Tree experts praise Cardiff’s treescape after visit to Bute Park
First published 13th May, 2026On 8th May, Bute Park welcomed the International Dendrology Society, an organisation of tree experts and enthusiasts for a tour of the arboretum. The Society exists to promote the study and enjoyment of trees, bring together dendrologists from around the world, and protect and conserve rare and endangered plant species worldwide.
Members of the society visited Bute Park to look at some of the 3,000 individually catalogued trees, as well the Park’s 51 Champion Trees. Champion Trees are acknowledged as the tallest or broadest of their type in the British Isles.
Dr Owen Johnson, a member of the Society and author of the Collins Guide to Trees, said:
“Cardiff has gone further than any other UK city in creating robust, beautiful and enticing treescapes with high biodiversity; I don’t know of another city like it in the world.
“Bute Park has three times as many UK Champion Trees as its next rival among public parks – which is Roath Park. These statistics also equate to these parks’ botanical interest.”
Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Events, Cllr Jennifer Burke, said:
“Being the custodians of such a fantastic collection of trees is a real honour. Our parks team take great pride in looking after them, as well as adding new trees to the collection for future generations to enjoy. Cardiff is home to some fantastic parks and green spaces and I really would encourage people to go out and explore them.”
