Dogs

 

We love dogs at Westonbirt!

Together with their owners, they can explore, off the lead, the sights and smells of Silk Wood, (which covers two thirds of the Arboretum), and the whole of The Downs area. (At certain times of the year, to maintain the sward, sheep and cattle may graze The Downs, so please keep dogs on a lead near livestock).

But don't worry that you'll be missing out in Silk Wood - a lot of visitors, even without dogs, prefer its slightly less formal character and as far as colour is concerned, it's unsurpassed. You'll find the National Japanese Maple Collection here, as well as the newly-developed Rotary Glade.

However, please do make use of the dog litter bins. If you would like to explore the old arboretum after walking your dog please use the tie up facilities by Maples restaurant instead of leaving your dog shut up in the car. We do have  bowls of water and an outside tap by both sets of toilets. 

For your dog's safety, please keep your dogs on a lead in the car park areas. We know how excited they are to get out of the car and bound into the arboretum, but cars will be on the move and we would hate any accidents to happen.

Dog Free Zones

We also acknowledge that there are people who are nervous of dogs.

There are good reasons why the Old Arboretum is "dog-free". It's an area where parties of small children go and also, being on level ground, it appeals more to elderly and less active visitors, and parents with pushchairs, who may not be able or willing to withstand the attentions of exuberant "four-paws".

The other "no-go" areas are: Maples Restaurant, the Great Oak Hall, the Forest Shop and the toilets - yes, there have been occasions when dogs have been given a bath in the washbasins!

If you have any queries or comments regarding your visit, don't hesitate to speak to our staff or FOWA volunteers, or email: westonbirt@forestry.gsi.gov.uk