Onslow Arboretum
Link to Map and Species List
Link to Arboretum Information Boards
Link to Arboretum Picture Gallery
Onslow Arboretum
Onslow Arboretum is a little wedge of land at the far end of the recreation ground, bordered by Manor Way and the A3. While owned by Onslow Village Ltd the land was kept cultivated, but when the company folded in the mid 1980’s there was some concern that it may be sold for development. In the end it was kept as a mown field until Guildford Borough Council were persuaded to turn it into an arboretum in the mid 1990’s.
It is now a little hidden gem in the village, enjoyed by dog walkers, families and amblers in equal measure. Admittedly it would be nicer without the noise of the A3, but if you can tune into the birdsong, the chatter of your companions, or your favourite music or podcast, that can usually be ignored. The main path around the arboretum is about 700m.
The arboretum comes in to its own from early spring when many of the trees start blossoming. As spring turns into summer, the wild flower meadow at the far end becomes the main event, a joyous eruption of nature with colours that gradually change throughout the season. When Autumn arrives the trees steal back the show, with glorious displays of multicoloured foliage. Truth be told you may be a little underwhelmed it you plan your first visit for the winter – but it’s still good for walking the dog!
The theme of the arboretum is ‘Around the world in 80 trees’, so many of the specimens are very unusual, with huge or highly perfumed flowers, unusually big leaves, amazing bark and lovely autumn colours. In 2011 several OVRA members did a survey of the trees in the arboretum and mapped where each species could be found. They mapped and identified over 250 trees. Whilst some trees have come down in storms since then, the vast majority are still there.
Click here to see the map and species list from the 2011 survey
Some trees in the arboretum have been planted to commemorate special events or anniversaries. Others have been planted in memory of people. There is an aptly chosen Quick Thorn tree (a variety of Hawthorn) planted alongside the A3 next to the wild flower meadow to commemorate Mike Hawthorn, known as the Farnham Flyer. He was the UK’s first Formula One World Champion, winning the title in 1958. Sadly in January of 1959, at the age of just 29, he was killed in a car crash on the A3, very close to where the tree now grows. There used to be a commemorative plaque there to mark the tree, but unfortunately it got pinched!
OVRA produced some fascinating boards about the arboretum including lots of local history, photos and people’s memories of the area.
Click here to read the OVRA boards about Onslow Arboretum
For those of you who can’t get to the Arboretum in person we’re putting together a gallery of photos to show you some of its highlights throughout the year. If anyone has any photos you could add to our collection please let us know.
In May 2024 OVRA organised a tour of the arboretum given by the Guildford Borough Council Tree Officer and the Nature and Countryside Warden. There is a report of the tour, including lots of photos, in the Past Events section of this website, under the OVRA tab. Click here to visit the page.
Click here to see the Arboretum photo gallery