The best kept secret in the Cotswolds this Spring at Westonbirt

Discover Spring at Westonbirt - Activities to explore The National Arboretum's best kept secret.

Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, which is managed by the Forestry Commission, will hold a series of activities and walks this spring to explore the exciting changes taking place as the woodlands bounce back into life.

Autumn may be Westonbirt's most famous season, but many argue that spring offers the most for visitors.

Simon Toomer, Arboretum Director, commented:

"Spring is so exciting at Westonbirt because it gives so much throughout such a long season. Vibrant spring colour last several months; starting with camellias in February or March and continuing until the summer months with spectacular shows of magnolias, rhododendrons and wildflowers."

Westonbirt hopes to excite visitors with reasons to visit across the spring season.

A Discover Spring fortnight between 21 April-2 May will include family activities, guided walks, trails and a traditional Silk Wood fair to help open visitors' eyes to spring at Westonbirt.

The Discover Spring fortnight kicks 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 - from buds bursting and rising sap, to colourful blooms and wildflower carpets.

The Great Oak Hall will host an exhibition between 21-25 April, taking visitors behind the scenes with examples of how Westonbirt cares for the tree collection.

Visitors can also take part in guided walks or discover Westonbirt's stars of spring through the self-led seasonal trail.

From 30 April-2 May, Westonbirt will celebrate the heritage of its working woodlands with a traditional Silk Wood fair, hosted by West Country Coppice; a collective of professional coppice workers undertaking a long term project to restore Silk Wood's ancient woodland areas. The Silk Wood fair will demonstrate and sell a range of timber and wood products produced from material cut as part of the project.
Admission for adults in spring and summer 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 for detailed news, events and activity information.

• Also see : Westonbirt Forestry Commission

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