The Past, Present, and Future Roles of Private Arboreta in Securing Our Oak Heritage

Edward Amory

Published May 2026 in International Oaks No. 37: 125–132

Abstract

The first part of this note is about the development of private arboreta in Britain and the unique role they have played in the conservation of trees and the development of the landscapes we live in. It draws on Thomas Pakenham’s recent book, The Tree Hunters, which discusses the history of arboreta in Britain from the 17th century onwards. The second part is about modern private arboreta in Britain, focusing on the history of my family’s quercetum at Chevithorne Barton, now one of the world’s most extensive oak collections. Finally, as climate change and diseases threaten the future of many oak species in their native habitats, I look at the role which private arboreta continue to play in oak conservation.

Keywords

Chevithorne Barton, oak collection, quercetum

References

Amory, M.H. 2009. The Oaks of Chevithorne Barton. London: Adelphi Publishers.

Evelyn, J. 1664. Sylva or A Discourse of Forest-Trees and the Propagation of Timber. London: The Royal Society. Pakenham, T. 2024. The Tree Hunters. London: Weidenfeld and Nicolson.

Sacks, O. 2019. Everything in Its Place: First Loves and Last Tales. London: Picador.