Bodenham Arboretum

A mile long drive winding through undulating countryside, gently climbs to the brow of the hill - and reveals below an oasis of plantations and avenues interspersed with many pools.In 1973 the owner set about damming the streams and tributary valleys to make two chains of lakes and pools, and over the years has enriched the property by planting trees and shrubs from all parts of the world which now number in excess of 3000 species.The epicentre of the Arboretum lies around the big pool where many rare and ornamental trees can be seen in flower or fruit at all times of the year, and their autumn colours are a special beauty. The Grand Avenue, which is in its infancy, is planted with Pope's Seat Provenance Beech to mature in 200 years time! It stretches up the hillside to the Gazebo, built to celebrate the Millennium, and the higher reaches of the Arboretum where extensive views to Clent Hills and surrounding countryside can be enjoyed.Walks will take you through the patchwork quilt pools, plantations, dells and glades, which provide habitats for flora, fauna and insect life, and numerous species of resident and migrating birds. The aquatic habitats and wet margins to the pools provide a breeding ground for many waterfowl, and myriads of frogs emerge each spring. A haven for the naturalist.Several miles of paths lead through acres of daffodils in early spring, and later primroses and foxgloves line many of the woodland walks and plantations. The brilliant colours of the azaleas and rhododendrons begin in mid spring and The Laburnum Tunnel is one of the highlights for visitors in late May and early June.There are many lakes and pools exhibiting interesting features. Bridges provide access to the islands in the big pool, and seats throughout the Arboretum allow the visitor to stop and rest.Visitors will pass through fields of sheep where lambs abound in spring, and cattle graze in summer. Rare breeds of poultry with their chickens are of special interest to the many school children who come to see the working farm and learn about the countryside.An award winning enviornmentally sensitive building carved out of the hillside provides a focal point for your visit. A variety of home cooked food and cakes, including our own farm reared pork, beef and lamb compliments your day