Forestry England’s Westonbirt, The National Arboretum is proud to announce that two brand-new children’s play areas have just been finished and are open for children and families to enjoy, in time for the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Visiting families and children will find these imaginative new play areas, which after a public vote have affectionately been named ‘Holford Hollow’ and ‘Branch Out’, nestling seamlessly in beautiful locations within the Old Arboretum; located among the surrounding trees to encourage off-path exploration and discovery.

The idea behind the design for these natural play areas is to encourage younger children, aged mainly between four to eight years of age, to engage in play that challenges and stimulates them. Whilst simultaneously providing an exciting way to socialise with other children and connect with the surrounding trees.

Additionally, whether it is toddlers developing their early play skills or older children trying their hand at more challenging climbing and balancing activity, the areas offer a variety of play experiences, with adventurous, physical activities alongside quieter, more creative ones. In this way, the scheme and layout also accommodates varying types of play and access needs. For example, there are areas that enable wheelchair access as well as some observation points overlooking the play space allowing children to watch and acclimatise to the space. Climbing and balancing structures also encourage group play and interaction. It is intended that children of all abilities will enjoy and explore the play zones together.

Children invited to test the new play areas earlier this week had this to say:

When asked if she had fun exploring the new play areas with her sisters, Elizabeth (10) said: “Definitely! My favourite bit’s definitely been the climbing poles, and also the ropes here - you had to climb across them. I also really liked the spider web, because I could lie down on that bit and that was fun. If I were to give it a rating, I’d give it a 10 out of 10!”

Jaxon (8) said: “My favourite thing was balancing on top of the pole. It was all really fun – I would like to come here again. This is my first time at Westonbirt and I want to come back again.”

Hailed as the beginning of a new era of play at Westonbirt, this is just the first of three exciting development phases for new play areas at the Arboretum between now and 2026.

Neil Seegobin, Project Manager at Westonbirt says:

“We’re passionate about children developing a sense of curiosity, understanding and love for the natural environment around them through discovery and imaginative play. These two new play areas are just the start. Over the next two years we look forward to developing the other exciting and accessible natural play spaces, whilst also being sympathetic to the heritage landscape. We hope to encourage more families and children to connect with nature as they explore the wonders of the arboretum.”

Forestry England and The Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum jointly funded this initial development phase. 2025-2026 will see the introduction of two more new play areas within the arboretum in dog-friendly Silk Wood as well as a redevelopment of the former ‘Exploratree’ play area. The Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum will continue fundraising to support the delivery of phases two and three.

Designed by Earth Wrights, experts in outdoor play design, this first new phase of play is also the culmination of more than four years’ work by Westonbirt's team, play focus groups and fundraisers.

You’ll find a variety of things to do this summer at Westonbirt Arboretum that offer the perfect blend of playful adventure for every member of the family. Everyone is invited to let their imagination run wild as they explore and connect with nature in this beautiful place.

For more information see: Forestryengland.uk/westonbirt/play