It's spring at the Westonbirt Arboretum and the camellias and magnolias are in full flower. They say: "Spring is a very special time at Westonbirt – when the opening of blossom and new leaves softens the sharp outlines of bare winter trees. Throughout the arboretum colour abounds – with spectacular magnolias, camellias and rhododendrons taking central stage in the Old Arboretum, while less showy but equally enchanting swaths of wild flowers such as bluebells are the chief delight in Silk Wood."
Their historical summary doesn't do the place justice: "Westonbirt was started around 1829 and many of the specimens now present date back to that time. The site covers an area of 600 acres and includes areas of Ancient Semi Natural Woodland, specimen plants and open grassland." This is way too modest. I'd use adjectives like "stunning", "breathtaking". I've never been before but I'll be going again many times. There's something very healing about trees, and Westonbirt has a lot of them. It's also completely accessible in a very gentle way. Some places shout out "look, we're accessible. Here are our ramps and flat walkways and accessible toilets". I don't like those so much. Westonbirt is far more subtle, in that it's amazingly easy to get around, but there are no special areas or elements for wheelchair users like me. Everyone shares the same paths, the same walkways.
Yes, I did borrow a power chair (apparently, this is what you have to call chairs that run on batteries. Electric chair has, they say, mmmm, unpleasant connotations). It's taken me a while to accept this as an idea. I feel very disabled when I'm in a powered chair - they're big and bulky. But, necessity is the mother of, as they say, and 600 acres is a long way to push. Maybe this is why my stamina is not increasing, but I think the kids would get a bit fed up waiting for me to struggle along in my manual beastie.
Fabulous food too. Somewhat taken aback to be offered salmon with samphire, prawns in a lime sauce and for it to actually taste of all those things. Mmmm. Lots for the kids. Even decaf coffee and soya milk - always a good test...
So, 10 out of 10 for Westonbirt Arboretum!
