A Living Legacy: Discover the Trent College Arboretum
Did you know that your daily walk across the Trent College campus takes you through one of the East Midlands’ most prestigious tree collections?
Nestled within our stunning 45-acre campus, the Trent College Arboretum is home to several hundred trees, showcasing around 200 different species and cultivars. From beautiful native spinneys to rare and unusual specimens, including the curiously named Tree of Heaven, whose crushed leaves give off a surprisingly sock-like scent, our arboretum is a living tapestry woven into the fabric of school life.
A History Rooted in Tradition
The story of the Trent College Arboretum began in 1901, when a young Reverend Warner joined the school staff at just 26-years-old. By 1905, he had begun what would become a lifelong mission: planting trees across the campus and inspiring generations of pupils and staff to do the same.
From 1905 to the 1960s, Warner led the effort to develop this impressive collection, and his influence extended beyond the planting itself. He introduced the Tree Test, a challenge for pupils to learn and identify up to 100 different tree species. This test remained for decades and cemented the arboretum’s role as a place of learning and discovery.
Rare Finds and Special Spaces
Among the trees in the arboretum, around 30 are considered rare. Many of them are located in the OT Spinney, a special area named in honour of Old Tridents, our alumni who have helped shape the school’s legacy. Whether you’re a budding botanist or simply enjoy nature, there’s always something new and intriguing to explore.
Explore the Arboretum
To help the wider community experience the arboretum’s wonders, we host seasonal guided tours, open to anyone who wants to learn more about this exceptional natural resource.
Upcoming tour dates:
- Friday 1st August
- Tuesday 21st October
- Friday 31st October
- Click here to book
Whether you’re a student, parent, alum, or visitor, we invite you to take a moment to appreciate the arboretum next time you’re on campus, it’s not just a walk to class; it’s a walk-through history.