Membership: frequently asked questions
How can I join up for membership?
It’s very easy to join the Friends. If you are visiting, come along to the Great Oak Hall (open 10am - 4pm every day) where the volunteers will be more than happy to help. If the foyer is closed, please retain the membership form given to you at Admissions and send this in to us. Alternatively, you can join online from our website or download and print an application form and mail it in to us. We process membership applications and mail out all membership packs and cards within 14 days of the office receiving them. Unfortunately we are unable to take membership payments over the telephone.
What is the best way to renew my membership subscription?
About one month before your membership cards expire we will send out a renewal letter inviting you to renew your membership. You may send this back in the post with a cheque for your subscription fee or sign up to pay by Direct Debit payment. Alternatively you can pay for your renewal online or pop into the Great Oak Hall on your next visit. Take your renewal letter with you as this will save you writing out your details on a form again. Again, we cannot take payments over the phone.
I wish to take out membership when I visit. Will I be charged to enter the arboretum?
Yes, you will be charged at admissions when you enter the arboretum, but if you hold on to your receipt your adult admission will be discounted from your subscription fee when you take out membership at the Great Oak Hall. We are happy to accept completed application forms through the post with a receipt from your visit, providing the receipt is dated within the 7 days. Don’t forget to include payment with the deduction (child entry fees not included) as we cannot refund any monies once applications have been processed. If in any doubt, please do give the office a call.
How do I convert my annual membership to a 10 year membership?
When your membership is up for renewal just return the renewal form; ticking the 10 year membership box on the reverse and include a cheque for the appropriate subscription payment. We cannot accept Direct Debit. Card payments can be taken in the foyer of the Great Oak Hall (open 10am - 4pm every day) if you wish to renew whilst visiting or you may renew online.
What are the benefits of paying by Direct Debit?
Paying by Direct Debit is the greener way to pay as there is less paperwork and all payments are automatic. Before your old card expires we will send your new one without you having to do anything. Your payment will then be taken from your bank approximately three weeks after your new subscription begins and this date is given to you with your cards. If you have any changes to make to your membership, please contact us before that date.
Why do you want me to sign up for Gift Aid?
If you are a UK taxpayer we can reclaim 25p in every £1 of your subscription fee from the Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs. This gives us over £135,000 a year to put back into the arboretum at no extra expense to you, so we do ask if you are able to sign - please do!
Are my grandchildren included in my membership?
Yes, any adult or concession membership includes your own children and grandchildren 18 years and under.
I’ve lost my membership card, can I get a replacement and how?
Yes, we are happy to replace lost membership cards and we do ask for a small fee of £3 per card.
We cannot accept payment on the phone but you can send a cheque made payable to FOWA through the post. Please do make sure to include a covering letter with your full name and postal address. Alternatively, the volunteers in the Great Oak Hall (open 10am - 4pm every day) are always happy to help and can take payment from you (cash or cheque only). A replacement card will then be mailed to you from the office within 10 working days.
Please note – If you cannot show a valid membership card on entry to the arboretum, you will be charged at admissions and unfortunately, we cannot refund any admission fees paid. The same applies if you visit a reciprocal garden with no membership card.
How do I cancel my membership?
We are happy to accept cancellations through the post or by email. Please do try to include your membership number and full postal address in any correspondence, so we can ensure we cancel the right subscription. If you are a direct debit payer and you do not wish to renew an existing membership, please try to let us know at least one month before your renewal date to save the automatic printing and mailing out of your new membership cards.
Please note – if you wish to cancel your membership before the expiry date, we are unable to offer refunds for the months that are unused.
I require a carer to assist me on my visits
A carer who attends a member with disabilities may gain free entry to the arboretum at the discretion of the Forestry Commission.
I need to update my details
Please forward any change of details; address, name or direct debit details, to us by email or post making sure to include your membership number (if known) and your full postal address (old and new if changing your address).
If I apply for membership as a gift, can I have the membership cards and pack sent to me?
When filling out the membership application form, please tick the box in the section ‘This membership is a gift from’ to state who you wish the welcome pack and cards to be sent too. If you are taking out membership online, please fill out the ‘Billing address’ if you wish the welcome pack and cards to be sent to yourself.
Can I hire an electric scooter and how?
Your subscription fee helps the Friends to provide electric scooters and wheelchairs for those who require them and these are available from Visitor Services on 0666 881218. During busy periods pre-booking is essential. Electric scooters are provided free of charge.
Please visit www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt for more details about your visit.
Westonbirt has a community of 27,000 members. If you've got more questions, why not post a question on the Membership section of our forum - a place for members to talk to and help other members.
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