February

Tree Love

Saturday 14th February

Throughout the world trees are often used as symbols for love and family. So why not celebrate this Valentine’s day with us? Discover the trees that matter most on our special Valentine trail and make your own willow heart for someone special. All activities are free, 10.30am - 3pm, ages 4+

Feathered Friends

Monday 16 to Friday 20th February

Discover our native woodland birds and their relationship with our trees by joining one of our activity walks (11-12, 1.30-2.30pm, daily) or taking part in our woodland birds trail. Then give the birds in your own garden a helping hand by building your own feeder or nest box. The event is in partnership with the RSPB. All activities are free (bird box making will incur a small charge), 10.30am - 3pm, ages 4+

April

Easter Eggtastic Challenge

Monday 6th to Friday 10th April

Can you find all the creatures that lay eggs at Westonbirt and solve our Easter riddle? Then create your own Easter crafts. All participants enter our Easter prize draw. £2 per child (excluding admission), 10.30am - 4pm

Wild woodland walks 

Tuesday 14th to Friday 17th April 

With spring in full swing why not venture out with us as we set out to discover the sensory secrets of Westonbirt. Use your nose, ears, eyes and hands to explore a bit further… Walks will take place at 11, 1.30 and 3pm and last approximately 1 hour. All activities are free, 10.30am - 4pm, ages 4+

May

Survival of the fittest

Tuesday 26th to Thursday 28th May

To celebrate the 150th anniversary of 'Origin of the Species' by Charles Darwin, we're going to be uncovering Westonbirt's secret battles. Discover the weapons, poisons, chemicals, fireproofing and other the incredible tactics trees use to survive, before discovering the new threats trees face today.  Take part in our ‘bush craft’ activity walks (11 – 12.30, 2.30 – 4pm) to see whether you have what it takes to survive and have a go at your own craft activities. All activities are free, 10.30am - 4pm, ages 4+

August

Fabulous fibres

Tuesday 4th to Thursday 6th August

2009 is the UN International Year of Natural Fibres and to celebrate we're setting out to discover the numerous ways plants provide us with the fibres, without which we would literally be naked! Have a go at grass weaving, natural dyeing, rope making and papermaking. There will be a different art activity each day – so why not come more than once! All activities are free, 10.30am - 4.30pm, ages 4+

Tree people

Tuesday 11th to Thursday 13th August

Look closely and you’ll find the true tree ents! Join us on this creative event as we 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.  There will also be activity walks (11 – 12, 3 – 4pm) and story telling (1.30 – 2pm). All activities are free, 10.30am - 4.30pm, ages 4+

Wonderful world of wood 

Monday 24th to Monday 31st August

Discover why wood is so good and make your own wood products. There will be a different art activity each day (24th - 27th August) – so why not come more than once! All activities are free, 10.30am - 4.30pm, ages 4+

October

Seed spectacular

Weekend 3rd / 4th October

Join us to discover an incredible variety of tree seeds through activities and art.  Collect and plant your own tree seed to take away. All activities are free, 10.30am - 4.30pm, ages 4+

Autumnal highlights

Monday 26th to Thursday 29th October

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 will be a different art activity each day – so why not come more than once! All activities are free, 10.30am - 4pm, ages 4+

December

Lost Reindeer Trail

Tuesday 1st to 21st December 

Discover the reasons behind many of our festive traditions and help Santa find his missing reindeer… Maps available at the Great Oak Hall.

Tree dressing

Saturday 5th December

Christmas trees aren't the only trees people decorate! Come and discover what trees mean to people around the world and think about what they mean to you. Make your own decorations. All activities are free, 10.30am - 4pm, ages 4+