Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

This autumn Westonbirt has created a special trail focusing on some of the endangered species we have in our collection and the work we and others in the botanic garden community are doing to support conservation efforts.

Trees are of vital importance ecologically, culturally and economically. Globally forests provide habitat for half the world’s known terrestrial plant and animal species as well as performing many other vital services such as carbon storage, flood alleviation and making our urban environments better places to live. Unfortunately research over the past 5 years through the Global Tree Assessment has found that a third of all tree species are threatened with extinction, and at least 142 tree species are recorded as extinct in the wild.

Autumn highlights

Pick up a trail map for free from the Welcome Building when you arrive.

If you venture into the deep dark wood you may bump into the Gruffalo, the Gruffalo's Child and other characters from the book too!

Each sculpture has been carved in a different position - can you find them all?

The easiest route to the Gruffalo sculptures in the Old Arboretum is to head up Mitchell Drive and take the first left towards Acer Glade. Keep straight through Acer Glade and at the T junction turn right towards Loop Walk. At the next T junction turn left and the Gruffalo sculpture should be in sight. The other sculptures are close by in a loop. Please ask for more help and a map at the Welcome Building on arrival. 

Please note that the majority of sculptures are located in our 'dog free' area in the Old Arboretum, so dogs are not permitted on this trail. If you would like to see the Gruffalo sculptures but are visiting with a dog, please head to Silk Wood, where you can find the Gruffalo's Child. The Gruffalo's child is located on Barn Walk.

Choose one of our walks at Westonbirt Arboretum and find inspiration in one of the most diverse and beautiful botanical collections in the world.

Does your child LOVE Westonbirt? Give them a birthday to remember with one of our outdoor children's parties.

Learning With Nature host birthday parties at Westonbirt. There are a range of different party themes to suit everyone from mini adventures to big adventures for older children. Everyone has a chance to toast something over an open fire and food and drink is provided with all parties.