FPCR’s arboriculture team selected the remarkable Westonbirt Arboretum and its surrounding landscape for their 2025 professional development event. Twelve team members from the Derby, Exeter, and York offices gathered to participate in open discussions, shared learning, and collaborative exploration.
A bespoke guided tour led the group to lesser-known corners of the arboretum, where they encountered rare and exotic tree species as well as magnificent specimens of great age. The variety of trees sparked lively debates and joint identification challenges, with only a modest reliance on tree labels! The harlequin glorybower (also known as the peanut butter tree) claimed the title of “most unusual and best-named” tree of the trip.
Evening festivities unfolded in Stroud, featuring delicious food, refreshing drinks, and warm conversations. New team members were enthusiastically welcomed, and laughter flowed freely, as always, with plenty of chat centred around trees, trees, and more trees.
The next morning began with a self-guided visit to Stratford Park, a hidden gem in the heart of the town centre that boasts trees of extraordinary size and arboricultural significance. The team discussed evaluating tree architecture and interpreting guidance related to veteran features and irreplaceable habitats.
Thought-provoking conversations encouraged the group to challenge traditional classifications of notable, champion, heritage, and veteran trees, building confidence and consistency in future tree assessments and for a lucky few, their forthcoming VETcert consulting exams.
The team then travelled to the National Trust’s Woodchester Park to explore its steep-sided valleys and rolling parkland, which hosts ancient replanted woodland and areas of rich wood pasture. Impressive parkland specimens – including Lucombe oaks and small-leaved lime – offered further opportunities for learning and discussion.
The group also looked ahead, contemplating how emerging technologies and the fusion of artificial and human intelligence could shape the future of arboriculture.
The visit was
a resounding success, fuelling thoughtful dialogue, knowledge exchange, and plenty of tree-based camaraderie.
