Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum

Get ready for the Big Forest Find!

Posted: May 30, 2019 at 13:43 pm

This spring, we are inviting you to join in the biggest ever survey of England’s forest wildlife.

The Big Forest Find will take place at Westonbirt Arboretum, and in other forests across the country, as expert ecologists lead volunteers on a journey of discovery through England’s wooded landscapes.

From birds and butterflies to insects and plant life on the forest floor, the information recorded will help to paint a better picture of England’s forest biodiversity today. To carry out the work, we are working with wildlife and conservation organisations and will host expert-led walks around the arboretum on Friday 31 May & Saturday 1 June.

How can you be involved?

Help us by recording your findings!


When is it happening?

Friday 31 May & Saturday 01 June 2019

Timetable Friday 31 May

10:30am Trees of The Old Arboretum

10:30am Butterflies & Moths

11:30am Worms

12:30pm Trees of Silk Wood

1:30pm Birds

2:00pm Wildflowers

Timetable Saturday 01 June

10:30am Tress of The Old Arboretum

10:30am Birds

11:30am Wildflowers

12:30pm Trees of Silk Wood

12:30pm Birds

1.30pm 6 & 8 legged creatures

Download the app now:

iNaturalist for iOS

iNaturalist for Android

The Big Forest Find builds on the success of Westonbirt’s 2017 BioBlitz, which saw over 800 different species of flora and fauna being recorded across two days. This information helps us manage the valuable ecosystem provided by the Arboretum. This year, we are delighted to be working with Butterfly Conservation, Back from the Brink, Gloucestershire Raptor Monitoring Group, iNaturalist, Forest Research, Gloucestershire bat group, Bristol Naturalist Society and Gloucester Naturalist Society.

The Big Forest Find is part of the Year of Green Action, a year-long drive in 2019 to help people to connect with, protect and enhance nature.