Celebrating the New Weather Vane
There's something new in the air at Westonbirt - have you noticed the Play Area weather vane?
And the winner is…
If you’ve been exploring the new play area recently, you may have noticed something special above your head – a freshly installed weather vane, designed by competition winner and Member, Natalie Chambers.
Why a weather vane?
Weather vanes are among the oldest weather instruments, used to anticipate changes in wind direction and guide communities in planting crops, setting out to sea, and preparing for storms. Over time, they also became decorative and symbolic, often reflecting the stories and identity of local communities.
Here at Westonbirt, we felt a weather vane would make the perfect feature for the new play area – something eye-catching and playful, that helps children and families connect with the natural world in a simple yet meaningful way.
The design competition
This summer, we invited the community to take part in a competition to design the vane. We were looking for ideas that would crown the play area with creativity, celebrate the joy of discovery and reflect Westonbirt’s values of heritage, imagination, and connection with nature.
The response was fantastic, with imaginative entries submitted across all ages.
The winning design
The winning design was created by Natalie Chambers, who drew inspiration from her two boys and the many hours her family has spent exploring Westonbirt. Her design captures children discovering and playing in nature, a fitting tribute to the arboretum and the new play area.
Natalie told us:
“I am so chuffed with winning and so honoured that my design will get to crown what my boys tell me is a really great playground! My inspiration is of course my two boys and the unique experiences Westonbirt offers to children. We’ve spent many happy hours exploring and I think this design celebrates the times we come with their friends, encouraging what will hopefully a long-lasting love of the natural environment and also of the arboretum and its importance.”
For Natalie and her family, Westonbirt has been a special place for more than a decade, making the unveiling an especially meaningful moment.
Celebrating together
The weather vane was unveiled on Friday 26th September at a gathering of members, volunteers, and friends. Natalie and her family joined us for the event, where Head of Income Generation and Engagement, Fiona Phelps, shared a few words and we all enjoyed coffee and cake in the Great Oak Hall.
The weather vane now proudly crowns the play area as a lasting reminder of the creativity and community spirit that make Westonbirt so unique.
Recognising other entries
Runner-up: Lauren Metcalfe – who submitted a design inspired by the iconic maple leaf and the joy of play in all weathers, giving herself permission to create alongside her children, aged 7 and 9.
Highly commended: Hartley, aged 6 – who designed a delightful bird. Look closely in the play area and you’ll find Hartley’s design etched into the woodwork as a hidden surprise for families to discover.
See it for yourself
Next time you visit Westonbirt, remember to look up and spot the new weather vane and see if you can find Hartley’s bird hidden in the play area!
The Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum are proud to support projects like this that spark creativity, bring people together, and connect children and families with the natural world.
