Meander through the beauty, peace and tranquillity of Bodenham . . . A mile long drive winding through undulating countryside reaches the brow of the hill to reveal a secret garden nurtured since 1973. An oasis of plantations, pools and avenues beautifully
landscaped, including some 3,000 species of trees and shrubs from all over the world.
Garden of Trees . . . 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, their autumn colours being a special beauty. The Grand Avenue is planted with Pope’s Seat Provence Beech to mature over the next century. It stretches up the hillside to the Gazebo, built to celebrate the Millennium, whilst the higher reaches of the Arboretum offer extensive views to the Clent Hills and surrounding countryside.
Explore . . . Through a patchwork quilt of pools, plantations, dells and glades, habitats provide for flora, fauna, 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 water-fowl and myriads of frogs emerge each spring. Several miles of paths lead through acres of daffodils in early spring, and later primroses, bluebells and foxgloves line many of the woodland walks. The brilliant colours of azaleas and rhododendrons begin in mid-spring and the Laburnum Tunnel is one of the highlights for visitors in May. Bridges provide access to the islands in the Big Pool and many seats allow the visitor to sit and rest a while.
The Farm . . Lambs and calves abound in spring and cattle and sheep graze in summer. Rare breeds of poultry with their chicks are a special interest
to many school children who come to see the working farm and learn about the countryside. Every Christmas time the old farm buildings are transformed to tell the biblical story of the nativity, with life size wooden characters and Bodenham’s animals, including our own donkeys. The “Follow the Star” Christmas Nativity trail is a wonderful family activity to start the season.
Visitor’s Centre . . . An award winning environmentally 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. Sunday and Christmas lunches are catered for as
well as public and private evening functions, weddings and funeral parties.
