Blog - Projects

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).

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.

With the crisp autumn air and shorter days upon us, let’s revisit the warmer, albeit wetter, months of the Silk Wood Community Planting Project.

Supporting over 2,300 species, the oak is a true wildlife haven, hosting a diverse range of creatures from insects and birds to mammals and fungi. Its acorns provide a valuable food source for wildlife, and its timber has been used for centuries...

We’re excited to announce a thrilling revamp of Westonbirt’s play areas designed to ignite a love of nature in children of all ages!...

A whirlwind of creativity! We had a blast reviewing the amazing woodland designs created by local school groups. These inspiring ideas will help shape the future of Silk Wood. Stay tuned for updates on the chosen design!...

Sun, plants, and learning! Last month, we joined a Field Studies Council course to learn how to identify woodland plants. It was a fantastic two days of exploring the beautiful Silk Wood and gaining new knowledge about our local ecosystem.

Changes Bristol recently spent a day at Westonbirt Arboretum, nurturing saplings and learning about the vital role forests play in our ecosystem. Discover how this rewarding experience benefitted both their mental well-being and the planet.

Westonbirt Arboretum is set to transform its grounds with two new, accessible, and nature-inspired play zones designed by Earth Wrights. These spaces promise to be a haven for children to explore, learn, and grow, fostering a deep connection with the natural world.

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 – this July it’s aspen.

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 - first up is the large-leaved lime.

On Sunday 23 June 2024, Westonbirt marks a significant milestone: the 10th anniversary of the opening of the award-winning Welcome Building. This occasion provides a perfect moment to celebrate and reflect on the history and impact of this building over the past decade.

It’s been a brilliant few months for us here at the Silk Wood Community Planting Project. Since January over 600 participants came to plant a grand total of 3300 trees! Despite the occasional frost and the, not so occasional, torrential rain our groups put their all into making sure each tree gets the best start and will be there in years to come.