Westonbirt Arboretum announces new family trails this spring

Spring is bursting into colour at Forestry England’s Westonbirt, The National Arboretum and we’re all invited to stop, look closer and discover some of nature’s most surprising secrets.  

Image: Westonbirt Arboretum

Look closely and you’ll find small wonders at every turn. You’ll feel rewarded for your curiosity! Pause to notice the tiny details, take in the quiet moments, spot the many emerging colours and the gentle stir of wildlife as it wakes up to the season. All this celebrates the magic of this special time of year, brimming with life and colour.  

Brand-new spring trails to suit visitors of all age groups will help you slow down and notice the wonderful ‘why’ behind it all: the science behind how trees reproduce, nature’s unusual springtime stories and the fascinating little details hidden in the trees’ buds and blooms. 

As you wander through the arboretum, you’ll explore why flowers look the way they do, and how trees have developed nifty tricks for reproduction and ultimately, their survival. This spring, expect fun facts and curious discoveries that reveal the magical world of trees’ lives – the real ‘birds and bees’ for trees”!  

Westonbirt has an exciting variety of activities happening this spring - all free after paying admission to the arboretum.  

Plan a visit to enjoy: 

‘Best Kept Secrets’ family spring trail, from 1 March - 31 May, invites the children to take a journey to discover what the best kept spring secrets are at Westonbirt! Try some of the activities at each trail stop, from checking the changing colours of flowers to learning about the hidden creatures living among the trees.  

‘The Birds and the Bees and Trees’ from 1 March - 31 May, is a wonderful spring interpretation all age groups can enjoy, by collecting a leaflet on arrival and exploring suggested locations across the Arboretum. Expect fun facts and curious discoveries that reveal the magical world of tree reproduction – the real ‘birds and bees’ for trees”! 

Over the Easter holiday, there are two family events to take part in: 

‘The Secret World of Flowers, Tuesday 7 April - Thursday 9 April between 10.30am and 3.30pm.  

Illustrator Katherine O’Shea is coming to host nature journal activity days for any age. Have fun creating your own flower journal and then head out to explore the arboretum and fill your pages with sketches, collaged leaves and any exciting natural fallen petals you discover.     

‘Champion Trees Walk’, Tuesday 31 March - Thursday 2 April between 10:30am and 3:30pm.  

Join this fun and fascinating family walk this Easter and meet some of the biggest, and most impressive trees in the arboretum. Book your spot and explore the extraordinary!  

‘Spring Awakenings Discovery Day’, Saturday 18 April from 10:30am - 3:30pm. Suitable for children aged 3 years+, head to Silk Wood Barn to discover the wonders of leaf bud burst, trees blossoming, and the sounds of the arboretum waking up and try the spring spotter quiz as you walk to the barn. 

In May make a date for another family event: 

‘Tree Pollinators, Saturday 16 May from 10:30am - 3:30pm. 

How about following the pollination trail? During this children’s family activity day at Silk Wood Barn you’ll find out how trees reproduce through the process of pollination, and the different ways that they do this.  You can even have a go at making your own insect pollinator! 

Families can also embark on magical woodland adventures at Westonbirt with beloved characters from book and screen: Don’t miss exploring the Room on the Broom trail, new to Westonbirt this year. Join Witch and her friends on an enchanting adventure. This interactive family trail is packed with Room on the Broom themed activities, fascinating forest facts and plenty of hands-on fun. Don’t forget to pick up your trail pack, available from Westonbirt’s Shop for just £4. Each pack is filled with everything you need to bring the magic to life. 

For teenagers and adults of all ages why not choose one of Westonbirt’s four daily guided walks and be sure to see some of the arboretum’s most beautiful places and spectacular trees and to discover some fascinating stories.  

By continuing to care for the arboretum, Westonbirt’s team and the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum continue to sustain this vital haven for a vast range of plant and animal life. Visitors can join The Friends from as little as £32 per year, funding vital tree conservation while also enjoying unlimited entry for less than the price of three visits. 

Now you’re in on the secret, come and experience the season Westonbirt’s team quietly love the most. Visit Westonbirt this spring - where nature comes to life.  

For more information see: Forestryengland.uk/westonbirt/spring-westonbirt-arboretum