Arboretum Talk Inspires Students

Students at Bicton College this week welcomed a renowned expert in his field, Hugh Angus, to give a talk on ‘How to set up an Arboretum’.

Mr Angus, former Curator and Head of Collections at the Forestry Commission National Arboretum (Westonbirt), now consults for the Sidmouth Arboretum which was launched in 2012. The civic arboretum at Sidmouth is a collection of trees and plants within private and public land in the jurisdiction of Sidmouth Town Council. Its overall aim is to protect woodland heritage, encourage new planting, and provide a visually stunning welcome to the area.

The talk at Bicton College focussed on arboretum planning and running, community involvement and supporting continued public learning. Through accessible projects such walking tree trails, Annual Tree Day and exhibitions, students learned that setting up and managing an arboretum of any size can be a mentally and physically rewarding venture (although not necessarily financially!)

Head Gardener at Bicton College, Paul Champion, who led a tour of the Bicton arboretum, organised the visit and says, “It was a privilege to host Hugh ‘s talk, as it’s so beneficial to our students to hear about the ongoing conservation opportunities offered by a tree collection, as well as the recreation and education factors.

“Not only did the event allow us to really understand what makes an arboretum special, but it enabled the students to liaise with adult supporters of the Sidmouth Arboretum and get some valuable tips on planting choices and landscape design.”

Bicton’s walled garden is a particular haven for tender plants, including a salvia collection. A shor course a Planting Design begins at Bicton on 21st April. For more information call 01395 562300 or email slo@bicton.ac.uk.