Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum

Blog - Community activities

The Sound of the Underground

Eco-acoustics, or acoustic ecology, is the study of sound in the environment – including human generated noise (anthrophony), sounds generated by nature (biophony), or even sounds of the earth such as wind, waves, and geological movements (geophony).

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‘Trees for the Future’ family activities share pledges for trees

This autumn, along with the arboretum providing a riot of stunning autumn colour to enjoy, there was also a range of exciting activities on offer for visitors and families to experience, exploring how Westonbirt cares for trees.

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The Robin Bus: Enhancing Accessibility at Westonbirt Arboretum

At The Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum, we believe that nature should be accessible to everyone. That's why we’re thrilled to highlight that Westonbirt Arboretum has joined The Robin bus route.

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What’s in a story? Unreflected Reflections, the biography of community

If ever there was a demonstration of the value of intergenerational storytelling, it was our day shared with The Friendship Café watching the third in their trilogy of community films. Unreflected Reflections tells the story of the Muslim Community in Gloucester, with its gentle biographical style exploring the history of faith in the city.

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Tree of the month: Alder buckthorn

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. For November, it’s the alder buckthorn.

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A Summer of Success – in numbers

With the crisp autumn air and shorter days upon us, let’s revisit the warmer, albeit wetter, months of the Silk Wood Community Planting Project.

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3 Reasons Why Now is the Perfect Time to Join with a Young Person Member

For only £30, Young Person Membership with the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretumis designed to help young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 access nature, boost wellbeing, and support endangered tree species.

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Become a Volunteer Guide at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

Are you passionate about nature and sharing your knowledge with others? Do you enjoy connecting people with the beauty and significance of trees? If so, we invite you to join Westonbirt’s team of volunteer guides at the arboretum.

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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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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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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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