Showtime approaches with Westonbirt’s autumn colour

Stop for a moment and immerse yourself in autumn’s wonder.

The Japanese maple collections, with their punchy variety of colours are the centre of attention at Westonbirt; these trees, many would say, typify Westonbirt’s autumn notoriety.  

From 7 September, Westonbirt is exploring the theme, ‘The Magic of Maples’, with an immersive trail that winds through the arboretum. This trail, created for all ages, invites visitors to explore the tree collection and the Japanese maples with a new curiosity. To take a journey of ‘reconnection’ by experiencing the arboretum through the lens of Japanese aesthetic concepts. The ‘Perfectly Imperfect’ trail, in Silk Wood, brings together nine Japanese concepts that offer a unique perspective on the rainbow of tree colour taking centre stage. You will be encouraged to explore with curiosity, using all your senses, and to find favourite spaces between the trees that spark joy, whether it’s simply a tree that feels special or a place where you can immerse yourself in autumn’s colourful wonder.

In partnership with the British Haiku Society, Westonbirt is also celebrating the beauty of nature through the art of Haiku. Westonbirt organised an online haiku competition earlier this year, inviting poets from around the world to capture the magic of maples in just a few words.  The winners’ haiku words provide moments of inspiration in an outdoor haiku exhibition at Westonbirt this autumn. 

Throughout the season there are free family events to enjoy at Westonbirt (included with admission), blending learning with fun:

‘Meet the machines’:  Saturday 19 September, 10.30am–3.30pm

Get up close to some of the vehicles used at Westonbirt to care for the trees. Children even get the chance to sit in one of the big tractors or a mower!

         

‘Celebration of Maples’: Saturday 17 October, 10.30am–3.30pm

Discovery day for children, celebrating maples through creative poetry and printing.

         

‘Sensory Activity Walks’: Monday 26 & Friday 30 October, 10:30am-3.30pm    

Bring the kids on a guided maple-themed walk with some delightful storytelling along the way.

‘Maple Magic’: Tuesday 27 to Thursday 29 October, 10.30am-3:30pm    

Time for you and the children to go maple leaf hunting and to make a leaf lantern.

Families can also embark on magical woodland adventures at Westonbirt with beloved characters from book and screen. If you venture into the deep dark wood you may bump into the Gruffalo, the Gruffalo's Child and don’t miss exploring the Room on the Broom trail. This interactive family trail is packed with Room on the Broom themed activities, fascinating forest facts and plenty of hands-on fun. Pick up your trail pack, available from Westonbirt’s Welcome Building or Shop for just £4. Each pack is filled with everything you need to bring the magic to life.

For nature lovers of all ages, choose one of Westonbirt’s three free daily guided walks to discover the arboretum’s history and autumn secrets.

Prebooking your visit during October and November is strongly recommended to guarantee admission during this busy season. Members of the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum enjoy all these free events without paying admission to the arboretum.

Whether you are seeking exploration with family and friends or moments of stillness among the trees, Westonbirt is a haven where nature’s details in the arboretum are waiting to be discovered this autumn.

For more information about Westonbirt Arboretum this autumn see: Forestryengland.uk/westonbirt/autumn