Participation: Connecting people with nature

The challenge

In our changing world there is increasing concern that growing sections of society can’t, or don’t, access natural environments like Westonbirt. They are missing out on the social and natural benefits they provide. With strong evidence linking the benefits of contact with nature on health and well-being, this needs to be addressed.

Reduced access to trees can limit society’s ability to live in a sustainable way, as they will be unable to understand the future challenges we all face.

Our response

Westonbirt has so much green space, flora and fauna, and we are perfectly placed to boost inclusive participation. We have already done so much, but we will continue to do more to improve access for those groups in most need, forging stronger links with our community partners. We will make sure that people are better able to experience our natural environment through a variety of media, connecting with our trees to improve their mental health and well-being.

Our staff and volunteers are committed to learning and sharing their knowledge with visitors, making every interaction an inspiring one by developing a broader range of talks, tours and interpretation. We will empower people to participate in our development to help shape our decisions.

A new centre of science and learning will make use of our ‘living classroom’ and include flexible facilities to host this collaborative work and share the importance and wonder of trees with everyone. To allow this transformation we will look to acquire new land around Westonbirt when the opportunity arises to grow our capacity.

We will make significant improvements to our outdoor spaces, ensuring they are designed for the needs of all. Our visitor welcome will inspire people to connect with the natural environment, understand the arboretum and join as members in lifelong support of our cause.

We will remodel and expand our central facilities - including café, commercial, exhibition and natural play areas, while continuing to showcase the work of the arboretum. Through this, we will create a more immersive visitor experience.

This will promote happier, healthier lives while conserving our thriving heritage for generations to come.