Events Calendar 2009
What’s On at Westonbirt 2009
Last updated 24 June 2009
Westonbirt – The National Arboretum
Telephone: 01666 880220
www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
2009
JULY
Tuesday 7, Thurs 9, Wednesday 15, Tuesday 21, Thursday 23 and Wednesday 29 July
HOLFORD HERITAGE TOUR – Guided walk
A rare opportunity to visit the original residence of Westonbirt’s creator Robert Holford, now a school. After lunch, a guided tour of the national arboretum completes the story. 10am – 3.30pm. £20.00 including morning tea/coffee.
Booking essential. Telephone: 01666 881200.
Saturday 11 July
CHAMPION TREES – Guided walk
Come and meet Westonbirt’s champion trees - the tallest or largest of their kind in Britain – and hear their remarkable stories.
11am – 1pm. Meet at the Great Oak Hall.
Booking essential. Telephone: 01666 880220. www/forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 July
GREEN WOODWORK WEEKEND Workshop
Hands-on course teaching traditional woodworking skills using a froe, axe, drawknife, shave horse and a pole lathe. Participants should bring suitable clothing for outside activity, stout shoes or walking boots and a packed lunch. £95.
Booking essential. Telephone Paul Hodgson on 01453 753 452 or visit www.CotswoldWoodlandCrafts.co.uk
Sunday 12 July
WOOD SALES
Specialist wood sales held on the second Sunday of every month from 10am to 1pm. All manner of wood and sawn timber is available, produced from the routine pruning and thinning of specimen trees within the arboretum. Proceeds go to the Friends of Westonbirt and so cash or cheques are only acceptable. Adults £7, Concs, £6 Children £2. Telephone: 01666 880220. www/forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
Friday 17 July
David Gray Pop Concert
The British singer-songwriter has had three UK No. 1 albums and has been twice winner of the prestigious Ivor Novello Award, in 2001 for his breakthrough single “Babylon” and again in 2003 for the single “The Other Side”. David will be releasing a new studio album later this year. Tickets £31.50 (subject to booking fee), on sale from 9am Friday 6 March.
Forestry Commission Box Office: Tel 01842 814612 or buy on line at www.forestry.gov.uk/music Tickets can also be purchased in person at the arboretum shop
Saturday 18 July
VANESSA-MAE Annual Westonbirt picnic concert with firework finale
Vanessa-Mae with her band and the National Symphony Orchestra, will be performing at Westonbirt Arboretum. Tickets £29.50 (subject to booking fee), on sale from 9am Friday 28 November. Special guests – All Angels.
Forestry Commission Box Office: Tel 01842 814612 or buy on line at www.forestry.gov.uk/music Tickets can also be purchased in person at the arboretum shop
Monday 20 – Saturday 25 July
MAKE A WINDSOR CHAIR
Six-day chair making course.
Booking essential. Telephone Paul Hayden on 01373 836051
Sunday 26 July
CANCER RESEARCH UK FAMILY WALK – Charity walk
The Wiltshire Walk committee is organising a Midsummer Meander in aid of Cancer Research UK. Walkers can take a 5k or 10k route through the arboretum. For all ages - bring children, dogs and picnics.
Registration £6. Walkers are also encouraged to raise extra sponsorship for Cancer Research UK. Register at http://supportus.cancerresearchuk.org or Tel 01684 290137
AUGUST
Monday 3 August at 3pm
RNLI WALK Charity walk
5k walk starting at 3pm. Contact Carla Rowley for further details: 01202 336026 or 07785 724404.
Tuesday 4 – Thursday 6 August
FABULOUS FIBRES – Family event
Discover the plants that provide us with the fibres without which we would literally be naked! Then have a go at grass weaving, natural dyeing, rope making and papermaking. There will be a different art activity each day.
Free after admission. Adults £7 Concs, £6 Children £2.
Telephone: 01666 880220. www/forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
Wednesday 6, Tuesday 11, Wednesday 19, Tuesday 25 August
HOLFORD HERITAGE TOUR – Guided walk
A rare opportunity to visit the original residence of Westonbirt’s creator Robert Holford, now a school. After lunch, a guided tour of the National Arboretum completes the story. 10am – 3.30pm. £20.00 including morning tea/coffee.
Booking essential. Telephone: 01666 881200.
Sunday 9 August
WOOD SALES
Specialist wood sales held on the second Sunday of every month from 10am to 1pm. All manner of wood and sawn timber is available, produced from the routine pruning and thinning of specimen trees within the arboretum. Proceeds go to the Friends of Westonbirt and so cash or cheques are only acceptable. Adults £7 Concs, £6 Children £2.
