the challenges 0179 553 6250 The Bedgebury annual membership www.brogdalecollections.org of deforestation and the plight of the Mulanje cedar. The children helped Dan’s nursery subscription enables one of two specified cars team plant Mulanje cedar seeds for experimental trials. They will be doing this again from the same address to gain admission The Yorkshire Arboretum in April this year, extending the number of schools exposed to this wonderful real- to the site all year round* and will entitle 0165 364 8598 life conservation effort. As Dan is due to visit Malawi again soon, and with last year’s www.yorkshirearboretum.org you to a copy of the Friends’ magazine. experimental seedlings growing rapidly in the site’s nursery, we are keen to share * Excluding Christmas Day when the site is closed, The Living Rainforest the Malawi project with you to show you how you are helping Bedgebury to make a or when the site is closed due to adverse weather. 0163 520 2444 difference. Perhaps you might even think about joining Starfish Malawi at Bedgebury on www.livingrainforest.org Annual membership September 29th for their fun, family, sponsored cycle ride? Read the next edition of this Only £72 per car - fantastic value for the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh magazine to find out more! whole family 0131 248 2909 In the autumn, we’ll issue a magazine to share Bedgebury’s 2018/19 autumn and winter www.rbge.org.uk programme of events. New and exciting things are being planned for the site for the Visit only once a month and save Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew winter and festive season, so keep your eyes peeled for this edition in October and be more than £70 per annum 0208 332 5655 the first to find out more! www.kew.org Friends also enjoy admission to other gardens and arboreta. Royal Botanic Gardens, Wakehurst Place** Included within the annual membership 0144 489 4066 subscription is a free admission pass for the www.kew.org/wakehurst lead member to the gardens and arboreta Westonbirt, the National Arboretum listed. Additional family members can also 0300 067 4890 Editor: obtain an admission pass to these gardens www.westonbirtarboretum.com Katherine Jary. and arboreta for the year for less than the price Proof readers: of a day admission ticket to many of them. John Gordon, Sarah Harrington-James, Elspeth Hill and Additional annual admission cards - Mina McPhee. £15 per person per annum Join or renew NOW Contributing photographers: Terms and conditions apply. These offers are subject to change or cancellation at any time. Free entry to some John Gordon, Lisa Hills, David Jenner, Mina McPhee gardens is restricted at certain times of the year and in and Ann Waller. some cases car parking charges apply. Please check their * Excludes fruit festivals websites or telephone for more information. ** Car parking charges apply Design: Fraser Allen. This magazine is printed on sustainably sourced paper. 32