A brand new play area that encourages children to develop
their curiosity for nature is now open at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum.
Along with plenty of stuff to climb and fun places to hide, the new and improved Exploratree playground gives children a chance to embrace nature through scavenging for forest finds and investigating with their fellow explorers.
Inspired by plant collection expeditions of days gone
by, the playground 'breathes new life' into the former play area, with
a new 'portal' entrance; accessible timber boardwalk and ‘weather station’
hut; and an 'explorers' lab', where children can bring their scavenged
treasures to measure and investigate with fellow explorers they meet along the
way.
Designed by Bristol-based outdoor play builder Green Play Project, its redevelopment is the culmination of more than four years of work by the Westonbirt team, play focus groups and fundraisers including the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum – which continues to fundraise to support the delivery of more new play areas, coming this year and next.
Project manager at Westonbirt, Neil Seegobin, said:
'We’re passionate about children developing a sense of curiosity, understanding
and love for the natural environment around them through discovery and
imaginative play.
'The new Exploratree is the latest in an ongoing programme of investment in natural play areas here at Westonbirt Arboretum. Over the next two years we look forward to installing at least two more exciting and inclusive natural play spaces.'
Located in the central area of the arboretum, close to the restaurant and shop, the playground is designed for children aged eight years old and under.
To find out more about the new play area, visit the Westonbirt Arboretum website.
Details of all the exciting events and activities at Westonbirt this summer can be found in the SoGlos Summer Holidays Guide.
