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Home > Latest News > 2008 > 5 > 27 >

Summer days at Westonbirt Arboretum

 

Westonbirt ArboretumSummer's coming and events are hotting up at Westonbirt - the National Arboretum... giant wood sculpting at the August Festival of the Tree, Bug World family days, green woodworking and photography courses, concerts, walks and talks.

Let the kids run free, learn some new skills and seek out shade under the glorious trees at Westonbirt Arboretum, managed by the Forestry Commission. Soak up a summer evening concert, have a relaxed lunch at Maples restaurant or picnic on the Downs. Suitably refreshed, stroll the Westonbirt summer trail and discover trees in all their green seasonal glory - simply pick up a trail leaflet at the Great Oak Hall on arrival.

New this summer, there are secret spots around the Old Arboretum where natural play areas have been created from recycled Westonbirt wood. Here, children can build their own woodland den, jump across tree stump stepping stones and make up their own wild games.

MAY

Tuesday 27 - Thursday 29 May

Woodland Gardens - Family Event

Colourful (and possibly smelly) wildflower and animal safari discovering the non-woody bits of Westonbirt.

10.30 - 4.30pm. Free on admission.

Admission to Arboretum: adults £7, conc. £6, child £2.

 

JUNE

Sunday 8 June (also 13 July & 10 August)

Wood Sale

Westonbirt wood on sale (held on the second Sunday of every month). Proceeds to the Friends of Westonbirt.

10am - 1pm. Free on admission.

Admission to Arboretum: adult £7, conc. £6, child £2.

 

Sunday 15 June

Hearing Dogs Charity Walk

Two-mile walk through Silk Wood.

11.30am. Adults £5, children no charge.

Tel: 010656 872707/ marilyn.sydenham@hearingdogs.org.uk.

 

Summer Evening Concerts

Friday 20 June - The Zutons with guests Mystery Jets and Noah and the Whale. £26.00 plus booking fee.

Saturday 21 June - SOLD OUT - Crowded House

Sunday 22 June - SOLD OUT - Status Quo

Tickets available at www.forestry.gov.uk/music or tel: 01842 814612. Tickets also available in the Forest Shop (in person only)

 

JULY

Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 July

Green Woodworking Weekend

Hands-on 2-day course teaching traditional woodworking skills.

9.30am - 5pm

£95. Craft Shelter, Silk Wood. Booking essential: 01453 753 452/ 0781 7878 737.

 

Sunday 13 July

Wood sale

Westonbirt wood on sale (held on the second Sunday of every month). Proceeds to the Friends of Westonbirt.

10am - 1pm. Free on admission.

Admission to Arboretum: adult £7, conc. £6, child £2.

 

Thursday 17 July

Digital Photography Workshop

For beginners. Spark your creativity and improve composition on location in the arboretum.

£40. (including arboretum admission). Booking essential: 01285 653069.

 

Summer Evening Concerts

Friday 18 July - Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra with Gilson Lavis, special guest vocalist Marc Almond and guest vocalists Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall.

£30.00 plus booking fee. Tickets available at www.forestry.gov.uk/music or telephone 01842 814612. Tickets also available in the Forest Shop (in person only)

 

Saturday 19 July - SOLD OUT - Katherine Jenkins and the National Symphony Orchestra. Plus special guests Blake.

Monday 21 - Saturday 26 July

Make a Wooden Chair Workshop

Six-day green woodworking course.

£250. Booking essential: 01373 836 051/ 07793 823093.

 

Saturday 26 July

Plant Hunters Walk

Tales of remarkable plant hunters and the incredible plants they brought home. 11am. Booking essential: 01666 880220.

Admission to Arboretum: adult £7, conc. £6, child £2.

 

AUGUST

Tuesday 5 - Thursday 7 August

Bug World Family Event

Adopt a bug's eye view of the arboretum, and make a home for garden insects.

10.30am - 4.30pm. Free on admission.

Admission to Arboretum: adult £7. conc. £6, child £2.

 

Saturday 9 August

Champion Trees Walk

Meet the champions of Westonbirt - the tallest and largest trees in Britain. Booking essential: 01666 880220. Free on admission.

Admission to Arboretum: adult £7, conc. £6, child £2.

 

Sunday 10 August

Wood Sale

Westonbirt wood on sale (held on the second Sunday of every month). Proceeds to the Friends of Westonbirt.

10am - 1pm. Free on admission.

Admission to Arboretum: adult £7, conc. £6, child £2.

 

Wednesday 13 & Friday 15 August

Holford Heritage Tour

A rare opportunity for a guided tour of the residence and gardens of Westonbirt's creator Robert Holford.

10am - 3.30pm. £24.00 including lunch. Booking essential: 01666 881200. (Other dates in July available for group booking only.)

 

Monday 18 - Monday 25 August

Festival of the Tree

Exciting events celebrating the wonderful world of trees. Week-long giant tree sculpting 'Sculptree' plus family events - including wand making, rides and William Woodworm trail. From Friday 22 to Monday 25, a tented crafts village with 150 exhibitors demonstrating skills and selling artisan wooden products.

Admission to Arboretum: adult £8, conc. £7, child £3.

For further information about Westonbirt Arboretum and its events:

Tel: 01666 880220 or visit www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt

Westonbirt is open all year round - from 9am-8pm, or dusk if earlier.

See individual events for admission prices for the Arboretum.

Annual membership is also available.

Westonbirt Arboretum is three miles south west of Tetbury on the A433 (Tetbury to Bath Road). It is 10 miles north-east of Junction 18 of the M4, and south-east of junction 13 of the M5.