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Barnwood Park and Arboretum: A Tranquil Green Haven in Gloucester

Explore Gloucester’s serene Barnwood Park and Arboretum, a green oasis rich with rare trees, wildlife habitats, and peaceful walking trails.

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Barnwood Park and Arboretum is a 6-hectare award-winning green space in Gloucester, known for its mature and rare trees, wildlife habitats, and peaceful natural setting. The arboretum, a designated Local Nature Reserve, features a wildlife pond, grazing cattle and sheep, and a variety of bird and insect species, making it ideal for nature lovers and families. The park offers free entry, wheelchair accessibility, and a mix of open spaces and woodland trails.

A brief summary to Barnwood Park and Arboretum

  • Church Ln, Gloucester, Barnwood, GL4 3JB, GB
  • +441452396396
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit during daylight hours to explore the arboretum fully, as it closes around 4 pm depending on the season.
  • Bring binoculars for birdwatching and keep an eye out for grazing Dexter cattle and sheep that add to the pastoral charm.
  • Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads within the arboretum; they can be off-lead in the wider park area.
  • Use the footbridge over Wootton Brook to access the arboretum and enjoy the tree trail featuring rare and magnificent trees.
  • Check for seasonal wildlife events like butterfly counts to enhance your visit with guided nature experiences.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    Take bus route 10 from Gloucester city center to Barnwood Road; from the stop, a 10-15 minute walk through Cherston Court leads to the arboretum entrance. Buses run approximately every 20-30 minutes. A single ticket costs around £2.50.

  • Car

    Driving to Barnwood Park and Arboretum is straightforward via Church Lane, where limited parking is available near St Lawrence’s Church. Parking is free but spaces can be limited during peak times.

  • Walking

    For those staying in Gloucester city center, walking to Barnwood Park takes about 30-40 minutes along mostly flat terrain, suitable for most fitness levels and accessible with wheelchairs.

Barnwood Park and Arboretum location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Barnwood Park and Arboretum

Historical Roots and Landscape Evolution

Barnwood Park and Arboretum occupy the grounds of the former Barnwood House Estate, once home to a private hospital until the 1960s. After the demolition of Barnwood House in 2001, the land was gifted to Gloucester City Council and transformed into the current park and arboretum. The arboretum was officially designated a Local Nature Reserve in 2002, preserving its natural heritage and ensuring ongoing conservation efforts.

Botanical Richness and Wildlife Habitat

The arboretum boasts a diverse collection of magnificent mature trees including Giant Redwood, Turkey Oak, Dawn Redwood, Black Mulberry, and the rare Variegated Beech. New trees are regularly planted by the Friends of Barnwood Arboretum to maintain this botanical variety. The unimproved grassland and woodland areas provide vital habitats for birds, insects, and small mammals. Seasonal grazing by Dexter cattle in summer and sheep in autumn and winter helps maintain the landscape and supports biodiversity.

Visitor Experience and Natural Features

Visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll along tree trails, cross a charming footbridge over Wootton Brook to access the arboretum, and explore a wildlife pond created in 2014. The park includes a large dry balancing pond used for informal play, featuring a set of Rugby World Cup 2015 posts commemorating Gloucester’s role as a host city. Wildlife sightings often include ducks, moorhens, and occasionally kingfishers, while the grazing animals add a pastoral charm.

Community Involvement and Conservation

The Friends of Barnwood Arboretum play an active role in maintaining the park and arboretum, organizing events and tree planting initiatives that foster community engagement with nature. Their efforts have contributed to the park’s consistent Green Flag Award status, recognizing it as one of the UK's best green spaces.

Accessibility and Amenities

Barnwood Park is open 24 hours, while the arboretum has restricted daylight opening hours, typically from around 8:30 am to 4 pm, varying seasonally. The park is fully accessible to wheelchair users with level paths and ramps. Dogs are welcome on leads in the arboretum and off-lead in the park. Facilities include seating areas, information boards, and picnic spots, making it suitable for families and casual visitors alike.

Seasonal Highlights and Wildlife Events

Throughout the year, the arboretum's natural features shift with the seasons—from wildflowers in bloom to the grazing cycles of cattle and sheep. The site occasionally hosts wildlife-focused events such as butterfly counts, inviting visitors to connect deeply with the local ecosystem. The balance of open parkland and arboretum woodland offers a tranquil retreat in all seasons.

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