Blog

Want to learn more about how we connected creativity and ecology at Westonbirt? Read this full blog post to discover how we transformed a community planting project into a vibrant art experience with the Bristol Hospital Education Service!...

Get ready for an exciting new chapter! As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, we're thrilled to announce a dynamic new leadership team. These esteemed individuals, already valuable members of our Board of Trustees, are stepping up to guide The Friends into the next exciting phase.

January can be tough, but fresh air and nature can work wonders. Discover how walking in the rain (yes, really!) and exploring the arboretum's winter beauty can boost your mood.

Each month we’re going to bring you a profile of one of the tree species being planted in the Silk Wood Community Planting Project. For the new year it’s the common walnut.

January is the perfect time to start thinking about how you can encourage more wildlife into your garden. By providing the right resources, you can create a haven for birds, insects, and other fascinating creatures.

Winter storms took their toll, but our volunteers stepped up! Discover how we rallied together to repair the damage and ensure the survival of young trees at our planting site in our latest update.

9,000 trees will be planted in Silk Wood over the next two years, thanks to an incredible grant from the Julia Rausing Trust.

Eco-acoustics, or acoustic ecology, is the study of sound in the environment – including human generated noise (anthrophony), sounds generated by nature (biophony), or even sounds of the earth such as wind, waves, and geological movements (geophony).

This autumn, along with the arboretum providing a riot of stunning autumn colour to enjoy, there was also a range of exciting activities on offer for visitors and families to experience, exploring how Westonbirt cares for trees.

Each month we’re going to bring you a profile of one of the UK native tree species being planted in the Silk Wood Community Planting Project. It wouldn’t be December without mentioning our most festive tree – the holly.

Ever wondered where the seeds for our stunning trees come from? Join us on a thrilling journey to the Mediterranean, as we delve into the latest seed collecting expedition undertaken by the experts at Westonbirt Arboretum.

At The Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum, we believe that nature should be accessible to everyone. That's why we’re thrilled to highlight that Westonbirt Arboretum has joined The Robin bus route.

If ever there was a demonstration of the value of intergenerational storytelling, it was our day shared with The Friendship Café watching the second in their trilogy of community films. Pioneering Glimpses tells the story of the Muslim Community in Gloucester, with its gentle biographical style exploring the history of faith in the city.

As the festivities really start to ramp up, Westonbirt moves into winter mode; an exciting new season with plenty to enjoy, as the leafless deciduous trees offer new avenues of interest and vistas too. Winter is a time for resting and renewal and although (some) trees may be bare, there’s a plethora of activity still happening in the arboretum.

If your Sunday evening viewing has you captivated by the awesome autumn beauty and historic heritage of The National Arboretum, you’re not alone. The awe-inspiring collection of Japanese Acers, Oak trees, and Whitebeams are world-famous, transforming the landscape in a dazzling array of yellow, orange, and crimson hues in autumn.