Gloucestershire's magical tree garden, Westonbirt Arboretum, is home to 2,500 different botanical species from all over the world, offering a sanctuary away from screens for children to connect with nature.
Recent studies show how spending time outdoors can have a significant impact on young people's development, with children who regularly play in nature exhibiting greater cognitive function, creativity and reduced stress levels — and shared experiences in nature proven to strengthen family bonds, too.
Local charity, the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum, which supports activities at Westonbirt to help connect people with trees, makes these kinds of enriching outdoor experiences more accessible to families through its annual membership options.
Starting from £45 per year for a single membership, the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum membership is designed to provide good value for families, helping to make the benefits of nature accessible to all.
Both single and joint membership options include unlimited, free entry for members and up to four of their children or grandchildren aged 18 and under, giving families the chance to visit time and time again — and foster a love of nature across generations.
As well as boosting mental wellbeing by spending time in green spaces, the arboretum is a natural playground where children can run, climb trees, build dens and explore, encouraging them to get active in a world where it's so easy to stay sedentary.
It's also a living classroom, where children can learn about biodiversity, conservation and the importance of trees in our ecosystem, with regular, free family events that present new educational opportunities.
Becoming a Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum member is not only an investment in your own wellbeing; but also supports the arboretum's conservation and education work, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy its natural spaces, too.
Discover more exclusive benefits of becoming a Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum member on SoGlos or visit fowa.org.uk to explore membership options and sign up.
