Sidmouth Arboretum is staging a celebration party in the Cellar Bar of Kennaway House to mark the start of National Tree Week.

It takes place next Friday, November 25, from 6pm to 8.30pm.

Chairman Diana East said: “The arboretum will be repeating the success of last year - an evening of organised chaos which allows everyone to learn a little, chat a little and generally have an stimulating evening.”

Starting with a tree song from the Sid Vale Folk Choir, the celebration will feature stalls and the chance to talk to experts and take part in a raffle and quiz.

MC Steve Potter will trace the story of yew trees.

Experts invited to speak for three minutes are architect and author Graham Cooper on the importance of trees to health, supported by Dr Duncan Hall and Sidmouth in Bloom.

Professor Brian Golding will speak on the yews in the parish churchyard and John Wilding, of Clinton Devon Estates, wall talk on the thrills of and threats to trees.

Laura Gople, a trainee conservation manager with the district council, will speak on how trees can reduce risk of flooding, and ecologist Louise Woolley will focus on what bats need to thrive.

Kate Tobin will give an update on grants on behalf of the Forestry Commission and Claire Wright will speak on how we depend on government policy.

Landscape to Legacy manager Ruth Worsley will speak on what trees tell us about history of the landscape.

The event is free and all are welcome.

Contact Diana on 01395 519275 or email info@sidmoutharboretum.org.uk for more information.