Twelve Sidmouth artists had their work on display at an exhibition at the National Arboretum at Westonbirt last month. 

Seventy paintings of trees were put on show to celebrate the Queen’s 70-year reign, and more than 5,000 visitors came to see them during the two-day event. 

Organiser Rebecca Lockyear, one of the Sidmouth artists, said: “The work looked incredible in this beautiful space; it was fantastic to see the paintings hanging with the natural backdrop of autumn colour behind.” 

The other artists from Sidmouth were Trixie Walker, Favell Bevan-Arti, Maureen Hawkridge, Barbara Green, Alex Boon, Andrew Lewis, Laura Thomlinson, Lynda Kettle and Jim Metcalf. Two other artists from Somerset and Bristol also contributed work. 

The exhibition of ‘tree art’ was also an opportunity to promote Sidmouth Arboretum, and volunteers attended to talk about it.  

Rebecca told the Herald that this is the ideal time of year to visit the wide variety of trees that comprise Sidmouth Arboretum.  

She said: “Despite the obvious grandeur of the National Arboretum, Sidmouth can still hold its own. The unique microclimate and protected valley running the length of the River Sid is home to a huge diversity of plant species.  

“There are conifers whose original homes range from Patagonia to Alaska, flowering trees from sub-tropical areas of central America, palms from the mountains of China, and tough species that cope with the arid conditions of the Middle East and Australia.  

“The Arboretum has created Tree Trail Maps which detail five different walks to fully explore the rich treescape of the Sid Valley, and you can enjoy all of this for free. The maps are available at the Tourist Information Centre.  

“So, if you are not sure what or where Sidmouth Civic Arboretum is, then this autumn is your chance to explore its rich diversity and stunning views.” 

Sidmouth Arboretum is also holding its Tree Celebration at Kennaway House on Friday, November 18, after a two-year break. There will be stalls, songs, a quiz and short talks on trees and biodiversity. Stallholders will include the Devon Wildlife Trust, Friends of the Byes, Friends of Glen Goyle, Sid Vale Association, Sid Valley Biodiversity Group and the Woodland rrust. The evening starts at 6.30pm.