The Japan Society is delighted to invite members and friends to a special guided visit to Harcourt Arboretum, part of the University of Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum and home to one of its most important living collections of trees.

Led by Ben Jones, Arboretum Curator and Head of Arboriculture, the visit will explore the Arboretum in autumn, with a particular focus on its growing collection of Japanese trees and shrubs. Ben will introduce the history and development of the Japanese collections, including plants grown from seed collected with colleagues in Japan, and discuss current collaborations between Oxford and Japanese partners in botanical research and the conservation of rare and threatened species.

Combining a guided walk through the Arboretum with discussion, the visit will explore how living collections can bring together horticulture, science, education and practical conservation, while offering the opportunity to experience the Arboretum at one of the most distinctive times of year.

Ben Jones specialises in plant conservation, with a particular focus on trees and the flora of Japan and Ethiopia. A member of the IUCN Global Tree Specialist Group and Seed Conservation Specialist Group, he has undertaken fieldwork around the world focusing on threatened tree species and the role living collections can play in their conservation.

Set across 130 acres of historic landscape, Harcourt Arboretum combines internationally important plant collections with native woodland and meadow, supporting research, conservation, teaching and public engagement.

If you have any questions, please call The Japan Society office on 020 3075 1996 or email us at events@japansociety.org.uk

Booking essential – £5.00 per person
Priority booking for Members of The Japan Society until noon Friday 25 September
Please note that spaces are limited and so early booking is recommended.