Discovery Walks at Westonbirt Arboretum

Take the path less travelled and delve a little deeper into our captivating trees with our discovery walks. 

When?

Every Thursday at 11.30.

Please note that dogs are not permitted on guided walks (except assistance dogs).      

Please wear weather / season appropriate clothing as the walk will be fully outside. Sturdy, closed-toed footwear is strongly recommended as walks do not always stay on paths. 

Thursday 15 May

Wood from the Trees

Our guide will show you trees and samples of the timber they give us to turn into every day products.

Thursday 22 May

Plant hunters

Learn about the plant hunters who risked life & limb to discover plants which we are all able to enjoy in the arboretum today. 

Thursday 29 May

Medicinal trees

This walk in the Old Arboretum will show the trees which have been the source of medicaments and potions for our well being.

Thursday 5 June

Native trees

Amongst the 15.000 trees, we have about 2.000 different species of trees, but only a few of those are considered ‘Native’ to Britain, this walk will concentrate on our own native trees. Prepare to be surprised. 

Thursday 12 June

Champion trees

Let us introduce you to our majestic champion trees, each standing as a record-breaking testament to nature's grandeur.

Thursday 19 June

Coppicing

Learn about the traditional method of woodland management and the commercially viable products our coppicers create. 

Thursday 26 June

Silk Wood

Take the path less travelled to discover the wonders of our Ancient Woodland which has existed for 2.000 years.

Thursday 3 July

Community planting

Visit our community planting woodland in Silk Wood to find out more about the project and how we're restoring woodland after ash dieback. 

Thursday 10 July

Behind the Scenes

Gain an insight to the work of our propagation unit and how we make sure that seeds and plants coming into the Arboretum are free of pests & diseases.

Thursday 17 July

Wildlife at Westonbirt 

Come and discover the wildlife found here at Westonbirt Arboretum. 

Thursday 24 July

Medicinal trees

This walk in the Old Arboretum will show the trees which have been the source of medicaments and potions for our well being.

Thursday 31 July

Forest bathing

What is forest bathing? Enjoy a history of how and where it emerged, plus its relevance in todays busy world.

Thursday 7 August

Myths and legends

Explore the magical stories associated with many of our trees, this will appeal to children of all ages.

Thursday 14 August

Silk Wood

Take the path less travelled to discover the wonders of our Ancient Woodland which has existed for 2.000 years.

Thursday 21 August

Wood from the Trees

Our guide will show you trees and samples of the timber they give us to turn into every day products.

Thursday 28 August

Forest bathing

What is forest bathing? Enjoy a history of how and where it emerged, plus its relevance in todays busy world.

Thursday 4 September

Silk Wood

Take the path less travelled to discover the wonders of our Ancient Woodland which has existed for 2.000 years.

Thursday 11 September

Divinity trees

Discover trees which have a connection to various religious beliefs. 

Thursday 18 September

Native trees

Amongst the 15.000 trees, we have about 2.000 different species of trees, but only a few of those are considered ‘Native’ to Britain, this walk will concentrate on our own native trees. Prepare to be surprised. 

Thursday 25 September

Magic of maples

Come and see Natures Firework Display, but also learn about the number of different species, where they come from, and why there are so many colours.

Thursday 2 October - 11:45am

Myths and legends

Explore the magical stories associated with many of our trees, this will appeal to children of all ages.

Thursday 9 October - 11:45am

Magic of maples

Come and see Natures Firework Display, but also learn about the number of different species, where they come from, and why there are so many colours.

Thursday 16 October - 11:45am

Tasting

A chance to taste some of the fruits & berries from our trees and shrubs in the Old Arboretum.

Thursday 23 October - 11:45am

Silk Wood

Take the path less travelled to discover the wonders of our Ancient Woodland which has existed for 2.000 years.

Thursday 30 October - 11:45am

Magic of maples

Come and see Natures Firework Display, but also learn about the number of different species, where they come from, and why there are so many colours.

Thursday 6 November - 11:45am

Tasting

A chance to taste some of the fruits & berries from our trees and shrubs in the Old Arboretum.

Thursday 13 November - 11:45am

Champion trees

Let us introduce you to our majestic champion trees, each standing as a record-breaking testament to nature's grandeur.

Thursday 20 November

Silk Wood

Take the path less travelled to discover the wonders of our Ancient Woodland which has existed for 2.000 years.

Thursday 27 November

Evergreens

Our guide will take you through Silkwood to explore the sometimes overlooked variety of evergreen trees, and those which have special significance at this time of the year.

Thursday 4 December

Mystic midwinter

This guided walk in Silk Wood will demonstrate how trees and shrubs would help through the dark and cold months of winter before the festivals of light.

Thursday 11 December

Focus on bark

A chance to get close and look  at the bark, what does it do and how the bark of some trees help improve air quality.

Thursday 18 December

Silk Wood

Take the path less travelled to discover the wonders of our Ancient Woodland which has existed for 2.000 years.