Westonbirt announces new family activities for winter 2023

Winter in Westonbirt's forests and woodland is a magical time for families. Hear the rustling of leaves in the wind, listen out for bird song and look out for frost sparkling in dappled sun. 

Wrap up warm and head to Westonbirt, The National Arboretum where you can take a journey around the arboretum to explore ‘Winter’s Wonders,' a new family trail through Silk Wood. Tune in to nature by enjoying a winter ‘sound hunt’ listening for the wind blowing through the treetops, the birds singing and your footsteps crunching on leaves. Learn about the science of winter and trees and find out how animals keep cosy in the woodland. 

Image: A family on the trail at Westonbirt, credit Forestry England

During half-term, 14 to 16 February, children can also take part in ‘Charcoal Creations,' creating their very own charcoal craft drawing inspired by nature’s wonders of winter, gathered from the arboretum.

Rachel Barnett, Learning Assistant at Westonbirt says: “We are excited to introduce a new family activity trail that encourages children to notice nature’s winter wonders. By exploring woodland, through the joy of sight, sound, touch and play, children will also learn how to appreciate and care for forests.”

And you and the children can also join Zog on his magical forest adventure while you are here at Westonbirt! 

Image: Westonbirt in winter, credit Johnny Hathaway

This new family activity trail will encourage your little dragons to learn about Zog, a loveable, if somewhat clumsy dragon at Madam Dragon’s school, who is always striving to win a golden star. Here at Westonbirt, Zog will help children learn how they can care for the forest and how the forests can care for them. You may even learn essential dragon skills including flying, roaring, and capturing princesses!

How better to experience winter over the next few weeks than exploring the great outdoors with the children? 

To find out more, see forestryengland.uk/westonbirt.