After a period of lockdown, isolation and a continuing era of uncertainty due the COVID-19 pandemic, many have a new found, or renewed, appreciation for natural spaces; recognising the benefits to their own health and wellbeing.
To compliment this sentiment, Westonbirt, the National Arboretum Forestry England’s and the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum charity are putting wellbeing at the forefront of visitor’s minds this summer, and is working to raise awareness to the importance of nature and spending time outside to support people’s wellbeing and mental health. As visitors explore the arboretum they will discover activities offering ways to connect with nature, others and themselves through the New Economic Foundation’s Five Ways to Wellbeing: Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning and Give.
Karen Price, Forestry England’s Community Officer at Westonbirt said,
‘Our mission is to connect people with trees, to improve quality of life. We hope these activities will encourage visitors to slow down, enjoy being in the natural space and spark conversations to improve their wellbeing. Studies show that people relax more when seeing greens or blues; perfect for a summer day in the woods at Westonbirt!’
Westonbirt Arboretum has been open since the 3 June with a new pre-booking system which is operating successfully to allow people to visit in a controlled and safe manner.
Feedback from visitors suggests that they are benefitting from being able to come back for a walk among the trees.
‘A day topping up the reserves and some beautiful inspiration at Westonbirt Arboretum, we’re so lucky’ – @gaynorljart
‘So peaceful and calming, just what I need to clear my head if only for a few hours’ – @mrskerib
‘Westonbirt Arboretum is the ideal place to get yourself lost physically, emotionally and mentally’ – @life.in.the.shire
Studies have proven that time spent in a quiet, natural surrounding can produce an overall feeling of well-being. Regular visits to forests and woodlands can have a lasting effect on how we feel, as well as our physical condition.
Westonbirt Arboretum is also connecting virtually to people who may not be able to visit at the moment with a weekly ‘Walk with Westonbirt’ series. Follow them on social media @westonbirtarb to spend some time virtually enjoying nature.
Entry to Westonbirt Arboretum is via pre-booked tickets only. Tickets can be purchased up to 7 days in advance and areavailable to book here.
