A Visit to Whipsnade Tree Cathedral

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The Whipsnade Tree Cathedral is an attraction maintained and managed by the National Trust near Dunstable. The project started in 1930 as a commemoration to soldiers who fought in the Great War; Edmund K. Blyth had the idea as he was inspired by nature and cathedrals and dedicated it to the memory fallen friends. The Whipsnade Tree Cathedral follows the footprint of a medieval cathedral; although it is not an official place of worship, blessings and outdoor worship has taken place here. The nave and chancel, created by trees, is taken from the measurements of the abbey at St. Albans, which is the longest in the world. Different trees are planted in different areas of the 'cathedral'.

whipsnade-tree-cathedral1.jpg

The cloisters, which is pictured above, contains flowering trees and shrubs and a dew pond hollow in the middle. The different areas of the cathedral have different trees planted such as colourful maple in the 'autumn chapel', cherry in the 'Easter chapel', oak in the south entrance, Norwegian spruce in the 'Christmas chapel', and silver birch in 'the towers'.

whipsnade tree cathedral

whipsnade tree cathedral

whipsnade tree cathedral

whipsnade tree cathedral

whipsnade tree cathedral

whipsnade tree cathedral

whipsnade tree cathedral

whipsnade tree cathedral

whipsnade tree cathedral

whipsnade tree cathedral

whipsnade tree cathedral

whipsnade tree cathedral

The Whipsnade Tree Cathedral is maintained throughout the year and open from dawn to dusk to visitors. Entry is free to National Trust members, but the public can visit by giving a donation in the donation box near the entrance. 

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