One of my favorite spots for a spring walk is located in Devonshire Parish. The Bermuda Arboretum, a national park, covers 22 acres. Formerly owned by the British War Department, the land was handed over to the Bermuda government after the British left in 1951.

The park is managed by the Department of Agriculture and offers one of the most comprehensive natural habitats of endemic plants in Bermuda.

The space available in these 22 acres is often frequented by picnic-goers, and has ideal trails for walking or running.

The park is managed by the Department of Agriculture and offers one of the most comprehensive natural habitats of endemic plants in Bermuda. When the Arboretum was established, the Department of Agriculture employed several horticulturists who obtained saplings from Japan, New Guinea, and Canada.  These saplings joined specimens sent by Queen Elizabeth II from the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew and have together grown into the cedars, flowering golden acacias, exotic rubber trees, black ebony, and avocado trees that are found in the Arboretum today.

Included in this walk is a picturesque Bermuda cedar bridge which crosses over a small pool.

The Bermuda Arboretum, a national park, covers 22 acres.

The Arboretum is also a great bird sanctuary. It’s home to many types of birds including cardinals, rare bluebirds, and of course kiskadees. The 20 minute walk through the park takes you through the distinct sections of wildflower meadows, a large collection of conifer trees, a beautiful gazebo framed by large olive trees, and then eventually to a collection of palm trees including Bermuda palms and Chinese fan palms.  Also included in this walk is a picturesque Bermuda cedar bridge which crosses over a small pool. The space available in these 22 acres is often frequented by picnic-goers, and has ideal trails for walking or running.        

The park is open from sunrise to sunset and admission is free.

The Arboretum plays host to many events throughout the year including mountain bike races as well as cross-country events. The park is open from sunrise to sunset and admission is free. To reach the Arboretum from Hamilton, hop on bus #3 from the Hamilton bus terminal to the corner of Middle Road and Montpelier Road (roughly a 7 minute ride). Entrances are open on both Middle Road and Montpelier Road.

Lindsey Lehman is the Bermuda Editor for Wandering Educators

All photos courtesy and copyright Lindsey Lehman