What's on in July
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.
Community and Family Fun
Roots of the Past – Family Activity Day – Sat 19 July, 10:30am–3:30pm. Free Event
Discover more about Westonbirt’s heritage as you explore archive records including a selection of maps, old photos, diaries. Get creative leaf printing, and making your own nature journal like an arboretum curator would! Follow the mini plant hunter trail and make a pledge to protect the environment before you go.
Public Volunteering Day – Sat 12 July, 11am–3pm. Free Event
Help restore woodland affected by ash dieback. Open to adults & families (age 7+). This day will involve a guided walk to the planting site where we will carry out a variety of maintenance tasks including mulching around the trees, checking and re-applying their guards and surveying their health. Register via swcpp@forestryengland.uk
Don’t miss out exploring the Picture-Perfect trail at Westonbirt. Wind your way through the Old Arboretum and discover how Westonbirt uses picturesque landscape concepts to keep the arboretum’s heritage alive.
Stick Man Trail – Daily until Sept. Price £4
The Stick Man self-guided trail continues through the summer holidays, packed with interactive challenges and fun activities. Please note, the trail is located in the Old Arboretum, a dog-free area. Activity packs are available to purchase from the Welcome Building and Westonbirt shop during opening times.
Biodiversity Detectives – Until 31 Aug
Explore Westonbirt like never before - spot wildlife, take on fun challenges, and see how many wonderful and weird things you can find. Pick up your activity sheet at the Welcome Building, and don’t forget to claim your reward at the end!
Plant Orienteering Course – permanent, short or long courses
Orienteering is a fun outdoor activity for all the family to get involved in. Download one of the special maps to find markers around Silk Wood and learn interesting facts about plant hunters and the trees they introduced to Britain.
Try the short course (great for ages 7–11, takes about 45–60 minutes) or the longer one (best for ages 11+ and adults, 60–90 minutes). A great way to explore and enjoy nature as a family.
Wild & Wonderful Walks
Wildflower Guided Walk – Tue 1 July, 10:30am.
Discover the world of wild flowers and uncover the myths, legends and traditions tied to each species. Walks will take visitors off main hard paths, across grassy rides, over the downs and into Silk Wood.
Discovery Walks – Every Thursday, 11:30am.
3 July - Community Planting - Visit the community planting woodland in Silk Wood to find out more about the project and how we're restoring woodland after ash dieback.
10 July - Behind the Scenes - Gain an insight to the work of Westonbirt's propagation unit.
17 July - Wildlife at Westonbirt. Come and discover the wildlife found here at Westonbirt Arboretum.
24 July - Wood from the Trees - Volunteer guides will show you trees and samples of the timber they give us to turn into everyday products.
31 July - Forest Bathing -What is forest bathing? Enjoy a history of how and where it emerged, plus its relevance in today’s busy world.
Westonbirt Guided Walks - Daily 11:00am.
Explore seasonal highlights as you stroll through the Old Arboretum with Westonbirt’s expert volunteers. With the landscape constantly changing, every walk promises a fresh and unique experience.
Workshops and Courses
Kintsugi Ceramics Repair – Sat 5 & Mon 28 July, 10am–1pm. Price: £80
Learn the mindful art of Japanese kintsugi the repair for broken ceramics Spend a relaxed few hours mindfully immersed in the processes, tools and materials of kintsugi. Suitable for complete beginners. All tools and materials are included however you can bring your own broken piece.
Windsor Chair Making – 7–12 July & 28 July–2 Aug, 9am–5pm. Price £585.00
6-day immersive course in traditional chairmaking. The course strikes a balance between teaching the intricate and skilled of use of sharp hand tools and a pole lathe to make a Windsor Chair.
Willow Sculpture Workshop – Fri 12 July, 10am–4pm. Price £95
Design and build a sculpture for your garden, a bird feeder, an abstract sculpture or willow animal! This workshop is suitable for people of all abilities.
Oak Gate Hurdle Making – 19–20 July. Price £180
Learn traditional techniques as participants create gate hurdles that will be the perfect addition to any garden.
Spoon Carving – Sat 19 July. Price £75
Learn to make a spoon out of a branch from a tree at the lovely Silk Wood Barn.
Footstool Weaving – Sat 26 July. Price £115
Create a beautiful seagrass footstool to take home taught by Felicity Tran, traditional upholsterer and seat weaver.
Must book
While you’re making the most of sunshine, don’t forget to look ahead to what’s coming
