Wooden Wonders part one: discover the wonders of Westonbirt's trees

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Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, is full of magnificent trees.

As part of our half term Wooden Wonders event taking place from 14 – 16 February, Kate Cashmore from Westonbirt’s learning team has created a trail which will help you find out about our hidden wonders.

Here, she highlights some of the Wooden Wonders that you can discover when you follow the trail.

For a tree, a trunk gives it the advantage of towering over smaller plants and catching the maximum of sunlight energy by its leaves.

Trunks and branches also hold up the flowers where wind or insects can easily pollinate them.

They are strong to support the plant and tough enough to last many years or even centuries, but flexible to cope with most winds.

These qualities also make them very useful for us and for many creatures. Westonbirt's Great Oak Hall is a great example of how wood can be used for buildings.

Birds also like wooden shelters. As you follow the Wooden Wonders trail, look out for woodpecker holes for nests and for finding grubs to eat.

Useful links

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More great activities for families