THE ground works have begun on a new Wolfson Tree Management Centre at Westonbirt Arboretum.

The Wolfson Tree Management Centre is being built in an effort greatly improve the way the Forestry Commission look after this internationally important tree collection. The new centre will also explain to visitors how the arboretum’s trees are cared for in a changing climate.

The first building to be constructed will be made out of wood primarily sourced from the arboretum through routine tree maintenance. Twenty metre lengths of pine have been milled and hand- hewn by a team of twelve carpenters on-site to make the square beams that will form the main roof trusses, part of the timber frame.

Simon Toomer, the Forestry Commission’s Director of Westonbirt Arboretum said:“We are really excited to be starting Phase Two of the Westonbirt Project. The Wolfson Tree Management Centre is a forward thinking venture which will make a real difference to the work of our tree team and give them the facilities they need to care for the national arboretum”

“It’s also great to have the opportunity to share what our expert team do and give visitors the chance to learn more about the challenges involved in managing a tree collection of this size and age.”

The construction work is expected to last around eleven months, with completion expected in autumn 2015.