Autumn bursts onto the scene at Westonbirt Arboretum

It has been a little late in coming, but the thanks to this recent cold snap the autumn colours have burst onto the scene at Westonbirt Arboretum, just in time for half-term!

With autumn colours now at their peak, visitors to the National Arboretum over the next few weeks will be able to enjoy the vibrant hues of hickories, maples and 2,500 other tree species from all over the world, putting on one of nature’s greatest shows!

And with a host of different activities to enjoy, there’s something for everyone at the National Arboretum next week.

For those visiting with little ones in tow, head to Silk Wood Barn, where you can join in with arts and crafts activities from 10:30am – 3:30pm, Monday 28 Oct to Friday 1 Nov. With different autumn-inspired arts and crafts to enjoy every day, get the whole family creating acorn toadstools, clay fungi or seed creatures to take home.

There’s also plenty to keep the grown-ups entertained. The autumn seasonal trail takes visitors on a specially curated walk through the arboretum, passing some seasonal highlights along the way. This year the trail has a very special twist, giving visitors the opportunity to discover more about the threats of pests and diseases such as Chalara ash dieback, horse chestnut leaf miner and oak processionary moth.

And from Mon 28 Oct to Fri 1 Nov only, there is also the opportunity to head out on a very special ‘pest and disease’ guided walk lead by experts Becki and Laura from the Forestry Commission’s Tree Health team. Along the way, visitors will discover more about the threats trees now face, how organisations such as the Forestry Commission and Forestry England are working to protect them, and what they can do to help. Walks start at 12pm and 2:30pm from Maple Loop in Silk Wood.

Find out more about the exciting events and activities happening this half term at Westonbirt Arboretum: https://www.forestryengland.uk/westonbirt/events