The Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum (The Friends) are championing the importance of play for children and inviting visitors to be part of their Play Today, Thrive Tomorrow campaign https://www.fowa.org.uk/play
Welcoming 90,000 visits from young people a year, Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, is a much-loved safe space for outdoor play and adventure, with dedicated play areas and family trails. It is estimated that a new play area within the Old Arboretum has already provided more than 30,000 hours of play since its installation in August 2024.
New research – The State of Play – published this year by The Raising the Nation Play Commission, highlights the importance of play for children’s communication and language skills, physical development and social skills such as collaboration, empathy and resilience. Recognising the contribution that this special Forestry England site can make in supporting children’s health and development, The Friends are championing the power of play at Westonbirt.
Visitors are invited to show their support for Play Today, Thrive Tomorrow in two simple ways:
- Bringing their children or grandchildren, having fun and sharing their happy adventures with others.
- Donating to The Friends to fund the work of sustaining and developing play spaces at Westonbirt, so that children can benefit from outdoor play for years to come.
“This initiative is all about ensuring today’s children and future generations can experience the joy, creativity and connection that outdoor play provides,” explains Fiona Phelps, Fundraising Manager for The Friends.
“The recent research only serves to focus our minds even more on the importance for children of play and particularly outdoor play. Through fundraising, The Friends aims to support the expansion and enhancement of play opportunities across the arboretum, helping to create environments that encourage exploration and learning in nature.
“Fundraising plays a vital role in this work, providing the funds to renew play areas so that they remain engaging and more accessible for years to come. We’re so grateful for every donation and we hope that visitors of all ages have a wonderful time visiting this special place over the Easter holidays and beyond.”
Westonbirt Arboretum is committed to making the cost of entrance widely accessible. The Friends offer excellent value family membership, giving unlimited year-round entry (including kids go free), while Forestry England offers Universal Credit admission rates, as well as a community access scheme. To find out more visit https://www.fowa.org.uk/membership
