Spring is bursting into colour at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum – and visitors are being invited to uncover its best kept secrets.
Managed by Forestry England, the arboretum is encouraging families, couples and nature lovers alike to slow down, look closer and discover the small wonders that make spring such a magical time of year.
From emerging buds and vibrant blooms to the gentle stirrings of wildlife, Westonbirt’s new spring programme celebrates the fascinating science and stories behind the season.
Brand-new spring trails
Running from 1 March to 31 May, two new self-led trails will guide visitors through the arboretum’s colourful transformation.
The ‘Best Kept Secrets’ family spring trail invites children to explore interactive stops along the way, discovering changing flower colours and the hidden creatures living among the trees.
Meanwhile, ‘The Birds and the Bees and Trees’ trail offers visitors of all ages the chance to delve into the science of tree reproduction. By collecting a leaflet on arrival and following suggested locations across the arboretum, guests can uncover fun facts about pollination, blossoms and the clever survival strategies trees have evolved over time.
Easter activities for families
Over the Easter holidays, families can enjoy a range of special events included with admission.
‘The Secret World of Flowers’ takes place from Tuesday 7 April to Thursday 9 April (10.30am–3.30pm). Illustrator Katherine O’Shea will host nature journalling activity days, encouraging visitors of all ages to create their own flower journals before heading out to sketch, collage and collect fallen petals.
From Tuesday 31 March to Thursday 2 April (10.30am–3.30pm), the ‘Champion Trees Walk’ offers a guided family-friendly exploration of some of the arboretum’s largest and most impressive specimens.
On Saturday 18 April (10.30am–3.30pm), the ‘Spring Awakenings Discovery Day’ at Silk Wood Barn will focus on leaf bud burst, blossom and the sounds of the arboretum waking up after winter. Suitable for children aged three and above, the event also features a spring spotter quiz.
In May, families can join ‘Tree Pollinators’ on Saturday 16 May (10.30am–3.30pm), discovering how trees reproduce through pollination and even creating their own insect pollinator.
Magical woodland adventures
New for this year, Westonbirt is also hosting an interactive trail inspired by Room on the Broom. Families can join the Witch and her friends on an enchanting woodland adventure, complete with themed activities and forest facts. Trail packs are available from the Westonbirt shop for £4.
For teenagers and adults, four daily guided walks offer the chance to discover some of the arboretum’s most spectacular trees and hear the stories behind them.
Supporting conservation
Westonbirt continues to play a vital role in plant conservation and biodiversity. Its work is supported by the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum, with memberships available from £32 per year. Members receive unlimited entry while helping to fund essential tree conservation projects.
With colourful blossoms, fascinating science and family-friendly activities, Westonbirt’s team says spring is the season they quietly love most.
For more information, visit the Forestry England website.
