Blog - Education & Learning

Thanks to the generosity of our Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum (FOWA) members, we were able to help fund transport for a very special wellbeing day at Westonbirt Arboretum.

At the Silkwood Community Planting Project, groups come together to volunteer their time, planting and caring for trees. Swindon Mind, has become frequent visitors to the project, spending time in nature to promote mental wellbeing.

Each month we’re bringing you a profile of one of the UK’s native tree species in the Silk Wood Community Planting Project – this month it’s the Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa).

The Silk Wood Community Planting Project Team (SWCPPT) introduce a new technique that will shape the way they plant trees and create resilient woodlands.

This month’s native tree is the Wild Service Tree (Sorbus torminalis), an indicator of ancient woodlands and one of the UK’s rarest natives.

As autumn settles over Silk Wood, the modest Field Maple, Britain’s only native maple, takes the spotlight. Its golden leaves light up the paths as dramatically as exotic maples elsewhere. Learn more about this humble native, another one of the newly planted species by our community project in Silk Wood.

As the days shorten and the leaves begin their magnificent transformation, September is the perfect time to visit Westonbirt and take full advantage of your membership benefits. With a stunning array of activities, from tranquil walks to hands-on workshops, there's a unique experience waiting for you around every corner.

We’re very excited about a plethora of new books on trees, just published in the past few weeks. Every purchase you make helps support the arboretum, so you can expand your library while helping to maintain Westonbirt's world-class tree collection.

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 month is the European pear.

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 month is the common beech.

Your membership provides free, year-round entry for you and up to four children, making spontaneous family days out a breeze this summer holiday.

Celebrating 1st Dursley Scouts’ achievements...

Each month we’re going to bring you a profile of one of the tree species being planted in the Silk Wood Community Planting Project. This month it's the Italian alder...

Getting to grips with grass ID in the Community Woodland...

Summer is in full swing at Westonbirt Arboretum. July is packed with wild walks, hands-on workshops, and family-friendly fun! From discovering the hidden stories behind wildflowers to crafting your own garden sculpture, it’s the perfect time to explore, create and connect with nature.