Two weeks ago, my husband and I had the opportunity of an extended break in the historic and beautiful city of Bath. Whilst there not only did we explore the amazing Roman Baths, dine at the lavish Pump Rooms, we also set one day aside for nature.
In the midst of Autumn what better place to visit than the National Arboretum of Westonbirt.
With over 18,000 trees we were spoilt with autumnal displays and happily wandered for four hours along some of its 17 miles of pathways (one of these amongst the treetops!).
As is often the case, Westonbirt was the vision of one man; in this case a wealthy landowner, MP and gardening enthusiast Robert Halford who started the Arboretum in 1829. Since 1956 it has been managed by the Forestry Commission.
Today it boasts over 2,500 species from all across the globe, and ‘is internationally renowned not only for the diversity and importance of its collection but also its breath-taking beauty’.
“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” John Muir
“The world’s forests are a shared stolen treasure that we must put back for our children’s future.” Desmond Tutu
“I never see a forest that does not bear a mark or a sign of history.” Anselm Kiefer
“In a forest of a hundred thousand trees, no two leaves are alike. And no two journeys along the same path are alike.” Paulo Coehlo
“An autumn forest is such place that once entered you never look for the exit!” Mehmet Murat Ildan
“The strongest oak of the forest is not the one that is protected from the storm and hidden from the sun. It’s the one that stands in the open where it is compelled to struggle for its existence against the winds and rains and scorching sun.” Napoleon Hill
Annika Perry 
Lovely colors!
Thank you … it was a wonderful place and perfect time of year with all these colours!
Yes, it sure was! 👍
Such a lovely walk through nature and National Arboretum of Westonbirt. I so agree with you it’s a good idea to set aside a day for nature when we go traveling or are on the road. There’s just a special kind of peace to be found amongst what changes with the seasons right before our eyes and nothing can stop that. Those trees look like they have been there for hundreds of years and they are standing strong. I really like Anselm Kiefer’s quote, and it’s so true. A forest is sign of history. I remember at some point hearing that when the tree leaves rustle, it means the trees are whispering and communicating with each other…something like that but the gist of it is that, trees communicate with each other (I vaguely remember this). On that note, I suppose a trees and trees carry many secrets…one of them being how old they truly are and the only way to find out is if we can have a look at the circles on their trunk – to look within for deepest secrets. Lovely photos. Very well done with the vivid colour and framing 🙂
Mabel, thank you so much for your in-depth and reflective comment … I’m taken with the idea of the trees whispering secrets to each other – listening to the storms in the forest in Sweden they must have some incredible news to share with each other! Having worked for many years in the timber industry I was touched to see these giants felled and the care taken by the men and women who were with the trees. I felt a certain reverence as I stroked the rings on the trees and yes, wondered what they had seen through their years.
A day away from town-sightseeing is a must for me on trips such as this and we were so lucky to learn about the Arboretum. Thank you so much for your comment about the photos … it was a joy to photograph in such a delightful landscape. Hope you’re having a lovely weekend! 😀🌺
Wow, you worked in the timber industry. Haven’t met anyone who worked in this industry, and you’re the first 🙂 Trees speak many histories and stories standing there in one spot.
Hope you are having a good week 🙂
What a most excellent day out you had. The trees are magnificent. Always enjoy a visit to your website. Thank you. Happy Holidays to you and yours Annika.
Johanna, lovely to see you back here! How are you keeping? The trees were amazing and one of those days that will always stay with me, the memory giving me strength and joy. Wishing you and your family a most wonderful Christmas as well … hope it’s full of happiness and peace. Hugs xx
All is excellent with me. Been a very busy time, having had to dust off my old protest signs and be more of an activist than I had planned for this time in my life. Also deep into a research project for some writing. Embracing the holiday, enjoying family and friends, and hiking. Looking forward to the New Year. That about sums it up for me, Annika. Always a pleasure to hear from you. Happy Holidays to you and your entire family.
I love this post Annika. What a stunning place. I love your quotes too. ❤️❤️ I am new to blogging and am very inspired by your page. xoxo 🤗
It’s lovely to have you visiting here, Melanie and welcome to blogging! The conversation via comments and getting to know one another is the true, and to me, unexpected gift of blogging! Enjoy! I am so glad you liked the Arboretum featured here and I do like to intersperse with quotes now and then … these fitted well I think. Wishing you a lovely Sunday! Xx🌺😀🤗
Thank you ❤️❤️❤️ I hope you had a lovely weekend too. xoxo
Lovely thank you and excited how well a kitchen refit is coming along … apart from the mess! 😀
Annika how fortunate you are to see such majestic beauty. They have cut so many of our trees… I signed petitions and engaged in rallies and won but one.
Kavitha, well done for all your campaign work to save trees and your success. For many years I have taken them for granted but now appreciate the wonders and majesty of trees, the peace and harmony they bring to us all.
Beautiful photos of nature.
Thank you so much, Ally! 😀 Nature’s display was stunning and a joy to partake and share a taste of it here.
Reblogged this on quirkywritingcorner.
Connie, warmest thanks for the reblog! 😀😀
You’re most welcome. I have always loved spending time in the woods. The vibrant colors made me feel right at home.
Stunning photos Annika!
Thank you so much, Lynne!
Spectacular! Thanks for sharing, Annika. ❤ xo
Bette, it definitely was spectacular and a joy to share here! ❤️
Wow, Annika! Your autumn is inspiring and captivating. I especially love that seventh pic; the tree with Tutu’s quote underneath. It’s just extraordinary, and looks defiant too with that trunk opening up as if to catch and protect the stolen treasures. Thanks for sharing, and enjoy the rest of the season…xx
Khaya, thank you so much for your wonderful comment and I love the poetic lilt to your thoughts … the giant cedar was spectacular and I’m taken with your idea it’s ready to catch the stolen treasures! It was definitely otherworldly. The autumn this year has been beautiful, soft and warm with glorious colour … having said that horrid heavy rain this morning! Well, it is November! Wishing you a lovely rest of Autumn and Happy Writing! xx
What an absolutely glorious post Annika. One to lift the soul. Thank you xx ❤️🍂
Thank you so much, Miriam! It was a wonderful uplifting day and one that stays in the heart.
How are you doing? I read about your friend and husband in the U.K. papers yesterday… and thought of you and your post. Love & hugs ❤️
What a great series of beautiful scenery with all these glorious autumn colors, Annika!
Absolutely… it was stunning and the sense of reverence and awe at nature’s display was palpable amongst most of the visitors! So happy you enjoyed these autumn images and quotes.