The Robin Bus: Enhancing Accessibility 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.
What is The Robin?
The Robin is a new, bookable, public bus service, that vastly improves access to nature and rural areas. Working in partnership with the University of Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire Community Rail Partnership and Gloucestershire County Council (who operate the bus service), we’re proud that the arboretum is part of the new bus route.
Bookable online, over the phone, or through a mobile app, Gloucestershire County residents can now book journeys between rural areas that are typically inaccessible or difficult to access with previous public transport links.
How to book it
Everything you need to know about the Robin Bus is available on the Gloucestershire County Council website here.
???? Book via the website - pay via the website or choose to pay the driver
???? Book via the phone app (FREE download on Apple or Android) - pay via the app or choose to pay the driver
???? Book over the phone - call The Robin call centre on 0345 263 8139 - pay the driver (cash or contactless). The call centre is open 8am – 4pm Monday to Friday.
Although we’re most excited about your trips to Westonbirt Arboretum, the Robin Bus is available to visit five separate zones of Gloucestershire, including much of The Cotswolds and Forest of Dean. Westonbirt Arboretum is part of the South Cotswolds Zone (purple zone).
What does this mean for Westonbirt?
The Robin Bus will allow more people to appreciate and enjoy the magnificent tree collection at Westonbirt Arboretum. This service is especially beneficial for those who can’t drive, including young people, individuals with physical and mental disabilities, and seniors. By improving access and reducing the need for a car, we are fostering a more sustainable and inclusive environment where everyone can connect with nature.
Emma Griffiths, CEO of The Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum, emphasises the importance of overcoming barriers to nature access: “Within our communities, there are many barriers to accessing [nature] for different groups of people. The socio-economic climate at the minute can make it very difficult to access.
“Many nature sites are in a rural location and it’s impossible for many to get here. This is something we’re really interested in seeing what we can help develop in the county, and how we can support people getting on site.
“People need to feel welcomed and accepted and that their needs are going to be met.”
Watch Emma Griffiths discuss these initiatives here
We look forward to welcoming more people to the arboretum than ever before!
For more information on The Robin, visit Gloucestershire County Council's website.
