Nature's CATHEDRALS

Our woodlands are a precious natural resource – be sure to visit one this autumn

- ANDREW SHAW

Trees are more important than ever in this time of climate crisis. They help clean the air and provide habitats for wildlife, plus their beauty is awe-inspiring. Bodies like Forestry England are committed to creating new woodlands and protecting those we have, while arboretums are both homes to endangered species and gene banks, ensuring that the incredible diversity of our forests will never be lost.

Westonbirt, The National Arboretum Gloucestershire

You’ll find no fewer than five national tree collections at Westonbirt – Japanese maples, species maples, bladdernut, lime and walnut. In the lime collection, there is the rare Chinese lime, with its pretty peeling bark, and the 2,000-year-old small-leaved lime. People flock from all over the world to see the stunning colours of the maples in autumn, and the Treetop Walkway offers spectacular views.

Open every day except Christmas Day, 9am-4.30pm. Adult, £11; child (5-18), £4

Bedgebury National Pinetum

Kent