Sidmouth Arboretum’s annual Spring Tree Week arrives next week with plenty of fascinating trees to visit.

Now that the tree planting season has finished, the volunteers of Sidmouth Arboretum set about engaging local people with the town’s remarkable treescape. On Tuesday, April 30, one of the country’s top tree growers, Keith Sacre from Barcham Trees, will be talking about the challenges of growing trees in containers for sale at garden centres. The talk will be part of the Café Scientifique series at 2.30pm in Kennaway House.

On Wednesday, May 1, the Arboretum is hosting a special event for the East Devon Tree Warden Network and Sidmouth Town Councillors to introduce them to the trees in the Knowle which has passed recently from EDDC ownership to the Town Council. Members of the public can join a similar event on Friday with the weekly Tree Walk starting at 10.30am from Sidmouth Museum.

On Thursday, May 2nd, there will be a walk to see what is happening with the commercial forestry plantations around Mutter’s Moor. Forest managers will show people what needs to be done so that we can have a supply of good timber for different purposes. This is a more challenging walk, stout footwear is recommended, and starts at 10.30 from the Mutter’s Moor car park.

Saturday is the bonanza day when 17 local residents open their gardens to share their trees. They range from small suburban gardens with spring blossom and ornate Acers to large edge of town plots with huge Monterey Pines and even a stumpery. There will be teas and special activities for children available at some venues. Entry to all gardens is free but donations will be welcome to fund next season’s tree planting. A map with full details can be downloaded from the Arboretum website.