-
Regions of Gloucestershire
-
What's On / Events
-
Things to Do
-
Food & Drink
-
Where to Stay
-
Offers & Competitions
Event Search
Places Search
Explore HomeGet More from Explore!
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.
- Also see : Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum - JOIN TODAY!
- Also see : What's on in the Cotswolds
- Also see : What's On in Gloucestershire
OTHER NEWS
- May Magic at Batsford Arboretum: Springtime Spectacle in the Cotswolds
- Everyman Theatre pioneers new hearing system in Cheltenham
- Educating Rita at the Barn Theatre: Full cast and creative team announced
- Giffords Circus: Laguna Bay Tour 2025
- Discover Summer Sculpture at Bibury Trout Farm
- Relaxing Spa Breaks at DoubleTree by Hilton Cheltenham in the Cotswolds
- Escape to Far Peak: Luxury Glamping in the Heart of the Cotswolds
- VE80 Celebration Weekend at Berkeley Castle
- What’s On at the Everyman Theatre Cheltenham – May 2025 Events
- What’s On at The Roses Tewkesbury – May 2025 Events
- Star-Studded World Première By Royal Appointment Comes to Cheltenham
- 30,000 Hours of Play Already Logged at Westonbirt’s New Play Area
- Elvis the Wallaby: A Heartwarming Story from Cotswold Wildlife Park
- Explore Sudeley Castle This Easter with Tudor Games and Surprises
- Exciting New Addition to the Dragon Egg Hunt at Painswick Rococo Garden
- Easter Holidays at Far Peak: Climbing Adventures in the Cotswolds
- Major Grant Supports Conservation of Gloucester Cathedral’s Cloisters
- Celebrity Duo Take Centre Stage in 2:22 – A Ghost Story at the Everyman Theatre
- What’s On This Easter in Gloucestershire – 24 Unmissable Events
- Go Ape Launches Annual Pass – Adventure All Year in the Forest of Dean
- Win a Family Ticket to the Dean Heritage Centre!
- Win a Family Ticket to Berkeley Castle
- Win an Axe Throwing Session for 4 at JDR Karting & Activity Centre!
