'Bedgebury Pinetum' (the National Pinetum) is a 1.3 km²
park near
Goudhurst in
Kent,
England. It was set up by the
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and the
Forestry Commission in 1924. It contains one of the most complete collection of
conifers on one site anywhere in the world (its name is based on a
neologism of
pine and
arboretum). In 1929 what are called 'Forest Plots' were set up to compare, under normal forest conditions, the growth of somewhat uncommon species, both conifers and broadleaved. There are now over one hundred such plots in the Pinetum.
The Pinetum is managed by the
Forestry Commission, and is open to visitors all year round. In addition to its regular attractions, it also hosts concerts during the summer.
The site is well-known by
birdwatchers for its population of
Hawfinches.
External links
★
Official Site
★
Friends of Bedgebury