Members' Week at Bedgebury

Join us for a celebration of our members in our Members' Week at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest. 

Book your places from Monday 16 March. Check back here for updates and to secure your spot. 

Members' Week will see us host a range of activities, exclusive discounts and special events. Head to the Information point throughout the week to discover all the special treats that await. 

Discovering the pinetum guided walk 

Join Liz, our Database Officer, for a short introductory walk through the National Pinetum and its exceptional tree collection. With her deep knowledge of the species, their origins, and the stories behind the landscape, Liz will guide you to a handful of notable specimens and explain how the collection is recorded, cared for, and continually developed. It’s a welcoming first step into understanding what makes the pinetum such a unique and important place.

When: Saturday 18 April, 2pm to 3.30pm 
Where: Meet at the Information point 

Bedgebury bookmarks 

Create your very own woodland bookmark, inspired by the magic of Bedgebury. Start with a beautifully crafted template, then choose from natural materials gathered in the pinetum to design a one‑of‑a‑kind bookmark rooted in the forest. This gentle, creative activity is perfect for children aged 3+ (with supervision) and makes a lovely companion for your favourite story, especially Room on the Broom, if you’ve just followed our activity trail.

When: Sunday 19 April, available 11am to 2pm 
Where: Classroom at the Visitor Centre

Projects and plans: a guided walk 

As part of Members’ Week, join Jon, Bedgebury Manager and Lynne, Project Manager for a short, engaging walk highlighting recent development projects on site. From enhancing visitor facilities to supporting conservation work in the National Pinetum, discover the impact your membership has on shaping Bedgebury’s next chapter. This walk offers a unique chance to hear directly from the team leading these improvements.

When: Monday 20 April, 1pm to 2.30pm
Where: Meet in the Atrium at the Visitor Centre 

Woodland wellbeing session

Join our learning partners, Kent High Weald Partnership, for a calming Woodland Wellbeing session. Enjoy a gentle, Forest School‑inspired experience with fire lighting, mindful whittling and quiet moments around the campfire. Designed for adults of all abilities, this relaxing session offers a peaceful space to unwind and reconnect with nature.

When: Tuesday 21 April 10am to 11.30am 
Where: Meet in the Atrium at the Visitor Centre 

Forest Services: Behind the scenes of England's woodlands talk and Q&A

Join our Woodland Officer for an insightful session on how Forest Services supports and regulates woodland management across England. Learn how the Forestry Act guides decision‑making, alongside an overview of woodland creation, grants, incentives and sustainable practices on private estates. The presentation includes a Q&A and offers a rare chance to understand how forests are protected and supported beyond the public estate.

When: Wednesday 22 April, 1pm to 2.30pm 
Where: Classroom at the Visitor Centre

Forest Yoga with Lisa Whitehouse 

Experience the rejuvenating power of Forest Yoga, set amidst the stunning backdrop of 12,000 trees at Bedgebury National Pinetum. 
Join Lisa Whitehouse, a certified yoga and mindfulness instructor, to elevate your immune system and enhance your wellbeing in a warm, welcoming environment. 

When: Wednesday 22 April, 10.30am to 11.45am 
Where: Meet at pay stations in the main car park 

Behind the trees guided walk 

Be part of our very first Behind the trees walk, an exclusive members‑only experience offering a unique look at how Bedgebury is cared for. Join Sarah, our Compliance Supervisor and former craftsperson, as she shares behind‑the‑scenes insights into the safety, maintenance and skilled work that keep the National Pinetum and forest running smoothly. This gentle guided walk is a brilliant way to deepen your connection to Bedgebury and learn from someone who knows the site inside out.

When: Thursday 23 April, 10am to 11.30am 
Where: Meet at the Information point 

Paws for a woodland wander 

Join Kevin, Visitor Services Supervisor, for a relaxed walk with your four‑legged friends. Explore quieter corners of the forest, enjoy the changing scenery and hear Kevin’s insights along the way. Dogs on leads are warmly welcomed, making this a friendly outing for people and pets alike.

When: Friday 24 April, 1pm to 2pm 
Where: Meet at the Information point 

Walk, Talk, Explore 

Join a special Members’ Week edition of Walk Talk Explore, our friendly, free volunteer‑led walk designed to help you unwind and enjoy the beauty of the forest and National Pinetum. Albert, one of our regular volunteers and a familiar parkrun face, will guide this relaxed wander through Bedgebury’s diverse flora and fauna. After the walk, stay for a well‑earned cup of tea and a slice of cake in the café.

When: Saturday 25 April, 10am to 11am.
Where: Meet at pay stations in the main car park

Forest creations: make your own wreath or dreamcatchers 

Join us for a calming, creative workshop using natural materials gathered from the pinetum. In this hands‑on session, you’ll weave your own mini wreath or dreamcatcher using twigs, grasses, cones and other woodland treasures. Perfect for adults and children aged 3+ (with supervision), this gentle craft experience celebrates the beauty of Bedgebury and gives you a unique keepsake to take home.

When: Sunday 26 April, available 11am to 2pm.
Where: Classroom at the Visitor Centre

Taster session: Skills session with Jeremy's Rides 

Discover the foundations of confident off‑road riding in this exclusive beginner‑friendly members’ session with Jeremy’s Rides. You’ll learn key singletrack skills, including body position, line choice, cornering on berms and riding rock sections. Bring a well‑maintained bike, helmet, suitable clothing, and a drink for this 60‑minute session. £7 per member. Please book directly with Jeremy's Rides. 

When: Sunday 18 April, 2pm to 3pm. 
Where: Meet at the pay stations near main car park. 

Taster session: Forest bathing with Lisa Whitehouse 

Join Lisa Whitehouse for a calming 90‑minute Forest Bathing taster session designed to help you slow down, reset, and reconnect with the natural world. Enjoy a mindful guided walk through peaceful woodland, exploring simple techniques that support relaxation, improved mood, and better sleep. £10 per member. Please book directly with Lisa Whitehouse. 

When: Thursday 23 April, 11.30am to 1pm. 
Where: Meet at the pay stations near main car park. 

Special benefits during Members' Week

• 20% off retail products in the Bedgebury Gift Shop
• 15% off all Go Ape adventures, including our new bike hire.
• 15 % off food and a free drink with a main or breakfast at Bedgebury Cafe.
• Childrens' colouring competition: Win a Magic Light Prize Bundle worth up to £50
• Try your luck in our Doggy Lucky Dip and win a Bedgebury treat for you and your four‑legged friend. One dip per membership.
• Discover Bedgebury's hidden gems with our Staff Picks Secret Spot cards
• Pick up a free limited edition Centenary pin badge from the Information point to commemorate 100 years of the National Pinetum, while stocks last. 

Book your places for our exclusive Members' Week events from Monday 16 March. Check back here for updates and to secure your spot.