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Westonbirt Arboretum has become a haven for wildlife amidst the UK's ongoing biodiversity crisis. The arboretum, managed by Forestry England, is home to a thriving network of habitats and ecosystems that support a wide range of animals, plants, insects, fungi, and lichen. The UK's biodiversity has been in decline, with the 'State of Nature Report 2023' ranking the UK as one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world.
Read more: Swindon domestic abuse victim speaks out about 'torture' Since 1970, species studied across the UK have declined by an average of 19 per cent, and one in six species are threatened with extinction. The UK has set several biodiversity targets to be achieved by 2030, with environmental action being taken to restore degraded ecosystems, protect threatened species, and enhance natural habitats. Westonbirt's collection of more than 15,000 trees attracts and provides habitats for a diverse range of wildlife.
The year-round work within the arboretum helps maintain its biodiversity and contributes to some of Forestry England's biodiversity goals. This includes planting more trees, installing new nesting boxes to attract dormice and pine martens, and managing the arboretum's semi-ancient natural woodland areas to conserve their valuable habitats. The hawfinch, a red-listed bird species in the UK, was spotted and photographed at Westonbirt in March.
Visitor Ian Peters said: "There, in the very dim lighting, I could see a much bigger bird. "'What was it?' I asked myself. "'No idea!' was the rather depressing answer.
"Anyway, the most important thing to do was to try and photograph it and investigate later. "Well, definitely a hawfinch, my first ever, which is really exciting." Flora and fauna surveys carried out each year at Westonbirt reveal that certain threatened or rare species of wildflowers and butterflies are increasing in number.
The arboretum is a rich oasis for pollinators, and Westonbirt has recorded a general upwards trend in some species. Read more: Swindon roads at 'crisis point' says councillor Ellen Whitby, learning officer at Westonbirt Arboretum, said: "I love to see adults and children learning about the importance and value of trees for wildlife and people. "They come away feeling more connected with trees, and I hope our events and activities at Westonbirt this spring will inspire more people to take action to care for trees and wildlife.
" By continuing to care for the arboretum, Forestry England's team and the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum charity do their utmost to sustain this vital haven for a vast range of plant and animal life..
