Mission to help some of the planet's rarest trees

The youth forum has been launched by Westonburt Arboretum

An arboretum has launched a youth forum to shape the future of some of the planet's rarest trees.

It wants volunteers aged between 17 and 25 to join to work with staff on conservation, learning and participation.

It said volunteers would play a part in looking after a collection which includes some of the world's rarest trees.

Youth forum members at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, will get experience in event planning, marketing, communications, conservation and education, it said.

The arboretum said those interested should come to an open day on Sunday, 16 November, from 10:30 GMT to 14:30.

"Westonbirt will find a way to fit the forum meetings and activity around your busy life," it said.

The site, near Tetbury, Gloucestershire, is managed by the Forestry Commission and covers 243 hectares (600 acres).

It was established in the 1850s by landowner George Holford.