Priestfield Arboretum is situated just over a mile down the road in the neighbouring village of Little Kingshill. This privately owned tree collection was founded about a hundred years ago, and the 5.2 acre site now contains around 200 specimen trees representing about
180 different species. There are both mature trees and new plantings in the collection, including at least two National Champion trees. A Guide Book describing all the specimens is available for £2.75 including postage.
Priestfield is managed and maintained entirely by volunteers, who are supported by the Friends of Priestfield. Membership of the Friends costs £10 annually. Friends receive a quarterly newsletter, and have access to the Arboretum at all reasonable times.
Volunteers enjoy all these benefits free, in return for supporting a couple of Maintenance Days a year. Maintenance Days are held monthly, usually on the third Sunday morning of every month from 10am till noon. If you would like to help weed, build bonfires, pull brambles, mow, lop, and saw in beautiful scenery and good company, please contact the curator. Or wear old clothes, wellingtons or boots, and gloves, bring a flask of coffee, and just turn up.
Open days are held twice a year, on the third Sundays in May and October from 10:30 to 16:00, when guided tours are offered by the Friends.