THE ACT Government and Friends of ACT Trees (FACTT) are giving the public an opportunity to gain an insight into the historical and natural values of Bendora Arboretum with a special tour of the site this weekend.

“In many ways the Bendora Arboretum is the jewel in the crown of northern Namadgi National Park, with all the splendour a mature arboretum has to offer,” ACT Parks and Conservation Service Ranger, Brandon Galpin, said.

“This tour will include a talk from an ACT Parks and Conservation Service Ranger on the natural and historical values of this fantastic site, followed by a guided walk of the softwood plantation by FACTT volunteers.

“The site is already a popular bushwalking spot and with the recent addition of an interpretive walking track, the Bendora Arboretum is a great place to immerse yourself in nature. The track enhances the combined values of the Bendora Arboretum and Namadgi National Park and was developed with the assistance of funding from the ACT Heritage grants program.

“Another recent addition to the Arboretum was the planting of a number of Widdringtonia wallichii seedlings at the Bendora Arboretum. These seedlings were taken from a tree originally planted at the site in the 1940s. The replanting was a great step in re-introducing the species at Bendora Arboretum, especially given that all the original Widdringtonias at the site were thought to be dead, and the seedlings are now prospering.

“Many members of FACTT worked on the Bendora Arboretum during its years of operation and bring a wealth of knowledge to the walk.

“The arboretum was established in 1940 and is the sole surviving one in the Brindabella ranges. It was established to determine suitable softwood species for industry in the region.

“Located on Mount Franklin Road, five kilometres from Bulls Head in Namadgi National Park, the site is now home to some of the best examples of mature conifer trees anywhere in the world and is the last remaining sub-alpine arboretum in the region.”

This event is free, but places are limited and bookings are essential. Call the Namadgi Visitors Centre on 6207 2900 for more information.

Bendora Arboretum guided tour, 10.30 am to 12 pm on Sunday November 15, Bendora Arboretum, Mount Franklin Road, Namadgi National Park