Arboretum celebrates 100 years with forest trail

Bedgebury National Pinetum is celebrating its centenary with a new walking trail

A Kent arboretum holding the world's largest collection of conifers is celebrating its centenary with the launch of a new trail.

Bedgebury National Pinetum near Goudhurst holds around 12,000 trees and will celebrate 100 years of conservation works having first opened in 1925.

The arboretum has launched a new walking trail through the site which will share the stories behind Bedgebury and the people who have contributed to its success.

The trail marks the first of a slate of centenary events including the ceremonial planting of a Japanese hemlock tree to commemorate the centenary on 19 March.

Winding through the forest, the 1.6 mile (2.57km) trail will include stops to learn about the history of the country estate.

The collection began when William Dallimore, Bedgebury's first curator, planted a Japanese hemlock tree in the grounds.

The same species of tree, grown from seeds collected in the wild in Japan, will be planted on 19 March to mirror the planting 100 years on.

Jonathan Codd, manager of Bedgebury for Forestry England who look after the site, said: "This year's special events offer unique opportunities to discover the fascinating stories behind our trees and understand how our research today is helping create climate-resilient forests for future generations."

Bedgebury welcomes over 500,000 visitors each year and grows more than 2,000 trees and shrubs from seedlings annually to be planted on the estate or sent to other botanic gardens in the UK and Europe.