What's on in February
February may be the shortest month in the year but there is plenty to enjoy at Westonbirt Arboretum!
Spring is on its way with the earliest sightings of blackthorn, magnolia and cherry plum trees starting to bloom alongside many of the beautiful flowers that the arboretum is home to. See how many you can spot on your next visit…
Member Tuesdays
The Friends thrives thanks to you, our members, and we’d love to have even more members this year. You can help us by introducing us to future members, and what better way than by taking advantage of Member Tuesdays?
Throughout February (and March) you can bring an adult relative for free every Tuesday as part of your membership; one per cardholder if you have a joint membership. 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 five people. If you have joint membership, you can add a second adult relative for free bringing the total to six. What are you waiting for?
Half term events
Mid-February marks the start of half term so we anticipate the arboretum to be full of children and families enjoying the bright spring sunshine. As well as making the most of the outdoor play zones, stimulating their imagination and running off that excess energy, why not take advantage of the holiday events?
Join the experts and find out how trees and animals survive the harsh winter with the free winter survival event. You can even try an experiment to keep an object as warm as possible, ideal of the temperatures are not playing ball!
Must-try: Forest Walkies
If you haven’t already, get out and about and bonding with your canine pal on the Wallace & Gromit Trail in Silk Wood. As well as offering a lovely walk around the arboretum, the trail is packed with cheeky challenges designed to build your bond with your pup. Can they sit for 30 “Gromits”?
Pick up your Forest Walkies pack in The Westonbirt Shop.
Nocturnal running
Fancy seeing a different side to the arboretum? Visit after dark for the first night run on 08 February with glowsticks and light up arrows to guide your way. A 5k and 10k route are available so it’s perfect for runners of all ages and experience.
If you don’t fancy night-time running, there’s also a daytime event on 09 February too.
If you missed a spot in the Westonbirt 10k, these are the perfect opportunity to add some miles to your 2025 total, in an atmosphere that has to be seen to be believed!
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.
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 February:
06 February: Learn about the plant hunters who risked life & limb to discover plants which we are all able to enjoy in the arboretum today.
13 February: Visit our community planting woodland in Silk Wood to find out more about the project and how we're restoring woodland after ash dieback.
20 February: Discover trees which have a connection to various religious beliefs.
27 February: Take the path less travelled to discover the wonders of our Ancient Woodland which has existed for 2,000 years.
Guided walks
Join the knowledgeable guides for one of the daily guided walks around the arboretum. Get ready to be introduced to the fascinating history whilst they draw your attention to the hidden gems of the arboretum, just as it is springing back into life.
Fancy getting crafty?
Turn your hand to a new skill with the willow sculpture workshop. 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.
Resolute resolutions
Nordic walking with the Nordic Nomad every Tuesday and Wednesday is the perfect way to ensure that your new year’s resolutions don’t fall by the wayside.
With 43% of resolutions quit by the end of January, why not see if you can make yours a success this February?
Enjoy a pick-me-up
Find your new favourite ethical brands and local artisans with a visit to The Shop. Stacked full with your favourite goodies and some tantalising new delights, it’s worth a trip inside this treasure trove. Throughout February, the shop is open from 9.30am to 4pm every day.
Even better, every penny you spend in the shop goes back into the charity, helping fund conservation and participation projects at Westonbirt.
Looking ahead, 2025 marks 40 years of friendship and support for Westonbirt Arboretum, how will you help us celebrate?
