BATSFORD Arboretum has launched a fundraising appeal to create a new £40,000 education facility.

There are plans to build a wooden education room between the visitor centre and the Applestore at the popular Cotswold attraction. home to one of the country’s largest private tree collections.

About £5,000 has already been raised towards the £38,000 project which will mean the children's education programmes can be extended and make courses available for adults as well.

Batsford already educates people about and nature and each year nearly 700 primary school children take part in Nature Days led by gardener Mr Rotavator.

Operations director Stuart Priest said: “We are committed to educating youngsters about the importance of the environment, wildlife and trees and the arboretum is a fantastic living classroom that inspires and excites youngsters. But we’re completely at the mercy of the weather and a lack of covered space can make the days uncomfortable for children.

“We’d like to build a permanent education room which will also allow us to increase the range of events we hold at Batsford, including horticultural evenings for adults, a range of countryside courses and the option to hire out the room.”

Donations can be made in person at the arboretum or online. Donors’ names will be added to a large tree mural which will be on display in the Visitor Centre during the fundraising appeal before becoming a permanent feature in the classroom.

Sue James, who has been working as a garden centre supervisor for six years, said it would not just be schools that would benefit.

“Garden clubs and horticultural societies come to an annual talk which we currently hold off-site. A facility we can offer here would be of benefit to the aims of the foundation.”

To donate, visit justgiving.co.uk/leavesforlearning.