Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum

Blog - Blog

Tree of the month: Crab apple

Each month we’re going to bring you a profile of one of the UK native tree species being planted in the Silk Wood Community Planting Project – this October it's crab apple.

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Awe-inspiring autumn

Autumn is here, which means it’s the start of the season of fruiting and fading, where berries abound, leaves blaze, and the sun looks glorious! It's also the start of seed gathering season, where arboretum collections are expanded internationally through dedicated seed gathering trips.

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Introducing our membership for Young People aged 18-25

We’re excited to announce our new Young Person Membership, helping improve access to nature and the affordability of visits to Westonbirt Arboretum. It’s our goal to help support wellbeing in young people at the same time as conserving trees, developing the charity together.

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Beat around the bush

The Silk Wood Community Planting Project team and volunteers recently conducted a 'beat-up survey' to assess the survival rate of saplings planted last year.

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A Natural Volunteer

We've been incredibly fortunate to have Mother Nature as a dedicated volunteer. She's not only helped us plant over 30 trees (that we know of) but has also provided invaluable care and nourishment for our green spaces. And the best part? She works completely for free!...

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Tree of the Month: Pedunculate Oak

Supporting over 2,300 species, the oak is a true wildlife haven, hosting a diverse range of creatures from insects and birds to mammals and fungi. Its acorns provide a valuable food source for wildlife, and its timber has been used for centuries...

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The Chilli Club: A Family Affair

From backyard BBQs to Westonbirt shelves! The story of Chilli Club begins in the heart of a family passion, read on to find out more...

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Westonbirt's Brand New Play Areas! Where Families and Nature Connect...

We’re excited to announce a thrilling revamp of Westonbirt’s play areas designed to ignite a love of nature in children of all ages!...

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Autumn is just around the corner

Get ready to be captivated by Westonbirt this autumn as the arboretum transforms into a vibrant canvas of colour.

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Woodland Design Revisited

A whirlwind of creativity! We had a blast reviewing the amazing woodland designs created by local school groups. These inspiring ideas will help shape the future of Silk Wood. Stay tuned for updates on the chosen design!...

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Identity Parade

Sun, plants, and learning! Last month, we joined a Field Studies Council course to learn how to identify woodland plants. It was a fantastic two days of exploring the beautiful Silk Wood and gaining new knowledge about our local ecosystem.

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Caring Connections

Changes Bristol recently spent a day at Westonbirt Arboretum, nurturing saplings and learning about the vital role forests play in our ecosystem. Discover how this rewarding experience benefitted both their mental well-being and the planet.

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Buzzing with Goodness: Support Local, Save Bees

Looking for a delicious way to support a good cause? Look no further than the Westonbirt Shop! We're proud to stock a range of Tracklements condiments, including their popular crabapple and medlar jellies.

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Tree of the month: Rowan

Each month we’re going to bring you a profile of one of the UK native tree species being planted in the Silk Wood Community Planting Project – this August it’s rowan.

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Play at Westonbirt

Westonbirt Arboretum is set to transform its grounds with two new, accessible, and nature-inspired play zones designed by Earth Wrights. These spaces promise to be a haven for children to explore, learn, and grow, fostering a deep connection with the natural world.

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