World's Largest Conifer Collection Marks Historic 100-Year Milestone

Image: David Jenner Photography 

Rooted in the past, planting for the future: Bedgebury National Pinetum celebrates 100 years of conifer conservation with a year of events and activities

Forestry England Bedgebury National Pinetum, home to the world’s largest collection of conifers, is celebrating its centenary with a year-long programme of events highlighting its crucial role in global tree conservation.

Founded in 1925 as a partnership between the Forestry Commission and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Bedgebury National Pinetum has grown from a pioneering tree collection into an internationally significant conservation centre, welcoming over 500,000 visitors annually.

Today, tree conservation experts from across the world will gather at Bedgebury to plant a Japanese hemlock tree, grown from seed collected from the wild in Japan by the Bedgebury team. This symbolic planting mirrors the actions of the Pinetum's first curator, William Dallimore, who planted the same species on the same date in 1925 as part of his visionary work planning and planting the beautiful landscape that Forestry England cares for today.

Daniel Luscombe, Forestry England Bedgebury Curator, said: "Our work safeguarding rare and endangered conifers has never been more vital, with one third of species threatened with extinction. Bedgebury's living collection serves as a crucial gene bank, helping to ensure the survival of these magnificent trees in the face of climate change and emerging threats.

“Planting this exquisite Japanese hemlock tree today alongside partners from across the globe, is like standing in the footsteps of William Dallimore. It’s his vision and legacy in creating Bedgebury that gives us the chance to shape the next hundred years of tree conservation here.”

Jonathan Codd, Forestry England Bedgebury Manager, said: "Our centenary year perfectly captures the essence of Bedgebury – honouring our rich heritage while actively shaping the future of forest conservation. Whether you're a first-time visitor or regularly spend time here, there's never been a better time to experience the magic of Bedgebury. From peaceful walks among champion trees to exciting family adventures, every visit helps support our vital conservation work.

"This year's special events offer unique opportunities to discover the fascinating stories behind our trees and understand how our research today is helping create climate-resilient forests for future generations. We're particularly excited to welcome families to our BioBlitz and open day celebrations, where visitors can become part of our conservation story and help us mark this historic milestone."

The centenary celebrations include:

·       A specially designed walking trail launching in March

·       A major exhibition at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (12 April - 14 September)

·       A 24-hour BioBlitz on 29 May inviting the public to help document the Pinetum's biodiversity

·       A grand open day celebration on 31 July

Today Bedgebury grows more than 2,000 tree and shrub seedlings every year, some of which are planted into the living collection, and others distributed to other botanic gardens and safe sites across the UK and Europe.

As well as offering visitors beautiful, awe-inspiring trees to walk among and enjoy, many of Bedgebury’s 12,000 specimen trees are a ‘living gene bank’, providing vital seeds, genetic material and research opportunities, helping provide resilient future forest trees, well adapted to changing climate conditions and pests and diseases that threaten forests around the world.

Beyond its scientific importance, Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest offers year-round attractions including adventure play areas, cycling trails, and seasonal events like the enchanting Christmas at Bedgebury light trail. The site's accessible paths and peaceful surroundings make it perfect for everything from family days out to peaceful nature walks.