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Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum

Have you experienced spring at Westonbirt yet?

Posted: April 8, 2026 at 08:24 am Author: Jo Murray

The British weather is showing us just how varied spring can be as the thermometer needle swings from winter hats in the morning to sun hats in the afternoon! And things are 'hotting' up at Westonbirt too this spring, as the flamboyant magnolias make way for the bursts of rhododendrons and the delicate bluebell carpets. This is your one stop to discover everything you won’t want to miss at Westonbirt this April…

Nature

Westonbirt’s best kept secret is spring. Every turn brings a new pop of colour, scent and atmosphere to experience as the arboretum begins to flourish.

Magnolias

Magnolias

Large, ancient, flowering plants dating back over 100 million years, predating bees and relying on beetles for pollination.

Rhododendrons

Rhododendrons

Some rhododendrons are epiphytes, meaning they collect their nutrients from the air, rather than underground.

Bluebells

Bluebells

Bluebells are extremely fragile; a colony can take five to seven years to recover after being trampled. Be conservation-friendly and stay on the path to protect these delicate beauties.

If you’ve never joined a guided walk, now is the time to explore the arboretum in a brand new way!

“I’ve been a member for decades and just did my first guided walk – it was incredible!”

There’s so much to discover and our guides are eager to show you the best Westonbirt has to offer.

Wildlife

Look out for the return of migratory birds, such as the Chiffchaff, Blackcap and House Martins. The recently restored bird hide is a great place to perch and spot some comings and goings of wildlife. Read our bird hide restoration blog here.

Nuthatch

Family Activities

The Secret World of Flowers
Tue 07 - Thu 09 Apr | 10.30am - 3.30pm
Spring Awakenings
Sat 18 Apr | 10.30am - 3.30pm
Face Painting by Art by Anna Boik
Weekends, Bank Holidays, and School Holidays | 12pm - 4pm

Family

Events

Guided Walks
Daily (11am & 2pm) | Discovery (Thu 11.30am) | Sensing Nature (Fri 11.30am) | Wildflower (1st Tue of the month 10.30am)
Hazel Beanpoles and Peasticks Sales
Every Thu (10am - 2pm) | Plus Fri 10 - Sun 12 Apr (10am - 4pm)
Spring Coppice Market
Sat 11 & Sun 12 Apr | 10am - 4pm
Westonbirt 10K
Wed 29 Apr | 6pm

Guided walk

Workshops - booking required

Nordic Walking - Every Tue & Wed (10am)
Planning Garden Borders - Sat 11 Apr (10am - 4pm)
Forest Bathing - Tue 14 & 28 Apr (10.15am)
Tots & Twigs Forest School - Mon, Thu, Fri (Various times)
Willow Sculpture Workshop - 18 Apr (10am - 4pm)
Japanese Art of Kintsugi - Fri 24 & Sat 25 Apr
Woodland Management - Sat 25 & Sun 26 Apr

Deepen your connection with nature while supporting vital conservation efforts through your membership.

Share your best April photos with us on Instagram using #WestonbirtFriends for a chance to be featured in our next newsletter!