March into Spring at Westonbirt
With March’s arrival and the spring equinox on the 20th, signs of spring are beginning to emerge all around Westonbirt. The snowdrops and crocuses have already brought early splashes of colour, while the early blooming varieties of rhododendrons are adding a wonderful vibrancy to the arboretum. Here’s what’s on at Westonbirt this month:
Member Tuesdays
There are just a few opportunities left to take advantage of Member Tuesdays – ending 20 March - so we’d love for you to make the most of it!
By bringing an adult relative for free every Tuesday as part of your membership, you’re sharing the joy of nature with those that matter most. What’s more, this offer is per cardholder. That means, on a Tuesday, a single membership includes you, an adult relative, and four of your children/grandchildren (age 18 and under) free of charge – a whopping six people. If you have joint membership, both cardholders can bring an adult relative for free, bringing the total to eight!
Must-try: Stick Man Trail
Perfect for little explorers, the Stick Man Trail invites families on an interactive forest adventure! Follow Stick Man’s journey through the arboretum, helping him find his way back to the family tree. Along the way, engaging activity panels and fun challenges make this trail an exciting, hands-on way for kids (and grandkids!) to connect with the great outdoors in a safe, fun, and memorable way. The Stick Man Activity Pack is available for purchase in The Shop - £4.
Take a stroll through the arboretum with one of Westonbirt's expert guides on a daily guided walk. As spring breathes new life into the landscape, you’ll uncover hidden gems and hear fascinating stories about the arboretum’s rich history - all brought to life by those who know it best.
As well as the daily guided walks, Westonbirt’s expert volunteers also deliver a schedule of Discovery walks, designed to showcase a unique side of Westonbirt. In March:
06 March: Learn about the traditional method of woodland management and the commercially viable products our coppicers create.
13 March: A chance to get close and look at bark, learn what it does, and find out how the bark of some trees help improve air quality.
20 March: Discover the secrets of towering conifers, whose needles whispering ancient stories of resilience and growth.
27 March: Visit the arboretum's community planting woodland in Silk Wood to find out more about the project and how we're helping to restore the woodland after ash dieback.
Fancy getting crafty?
Turn your hand to a new skill with the willow sculpture workshop on 15 March. Absolute beginners are very welcome, and all the materials you need will be provided for you to make a stunning willow wonder for your garden. Booking recommended.
For a hands-on introduction to the Japanese art of kintsugi, join the workshop on 29 March, learning to repair broken ceramics with traditional Urushi lacquer and brass powder. This beginner-friendly workshop offers a mindful, creative experience, with all tools and materials provided. Afterwards, explore Westonbirt to find its three Urushi trees, the source of this ancient repair technique.
Health and Fitness
Nordic walking with the Nordic Nomad every Tuesday and Wednesday is the perfect way to enjoy a full-body workout while immersing yourself in the beauty of the arboretum.
For a more fast-paced experience, try trail running with your canine companion at the CaniX Westonbirt event. This 5km marked route through Silk Wood offers a mix of grassy rides, forest paths, and peaceful glades, perfect for both beginners and experienced Canicross runners. Open to all healthy dogs, it’s a great way to bond, stay active, and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Are you a young adult aged between 14 and 18? Explore the wilder side of the arboretum with activities including practical woodland conservation work, fire-lighting and woodland arts and crafts. This month, the group will be gathering on 15 March, so be sure to book your space here.
Coming soon: Westonbirt’s Bluebell Carpet
As the days grow longer and temperatures gradually rise, more and more plants will begin to wake from their winter dormancy, transforming the landscape with new life. And while we’ll have to wait a little longer for Westonbirt’s beautiful bluebell carpet to reach its full glory, their arrival in April and May is just around the corner! Soon, the woodland floor will be transformed into a sea of violet-blue, creating one of the most breathtaking sights of the season. Be sure to keep an eye out for updates as the first blooms begin to appear!
