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30,000 Hours of Play Already Logged at Westonbirt’s New Play Area

Play Today, Thrive Tomorrow: Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum Supports Outdoor Play for Children

The Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum is proudly leading a campaign to highlight the transformative power of play with Play Today, Thrive Tomorrow, a new initiative encouraging families to engage with outdoor play and support its future at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum.

Welcoming around 90,000 visits from young people annually, Westonbirt is already a well-loved destination for family fun, with its safe and inspiring outdoor play zones. Since a new play area opened in the Old Arboretum in August 2024, it has already seen over 30,000 hours of imaginative and active play.

Backed by The State of Play, a 2024 report from the Raising the Nation Play Commission, the initiative shines a light on how play fosters children’s development—improving communication, physical strength, social skills, and resilience. Recognising this, The Friends are committed to developing and sustaining playful spaces in nature that enrich young lives.

Visitors can support the Play Today, Thrive Tomorrow campaign in two key ways:

Enjoying Westonbirt with their children or grandchildren and spreading the joy of outdoor play
Donating to help The Friends maintain and enhance play areas for future generations Support the campaign here: www.fowa.org.uk/play

“This initiative is all about ensuring today’s children and future generations can experience the joy, creativity, and connection that outdoor play provides,” says Fiona Phelps, Fundraising Manager for The Friends.

“The recent research only serves to focus our minds even more on the importance for children of play, and particularly outdoor play.”

The Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum plays a vital role in ensuring that play areas continue to evolve and remain engaging and accessible for years to come. Families visiting over Easter and into summer are encouraged to share in the experience and help shape a thriving, playful future.

Membership with The Friends offers excellent value for families, including unlimited year-round access and free admission for children, while Forestry England continues to support affordable access through Universal Credit admission rates and a community access scheme.

To find out more visit: www.fowa.org.uk/membership

Explore Gloucestershire
15 April 2025

For further information.