Studies show that creativity and nature go hand-in-hand in reducing and preventing stress — and this autumn, Westonbirt Arboretum is providing mood-boosting activities, encouraging people to explore wellbeing through creativity.
In the Silk Wood, there's a brand-new wellbeing trail to help visitors find new ways to relax and connect with the natural landscape.
Download a forest wellbeing journal from forestryengland.uk/westonbirt/wellbeing-trail, before setting off to spend time among the trees, stopping at themed panels to notice the forest around you.
Bring the kids along to meet Birtha, the woodland spirit of Westonbirt, who needs help restoring her colour in the brand-new autumn family trail, The Ballad of Birtha.
Available in the Old Arboretum until Thursday 30 November 2023, the trail is aimed at families with children aged three to nine, but all ages can have fun meeting Birtha and her woodland friends — including their guide, Barry the earthworm, who offers fun facts and activities along the way.
The trail has been created especially for Westonbirt by children's author and illustrator, Duncan Beedie, who's also hosting creative activities for visiting families during October half term.
From Monday 23 to Friday 27 October 2023, he'll be in the Great Oak Hall between 10.30am and 3.30pm, helping children to create their own woodland sprites and sharing stories about the inspiration behind the new Ballad of Birtha trail.
Plus, with autumn colours all around, a trip to the arboretum is one way to immerse yourself in nature's beauty — proven to improve wellbeing and ignite creativity.
Step into a kaleidoscope of colour, admiring the arboretum's own creative display of autumn leaves; from maple trees ablaze with energising reds, to riots of orange and yellow among calming greens and the soothing golden hues of chestnut, oak and beech trees.
There's even daily guided walks, taking visitors on a gentle stroll around the arboretum to revel in all those marvellous autumn colours and seasonal scents.
Please note, it's essential to pre-book tickets during Westonbirt's peak autumn period, until Sunday 12 November 2023.
Tickets can be booked online via forestryengland.uk/westonbirt/autumn.
