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Last updated on 30 September 08

Bedgebury National Pinetum

  2.0/5 (2 ratings)
  • Bedgebury National Pinetum Dominic Torrisi © Dominic Torrisi
  • Bedgebury national pinetum Photograph © Bedgebury National Pinetum
  • Bedgeburynationalpinetum Photograph © Bedgebury National Pinetum

Gardenvisit Editorial

The National Pinetum at Bedgebury has one of the largest collections of conifers on one site in the world, with many rare and endangered species The character of the Pinetum has more seasonal variation than one would expect in a conifer collection: green in winter, except when touched by frost and snow, brightened by rhododendrons and bulbs in spring, heavy with shade in summer, illuminated by the autumn colour of deciduous trees and berries in autumn.

History

The National Pinetum at Bedgebury was established as the National Conifer Collection in 1925. It is now recognised as the most complete collection of conifers on one site anywhere in the world and is a Historic Arboretum Grade II. The collection has over 10,000 trees specimens growing across 320 acres; including rare, endangered and historically important specimens. The Pinetum is home to some 91 vulnerable or critically endangered species and five NCCPG National Collections (Yew, Juniper, Thuja, Lawson Cypress and Leyland Cypress) and contains some of the oldest and largest examples of conifers in Britain.

As well as playing an important scientific role in international conservation, the National Pinetum is a beautiful and tranquil place to walk, picnic and enjoy nature away from the stresses of everyday life. It was voted Warburtons Best Picnic Site in the South 2007.

Each season offers different experiences and delights:

Winter - a light dusting of snow or a sharp frost transforms the Pinetum into a winter wonderland.

Spring - a kaleidoscope of azaleas, daffodils, rhododendrons and bluebells.

Summer - the many giant specimens cast deep shadows and dappled shade, creating a cool oasis in the warmth of the sun.

Autumn - the fiery leaves and brilliant berries are in sharp contrast to the background of rich green conifers

Address - Goudhurst, Cranbrook, Kent, England, TN17 2SL
Opening times - All year. Daily. Open 8am to dusk (8pm in summer).
Admission - Car Park £7.50, umlimited annual parking through Friends membership from £40
Website - Visit the Bedgebury National Pinetum website

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Recent Reviews

  • over 2 years ago Anonymous said

    the old entrance at the wall garden carpark had a magical quality that has been lost and replaced by stark unimaginative modern wooden buildings and a rather untidy carpark. You would have thought with the extra revenue the other activities bring in that the pinetum should have seen some benefit. Although a little forgoten if you walk further into the pinetum you can still see touches of its former glory.

    (2.0/5)
  • over 2 years ago Anonymous said

    its never been the same since the entrance at the walled garden was closed. Emphasis seems to have moved away from what is a massively important collection to tourist pursuits like mountain biking. Unfortunately as argueable as that statement may be, what is'nt is that the pinetum has seen better years than recent, but it is still a wonderful place to go for a walk.

    (2.0/5)

See all the reviews of Bedgebury National Pinetum

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