As winter’s cold passes and spring bursts into life, something magical is happening at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum. The warmer and longer days bring the emergence of many forms of precious new life.
Westonbirt looks forward to seeing new leaves appearing on the trees and flower buds opening; but it is not just about the amazing trees. This time of year is also signalled by the sound of songbirds and the sights of newborn wildlife.
This spring Westonbirt Arboretum is celebrating wildlife superheroes, revealing the superpowers of some the animals and insects that make this special place their home.
Consider the speed a squirrel can run and climb, scurrying down a tree at speed without falling. Brown long-eared bats will use their echolocation superpower to detect size, direction and shape of approaching prey in their surroundings. Bees see things differently. Did you know they can see ultra-violet light and have the fastest colour vision of the animal kingdom?
Everyone is invited to enjoy a day out and find out more about the wildlife making this place their home. All the activities, such as trails and guided walks, are free after paying admission to the arboretum. Discover a range of things to do that offer a perfect blend of adventure, education and relaxation designed to captivate every member of the family.
‘Nature Superheroes’ from 7 March - 31 May embark on Westonbirt’s spring family trail which is all about wildlife living throughout the arboretum. Will you be able to find all nine creatures and discover their amazing superpower?
Over the Easter holiday, there are two family events to take part in:
‘No place like home’ , Tuesday 2 April - Friday 5 April - 10.30am - 3.30pm in the Great Oak Hall, where the children can learn more about the variety of wildlife homes that exist at Westonbirt amongst the trees.
‘New Life’ , Tuesday 9 April - Thursday 11 April - 10:30am - 3:30pm join a drop-in family activity in Westonbirt’s Learning Centre to discover more about woodland animal babies.
Later in the season there is also a series of ‘Discovery Days’ taking place, aimed for families with children to learn more about wildlife through crafts and challenges.
‘Wildlife Surveys’, Saturday 20 April - 10:30am - 3:30pm head to Silk Wood Barn to discover some of the wildlife that lives there. Have fun increasing identification skills with a wildflower challenge.
‘Camouflaged Creatures’, Saturday 18 May - 10:30am - 3:30pm, the children can take part in a variety of challenges to see if they can find hidden camouflaged creatures.
‘Minibeast Mimics’ , 28 to 30 May - 10:30am - 3:30pm bring the children to take part in games and crafts to find out how some creatures have evolved to mimic others for protection.
The much-loved Gruffalo turns 25 this year, and from spring until late summer, what better way to celebrate than a big party trail? As part of the adventure, families will be encouraged to work together to search for missing party items while enjoying fun and games along the trail. They will also learn about the intricate ways plants and animals look after each other.
For teenagers and adults of all ages why not choose one of Westonbirt’s four guided walks and be sure to see some of the arboretum’s most beautiful places and wonderful trees.
By continuing to care for the arboretum, Westonbirt’s team continues to sustain a vital haven for a vast range of wildlife that make it their home. All these springtime activities will help you and your children understand some of nature’s remarkable superpowers - and inspire you to be a nature superhero too.
For more information see: Forestryengland.uk/westonbirt/wildlife
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