Awe-inspiring autumn
Autumn is here, which means it’s the start of the season of fruiting and fading, where berries abound, leaves blaze, and the sun looks glorious! It's also the start of seed gathering season, where arboretum collections are expanded internationally through dedicated seed gathering trips.
For some, the start of autumn is marked by the meteorological calendar as the 01 September, while others prefer to await the Autumn Equinox on 22 September, as marked by the astrological calendar. Either way, it's not long until Westonbirt Arboretum will be aflame with crimson hues, with Autumn Colours one of the most popular times of the year to visit.
As if you need an extra excuse, there’s also a range of exciting events at Westonbirt Arboretum that are sure to have you fall-ing over yourself to visit! As a member of Westonbirt Arboretum, you have unlimited access to these invigorating events with free entry all year round. See you soon?
Autumn Colours: 1 October to 17 November
Your chance to see the arboretum in arguably it’s most iconic state, with an abundance of autumnal colours and the chance for incredible photos.
Prebooking for all Autumn Colour visits is advised but entry is included as part of your membership. If you're not a member yet, join before you visit, to start saving straightaway, and kickstart your year of unlimited entry.
Book online to save your space and don’t forget your membership card to make the most of your shop discount when you spend over £10!
Family Events
Tots & Twigs Forest School
Suitable for ages 2-4 during term time, every Monday, Thursday and Friday Morning at 10.15am to 11.45am and every Friday afternoon from 12.30pm to 2pm. £62 for eight weeks with membership.
Wild Westonbirt
Suitable for 14-18-year olds, leave the well-trodden paths and explore the wilder side of the arboretum. Free with membership. Saturday 19 October from 10am to 4pm.
Friends or Foes
Become a tree health expert, explore fungi under a microscope and take part in discovery activities. Free with membership. Saturday 19 October from 10.30am to 3.30pm.
Trees of the Future
Amazing seeds, discovery collection, sowing and crafts – help grow the trees for the future. Free with membership. From Monday 28 October to Friday 1 November, 10.30am to 3.30pm.
Silk Wood Volunteering Day
Suitable for families with children age 7 and up. This day will involve a 20-minute guided walk from the Welcome Building to our planting site where we will carry out a variety of maintenance tasks including mulching around the trees, checking and re-applying their guards and surveying their health. Pre-booking essential. Saturday 26 October from 11am to 3pm.
Autumn Family Trail
The Autumn family trail is the perfect excuse to bundle up and immerse yourself in the amazing array of captivating colours amongst the trees. The tree-mendous Tree Guardians will reveal how we care for the trees, how they cope with climate change, and how experts are preserving trees for future generations to enjoy, all with your help.
Guided walks, tours and trails
From divine dendrons and magic maples to fruits, berries and fungi, there is a guided walk for everyone to enjoy this October! Meet at the Welcome Building (assorted dates) at 10am for a walk that is sure to leaf you speechless.
Daily Guided Walks
Explore the seasonal highlights of the arboretum. Free with membership. Daily at 11am and 2pm.
Discovery Walk: Divine Connections
Learn about our trees which have connection to various religious beliefs. Free with membership. Saturday 05 October at 10.30am
Discovery Walk: Magic of Maples
Learn about the number of different species of maple, where they come from, and why there are so many colours. Saturday 12 October at 10.30am and again on Saturday 2 November at 10.30am
Discovery Walk: Fruits and Berries
A chance to taste some of the fruits & berries from our trees and shrubs in the Old Arboretum. Saturday 19 October at 10.30am
Discovery Walk: Fungi
There are many different types of fungi which appear at this time of year, some beautiful, some not so pretty! Saturday 26 October at 10.30am
Wellbeing Trail
Spending time out in nature is proven to reduce stress and boost our physical and mental health. Prescribe yourself a tonic by joining the wellbeing trail at Westonbirt and see how much a visit can boost your mood!
Workshops
Eco Vase Arrangement
Learn how to arrange flowers directly into a vase using chicken wire and plain water. Sunday 6 October 10.30am to 1pm. £95
Willow Sculpture Workshop
Spend a relaxing day crafting and weaving in a small group of like-minded people - absolute beginners are very welcome and all the materials will be provided. Design and build a sculpture for your garden, a bird feeder, an abstract sculpture or willow animal! Saturday 12 October from 10am to 4pm. Additional dates in November. £95
Take one tree
This is a green woodworking course with fortnightly sessions over six months (12 sessions). Introduces you to the basics of woodland management and greenwood products. £600.
Somatic Dance
Freedom In the Forest: Ecstatic Dance and Cacao Ceremony
Start the ceremony by drinking heart-opening sacred cacao, where we make an intention for the dance. We are then guided by an experienced facilitator to get out of our head space and into our bodies, helping us to let go of any inhibitions, earthing our energy, and bringing us back to centre. We connect back in with our true selves, allowing us to feel free to dance in whatever way our body wants to. £28.88
Planning Garden Borders
Does the planting in your garden run out of steam half-way through Summer? Do you want to learn the planning methods professionals use to keep your planting looking good all year round? £140. Sunday 27 October from 10am to 4pm.
Exhibitions
Cotswold Craftsman Guild
Craft and art exhibition from 10 members of the Guild, in the Great Oak Hall from Friday 04 October to Monday 07 October - 10:00am - 5:00pm. Free with membership.
Pots & Paintings
The professional display tables showcase the pottery by the Eeles family - stoneware, Raku and marbled porcelain - which range from decorative to practical. Friday 18 October to Sunday 27 October in the Great Oak Hall. 10am to 4pm. Free with membership.
Coppice Market
Visit the Coppice compound (end of the Treetop Walkway) to buy a range of woodland products, see demonstrations of coppice/greenwood and chat to the local team behind the produce. Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 October from 10am to 4pm. Free with membership.
