It’s the beginning of a new era of play at Westonbirt Arboretum!
Starting with two new play areas opened in the Old Arboretum, these two play zones offer nature-inspired fun, with some brand-new play experiences.
'Holford Hollow' is located along Main Drive, with the 'Troll Bridge' leading from The Downs into the hollow, and 'Branch Out' is found just off Circular Drive.
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. The schemes and layout also accommodate varying types of play and access needs. For example, there are areas that enable wheelchair access, there are also 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.
These two play areas were designed by Earth Wrights, experts in outdoor play design, and this first new phase of play is also the culmination of more than four years’ work by Westonbirt's team alongside play focus groups and is jointly funded by the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum and Forestry England.
Holford Hollow
This play area, revamping the former Tree Forts and Troll Bridge area, is found in the Old Arboretum, just off Main Drive. The play structures offer nature-inspired play space that blends seamlessly with the surrounding trees. Centred around a prominent oak tree, an elevated and wheel-chair accessible boardwalk not only gives children a bit of height in their play but also enhances accessibility. Low-lying tree nets provide opportunities for tree canopy and sky gazing along with challenging balance exploration. Talk tubes, mimicking the mycelium root structure of fungi, provide endless 'walkie-talkie' communication fun. Climbing routes are formed from felled trees and logs and intricate carvings offer the chance for some more visual discovery. Don't miss the new quiet hut hiding further along through the trees off Main Drive, to quietly watch and listen to nature around you. Our well-loved Troll Bridge has been lovingly restored providing 'secret' access out to and in from the Downs. The perfect mini-adventure!
Branch Out
Located in the Old Arboretum, just off Circular Drive, this new play area offers a new climbing, balancing challenge for children of all ages. Nestled beneath an abundant canopy, the area features large Westonbirt oak logs with balance beams extending like roots and branches into smaller log and rope systems. This forest-inspired pattern of elevated play provides children the chase to chase, challenge and balance within the surrounding woodland. Will your child be able to complete the Branch Out circuit without touching the floor? We hear it's possible!
Ensuring inclusivity
Play at Westonbirt is all about enabling every child, at every stage of development, to engage in play. From toddlers learning to grapple with climbing skills to older children engaging in risky play, along with children with different abilities working to stretch their limits. It is essential that we give every child the opportunity to explore through play, and and to have fun playing together. Not forgetting that sometimes children simply love the chance to explore the world quietly in their own space, with parents and carers looking on close by.
In this first phase of new natural-play, part of the design brief was to create a multi-generational inclusive and accessible spaces that help every child to reach their full potential whilst connecting with nature.
With support from experts in play design, Earth Wrights , we have endeavoured to create spaces that offer a range of experiences for every child to enjoy.
Throughout Westonbirt we offer a rich variety of play experience through our natural-play areas found nestled among the beautiful trees along easy-access trails in both the Old Arboretum and Silk Wood. Providing adventurous, physical play activities alongside quieter, more creative ones. We want every child to enjoy imaginative play in this special place.
