Westonbirt's National Arboretum will once again be opening its doors to the New Year with a celebration of new life, colour and vibrancy.

With over 12 miles of footpaths covering 600 acres of Grade 1 listed landscape to discover there's enough to inspire even the least green-fingered of us to pick up a trowel in the new year.

Free guided tours are laid on by volunteers to ensure that you don't miss any of the 18,000 different plants that fill the dramatic landscape, which make up one of the biggest tree collections in the world.

You don't have to wait until spring, either, to observe the beauty that this natural museum shows off. With many trees choosing to flower in the colder months, gems of colour burst out in between the often over-looked textures and forms of these winter plants.

Originally created by Robert Holford in the 1830s, he discovered that his sandy acidic soil could uniquely grow exotic trees and shrubs in his Gloucester grounds.

Now the Forestry Commission manage the landscaped woodlands and also aim to promote education and science.

It is now a backdrop for a hectic, year-round events calendar, with walks, workshops and family specific events designed to capture everyone's imagination.

However, we're not the only visitors to enjoy this immense wooded landscape, with the resident birds joined by flocks of migrant species that all come to enjoy the mix of ancient trees and colourful shrubs.

If you fancy a New Year wander through the brightly stemmed dogwood and the willows, Westonbirt Arboretum is open all year round.

It is situated on the A433, three miles from Tetbury. Take junction 18 of the M4 and follow the brown signs. Or you can ring for more information about events and guided tours on 01666 880220.