Telephone: 01666 880220. www/forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
Tuesday 11 – Thursday 13 August
TREE PEOPLE – Family event
Look closely and you’ll find the tree people! Join us on this creative event as we explore the characters of the tree world. Then use the arboretum for inspiration and natural ‘stuff’ to create your own woodland puppet or goblin. Free after admission. Adults £7 Concs, £6 Children £2.
Telephone: 01666 880220. www/forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
Saturday 15 August
AMERICAN TREES – Guided Walk
Discover the remarkable trees and shrubs from across the ‘pond’. Hear incredible tales of early plant hunters and how many of the trees they brought back home still have a profound effect on our landscape and lives.
11am – 1pm. Meet at the Great Oak Hall.
Booking essential. Telephone: 01666 880220. www/forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
Wednesday 26 – Tuesday 1 September
‘SHADES AND COLOUR – Exhibition
“The Crowd” Susanna Gilmore Powell, Stephen Clifton and Frank Chapman are all professional artists and friends from South Gloucestershire who enjoy painting the colours and forms of nature. Between them they work in oil, acrylic, pastel, watercolour and pen and ink. They have produced a variety of work inspired by nature and the countryside. Their subjects include flowers, landscapes and tree studies in colour and black and white. Exhibition opening times: Wednesday 26 August (12 midday – 4pm), Thursday 27 August – Monday 31 August (10am – 4pm), Tuesday 1 September (10am – 2pm) |For further information contact Susanna Gilmore Powell on 01454 773506. Email s.gilmorepowell@btinternet.com. www.susannagilmorepoowell.co.uk
Monday 24 – Monday 31 August
FESTIVAL OF THE TREE
Tree-mendous fun for everyone Woodcarvers at work, trips into the treetops or some gentle retail therapy… this year Westonbirt Arboretum’s Festival of the Tree has something for everyone. From Monday 24 August, twelve talented sculptors will take up their chainsaws and chisels and carve out fabulous giant sculptures – all from tree trunks recycled from this much-loved Forestry Commission estate, and made ready for auction on Bank Holiday Monday in support of the charity Tree Aid. The Festival of the Tree is open from 9am-5pm. During the festival, admission to the whole arboretum is £8 for adults, £7 concessions, £3 for children (18yrs and under). Discounted weekly tickets for return visits to the festival are £20 for adults, £16 concession, £5 children. Telephone: 01666 880220. www/forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
Tuesday 25 August
WILLOW STRUCTURES FOR YOUR GARDEN - FULLY BOOKED
As part of the Festival of the Tree Event Programme, spend an enjoyable day making 3-4 structures for the garden - wigwams, fans, trellis, small hurdles. All tools and materials supplied by tutor. Leave plenty of space in your car. Cost £50. 10.30am – 3.30pm.
Fully Booked.
Saturday 29 August
WILLOW STRUCTURES FOR YOUR GARDEN
As part of the Festival of the Tree Event Programme, spend an enjoyable day making 3-4 structures for the garden - wigwams, fans, trellis, small hurdles. All tools and materials supplied by tutor. Leave plenty of space in your car. Cost £50. 10.30am – 3.30pm.
Booking essential. Telephone Norah Kennedy on 01453 751010
SEPTEMBER
Saturday 5 September at 6pm
MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT - 10k Tree Trot
10k run at 6pm. Contact Sarah Grant on 01432 343030 or email sgrout@macmillan.org.uk
Friday 11 September from 7 – 9pm
BAT WALK
A walk with Andy Smart of the Gloucestershire Bat Group to identify and learn more about the bats in and around Westonbirt. £4 per adult.
7-9pm
Booking essential. Telephone: 01666 880220. www/forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
Sunday 13 September
WOOD SALES
Specialist wood sales held on the second Sunday of every month from 10am to 1pm. All manner of wood and sawn timber is available, produced from the routine pruning and thinning of specimen trees within the arboretum. Proceeds go to the Friends of Westonbirt and so cash or cheques are only acceptable. Adults £7, Concs, £6 Children £2. Telephone: 01666 880220. www/forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
Friday 18 September at 5pm
HOPE FOR TOMORROW WALK - Charity walk
5k walk starting at 5pm. Contact Tracy Lodge for further details: 01666 505055.
Saturday 19 – Sunday 19 September
GREEN WOODWORK WEEKEND Workshop
Hands-on course teaching traditional woodworking skills using a froe, axe, drawknife, shave horse and a pole lathe. Participants should bring suitable clothing for outside activity, stout shoes or walking boots and a packed lunch. £95.
Booking essential. Telephone Paul Hodgson on 01453 753 452 or visit www.CotswoldWoodlandCrafts.co.uk
Sunday 20 September at 1pm
ALZHEIMERS WALK Charity walk
1 mile walk starting at 1pm. Contact Sarah Thomson for further details: 01249 443469or emailnwilts@alzheimers.org.uk
Monday 21 – Saturday 26 September
MAKE A WINDSOR CHAIR - Workshop
Six-day chair making course.
