Perfectly Imperfect trail - Sabi

Women and women in wheelchair in the forest

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Perfectly Imperfect trail - Sabi

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Sabi

Sabi is a celebration of the beauty that comes with ageing. Rusting, fading of colour, patina gained: it’s finding dignity in ageing and understanding that the passage of time is natural and beautiful.

Patina of the wild

Maples are undoubtedly the star of the show in autumn at Westonbirt. Often associated with Japan or Canada it can be surprising to find out that some of the oldest trees we pass in our locals woods are maples... 

Field maple (Acer campestre) is the UK’s only native maple species, and they can live up to 400 years old! Like people, trees show their age: bark becomes blemished with scars and can develop a craggy texture. Sabi encourages us to see these signs of ageing as a source of beauty; they create individuality and character beyond what you see on the surface.