Bethlehem Wood

Here you will find one of Britain’s finest national collections of birches (Betula).

These trees are beautiful at any time of the year – their coloured bark glows in the winter sunlight, while their delicate leaves provide dappled shade through the summer months. Towards autumn many of the American species turn a rich yellow creating a magical canopy under which to walk.

In mid-April, Bethlehem Wood is carpeted with bluebells, one of Britain’s greatest wildflower displays.

Bethlehem wood in spring, Ellen McHale/RBG Kew

Birch growing in Bethlehem wood, Wakehurst, Ellen McHale/RBG Kew

Woodlands of the world

Wakehurst’s woodlands contain specimens of temperate trees from all around the world and carpets of wildflowers which provide contrasting colours throughout the year. Our trees are grouped according to the areas of the world in which they grow naturally. Known as a phytogeographic planting system, it’s an amazing way to travel the world from the heart of Sussex.