Booking essential. Telephone Paul Hayden on 01373 836051
Sunday 27 Sept
HEARING DOGS WALK Charity walk
Contact Marilyn Sydenham for further details: 01656 872707 or email marilyn.sydenham@hearing-dogs.co.uk
OCTOBER
Saturday 3 October
FUNGAL FORAY
Join Dave Shorten from the Cotswold Fungus Group on a fungal foray walk.
Walks at 10.30am – 12.30 and 2pm – 4pm setting off from the Education Centre.
Booking essential as places limited. £5 per head plus admission (adults £8, concs, £7 children £3. Telephone: 01666 880220. www/forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October
SEED SPECTACULAR – Family Event
Join us as we discover an incredible variety of tree seeds through activities and art. Collect and plant your own tree seed to take away. 10.30- 4.30pm. Free after admission. Adults £8, Concs, £7 Children £3.
Telephone: 01666 880220. www/forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
Monday 5 – Saturday 10 October
MAKE A WINDSOR CHAIR - Workshop
Six-day chair making course.
Booking essential. Telephone Paul Hayden on 01373 836051
Tuesday 6 – Sunday 11 October
SUE TOWNSEND ART EXHIBITION & SALE – Exhibition
Details to follow.
Saturday 10 October
AUTUMN FRUITS AND BERRIES – Guided walk
Discover the reasons behind the many shapes and sizes of seed packages, and take in Westonbirt’s autumn colour.
11am – 1pm. Meet at the Great Oak Hall.
Booking essential. Telephone: 01666 880220. www/forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
Sunday 11 October
WOOD SALES
Specialist wood sales held on the second Sunday of every month from 10am to 1pm. All manner of wood and sawn timber is available, produced from the routine pruning and thinning of specimen trees within the arboretum. Proceeds go to the Friends of Westonbirt and so cash or cheques are only acceptable. Adults £8, Concs, £7 Children £3. Telephone: 01666 880220. www/forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
Tuesday 13 – Sunday 18 October
‘CREATIVE COTERIE’ ART EXHIBITION & SALE
Details to follow.
Tuesday 20 – Sunday 25 October
HELEN CRAWFORD ART EXHIBITION & SALE - Exhibition
Monday 26 – Thursday 29 October
NATURAL AUTUMN COLOUR – Family Event
Discover why our trees change colour and witness the spectacular Westonbirt autumn first-hand. Then have a go at your own tree-inspired art. There’s a different art activity each day. Free after admission. Adults £8, Concs, £7 Children £3. Telephone: 01666 880220. www/forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
Friday 30 October – Sunday 8 November (not including 2 November)
A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF WESTONBIRT Exhibition & Sales
Exhibition by photographer Sarah Howard featuring images from her new book ‘A Year in the Life of Westonbirt’. Images for sale, and book available in Forest Shop.
Great Oak Hall. Free on admission.
Saturday 31 October
FUNGAL FORAY
Join Dave Shorten from the Cotswold Fungus Group on a fungal foray.
Walks at 10.30am – 12.30 and 2pm – 4pm, setting off from the Education Centre.
Booking essential as places limited. £5 per head plus admission (adults £8, concs, £7 children £3). Telephone: 01666 880220. www/forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
MID OCTOBER TO MID NOVEMBER (approx.)
AUTUMN COLOUR
Sunday 8 November
WOOD SALES
Specialist wood sales held on the second Sunday of every month from 10am to 1pm. All manner of wood and sawn timber is available, produced from the routine pruning and thinning of specimen trees within the arboretum. Proceeds go to the Friends of Westonbirt and so cash or cheques are only acceptable. Adults £8, Concs, £7 Children £3. Telephone: 01666 880220. www/forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER
Friday 27 November to Sunday 20 December (Friday to Sunday evenings)
ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS
Saturday 5 December
TREE DRESSING - Family Event
Discover what trees mean to people around the world, and think about what they mean to you. Pay and Display Car parking only at £5 per car. Telephone: 01666 880220. www/forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
Sunday 13 December
WOOD SALES
Specialist wood sales held on the second Sunday of every month from 10am to 1pm. All manner of wood and sawn timber is available, produced from the routine pruning and thinning of specimen trees within the arboretum. Proceeds go to the Friends of Westonbirt and so cash or cheques are only acceptable. Pay and Display Car parking only at £5 per car. Telephone: 01666 880220. www/forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
General Enquiries Mon – Fri (9am – 5pm) Tel: 01666 880220
www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt email: westonbirt@forestry.gov.uk
