Discover Spring at Westonbirt
With family activities, guided walks, trails and more at the National Arboretum
Spring is a special time at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, near Swindon, as blossom and new leaves soften the sharp outlines of winter trees and colour abounds throughout the collection.
Spectacular magnolias, camellias and rhododendrons take central stage in the Old Arboretum, whilst enchanting swaths of wildflowers are the chief delight in Silk Wood. And this spring, Westonbirt will be holding a series of activities to explore the exciting changes taking place as the woodlands bounce back into life.
Discovery Spring Fortnight
21 April - 02 May
A Discover Spring fortnight, from 21 April-2 May, will include family activities, guided walks, trails and a traditional Silk Wood Spring Fair.
Easter Challenge
21 - 25 April
Kicking off with the Easter Challenge family activity weekend, from 21-25 April, kids can spring forth into the heart of the forest to discover the awakening woodlands.
The Great Oak Hall will host an exhibition between 21-25 April, taking visitors behind the scenes of Westonbirt’s spring stars. Spring guided walks will also take place will take place across the Easter weekend.
Woodland Heritage
30 April - 02 May
From 30 April-2 May, Westonbirt will celebrate the heritage of its working woodlands with a traditional Silk Wood Spring Fair hosted by West Country Coppice; a collective of professional coppice workers participating in the Silk Wood coppice restoration project. Located on the picnic area of the Downs, local craftspeople will demonstrate and sell handcrafted products produced from Westonbirt and local woodlands.
Activities
Visitors can see demonstrations of wood sculpting, gate and hurdle making, timber framing and furniture making; buy a range of green wood and green wood products and meet a wild food forager, hedgerow dyer, basket maker, walking stick maker and more.
Admission for adults in spring is £8; £7 for concessions and £3 for children. Visitors receive half price entry to Westonbirt every Wednesday during April and May. Visit www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt-spring for information and follow the Spring Colour Watch at http://www.fowa.org.uk from 4 March.
WIN A FAMILY PASS
Enter our competition for the chance to win a family pass for
2 adults and 2 children, valid until 31 May 2011. J
Just answer the following question:
What is the name of a flowering plant that can be found in the Old Arboretum in spring?
1. Bluebells
2. Bluebuds
3. Bluebirds |
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