‘Love our Wildlife with the RSPB’ half term family event This half term make friends with birds and beetles and help your family discover the abundance of wildlife in your back garden at Westonbirt – the National Arboretum, managed by the Forestry Commission.
From 15-19 February, Westonbirt Arboretum is partnering with the RSPB to get up close and personal with our native wildlife.
Discover woodland creatures on a family activity trail, make feeders and homes for birds and woodland animals, or get creative by making animal masks or badges.
Caroline Bennett, education officer at Westonbirt commented:
“Westonbirt is a great place to learn about the birds and wildlife which share our gardens.
“Children who take part in our half term activities can find out what they like to eat and where they find their food. We’ll also have fun finding out how we can help our mini-beast neighbours set up home in our gardens.”
The Love our Wildlife event runs each day between 10.30am and 3.00pm.
Westonbirt is open all year round, from 9am-5pm. From 2 January to 28 February, admission to the arboretum is £6 for adults, £5 concessions and £2 children. The Love our Wildlife event is free after admission.
Westonbirt Arboretum is three miles south west of Tetbury on the A433 (Tetbury to Bath Road). It is 10 miles north east of Junction 18 of the M4, and south east of junction 13 of the M5.
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. Images attached. Please credit: Westonbirt Arboretum.
2. Westonbirt - The National Arboretum is managed by the Forestry Commission and renowned worldwide for its tree and shrub collection. It contains nearly 16,000 specimens, including almost half of the woody plants known to grow in the world's temperate climate zone. It covers 600 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. Its importance is recognised by English Heritage's Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historical Interest as a Grade 1 registered Landscape. Visitor numbers are 350,000 a year, with a membership of over 21,000.
3. Westonbirt Arboretum was established in the 1850s by wealthy landowner Robert Holford, and later developed by his son George Holford. Much of Westonbirt's renowned autumn colour is credited to Sir George's plantings of Japanese maples between 1875 and 1900, many of which are still alive today. Unlike many arboreta, Westonbirt is laid out according to aesthetic appeal rather than scientific or geographical criteria, and the Holfords' legacy is open for all to enjoy - a beautiful, relaxing and unique day out among some of the tallest, oldest and rarest trees and shrubs in Britain.
4. Westonbirt is home to the National Japanese Maple (Acer) Collection, with over 300 different types in the collection. The Forestry Commission opened Westonbirt Arboretum to the public in 1961, and in 1966 a new Acer Glade was established, alongside the original one planted by Robert and George Holford in 1875. Today, Westonbirt is in the process of creating the world’s best collection of maples.
5. The Forestry Commission is the government department responsible in England for protecting, expanding and promoting the sustainable management of woods and forests and increasing their value to society and the environment. Forestry makes a real contribution to sustainable development, providing social and environmental benefits arising from planting and managing attractive, as well as productive, woodlands. Further information can be found at www.forestry.gov.uk
MEDIA CONTACTS
Katrina Podlewska, Communications Manager, Westonbirt the National Arboretum, tel 01666 881 207 or email: katrina.podlewska@forestry.gsi.gov.uk