Inviting all young explorers: Westonbirt's brand-new Exploratree play area now open!

Forestry England’s play ethos is to encourage children to develop a curiosity, understanding and love of the natural environment through encouraging exploration, discovery and creative play.

Children inhabit a wonderfully imaginative world and Westonbirt, The National Arboretum’s brand-new Exploratree area creates an exciting natural play space for children to become explorers, scavengers or plant hunters venturing out into the woodlands of Westonbirt to return with found natural treasures to investigate together in Explorers’ Lab!

Exploring the theme of ‘Explorers’ in a wider sense is a nod to the previous Exploratree playground, whilst also breathing new life into this well-loved play location with a carefully considered new scheme that flows, has charm and visual appeal. The Explorer story being told in the new play area is based on plant collection expeditions that took place in days gone past, continued at Westonbirt today: 

“Enter through the ‘Portal’, wind your way along the accessible timber boardwalk to the explorers’ ‘Weather Station’ hut from where you can climb or hide to survey the woodland. Next stop: head out to scavenge for forest finds to bring back to the ‘Explorers’ Lab’. In this innovative forest laboratory get busy collaborating, measuring and investigating your precious natural forest treasures with fellow Explorers you meet on the way! You might want to stay forever and become Westonbirt’s next generation of conservationists.”

Image - Exploratree Westonbirt Arboretum, credit Johnny Hathaway

Neil Seegobin, Project Manager at Westonbirt says: 

“We’re passionate about children developing a sense of curiosity, understanding and love for the natural environment around them through discovery and imaginative play. The new Exploratree is the latest in an ongoing programme of investment in natural play areas here at Westonbirt Arboretum. Over the next two years we look forward to installing at least two more exciting and inclusive natural play spaces”.

Designed by Green Play Project, experts in outdoor play design, Exploratree’s redevelopment is also the culmination of more than four years’ work by Westonbirt's team, play focus groups and fundraisers. 

2025-2026 will see the introduction of two more new play areas within the arboretum in dog-friendly Silk. The Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum continue fundraising to support the delivery of these further phases. 

There is a wide range of things to do this summer at Westonbirt Arboretum that offer the perfect blend of playful adventure for every member of the family. Everyone is invited to let their imagination run wild as they roam free and connect with nature in this beautiful place.  

For more information see: Forestryengland.uk/westonbirt/play