This autumn Forestry England’s Westonbirt, The National Arboretum invites you to experience the spectacular autumn colour whilst also letting it spark your creativity as they celebrate the season through art, observation and imagination!
Look beyond nature’s fireworks, with its explosion of vibrant autumn colour and observe the finer details of nature. With a sketchbook and your colour pencils in hand, explore your artistic side, capturing the textures, shapes, and stories of the trees around you. Or simply capture some of the most spectacular autumn photos you've ever taken.
From now until 30 November, Westonbirt Arboretum is also proud to host a stunning outdoor exhibition on The Downs in celebration of their sister site, Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest’s centenary. Created by the ‘Bedgebury National Pinetum Florilegium Society,’ the exhibition features 18 exquisite botanical illustrations of trees found in both arboreta. To complement the exhibition, visitors can follow the Drawn to Nature trail or The Art of autumn family trail in the Old Arboretum, that showcase several of the featured species in the exhibition.
Along with the arboretum providing a riot of stunning autumn colour to enjoy, there is a range of exciting activities lined up, exploring how Westonbirt protects and conserves trees. These activities are free after paying admission to the arboretum:
Image - Westonbirt Arbetorium, Credit Paul Groom
‘Drawn to Nature Autumn Trail’ – for all ages, from now until 30 November. Make your way to the Old Arboretum to explore the Discover the beauty of Westonbirt Arboretum in a whole new way and be inspired by the stunning botanical illustrations from the Bedgebury Florilegium exhibition.
Featuring nine tree species from the exhibition, this 1-mile trail in the Old Arboretum (dog free area) invites you to look beyond the vibrant autumn colours and observe the finer details of nature. Families with younger children can explore ‘The Art of Autumn’ family trail, also located within the Old Arboretum.
‘Spectacular Seeds’ Discovery Day, Saturday 20 September, 10:30am - 3:30pm, bring the children to find out about how amazing seeds are! For children from three years old this family event takes place in the Great Oak Hall at Westonbirt.
This is followed on Saturday 18 October with the ‘Fabulous Fungi’ Discovery Day for children and families.
‘Autumn’s Wonders’ family activity days, Tuesday 28 to Thursday 30 October, 10:30am - 3:30pm. Don’t miss this October half term family event - bring the kids to discover the science behind autumn colour change. Suitable for children from 5-years old.
‘Guided Autumn Family Walks’ for families with younger children, Monday 27 October and Friday 31 October, 10:30am-3pm, to help make the most of half-term week.
Ideal for families with children aged over 7 years, there is a ‘Community Woodland Public Volunteering Day’ taking place in Silk Wood on Saturday 11 October, 11:00am - 3:00pm. Bring the family to help re-plant an area of woodland cleared due to ash dieback.
‘Autumn Coppice Market,’ Saturday 25 to Sunday 26 October, 10:00am - 4:00pm. Head across the Treetop Walkway at Westonbirt to visit the Here you will find the resident coppicers from the arboretum in the coppice area, selling and demonstrating traditional crafts and skills.
For nature lovers of all ages, you can also choose one of Westonbirt’s daily guided walks and be sure to discover the arboretum’s hidden autumn secrets!
By exploring Westonbirt's world famous autumn colour have fun deepening your connection the living collections around you whilst taking an exciting creative jounery!
Prebooking your visit during October and November is recommended to guarantee admission during this busy period of the year. Members of the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum enjoy all these free events without paying admission on entry to the arboretum.
For more information about all the events and activities taking place at Westonbirt this autumn see: Forestryengland.uk/westonbirt/autumn
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