THE Forestry Commission’s National Arboretum at Westonbirt is hosting a whole new summer event series for 2016 to keep all ages entertained throughout the holidays.

From July to the end of August five week long family events take hold, all focusing on the amazing life of exotic plant hunters past and present.

Alongside the craft events, kids can embark on their own plant hunter expedition on the summer family trail through the Westonbirt wilderness, trialling a series of skilled challenges as they go to achieve the esteemed Plant Hunter title

The first in the superb summer line-up is Stir Crazy Collectors, from 25 to 29 July. Young adventurers can enjoy crafts and activities inspired by Plant Hunter David Douglas, including making Gall ink and Douglas fir fat feeders, named after the very man himself.

From August 1 to 5, Storm in a Teacup takes centre stage, focusing on plant hunter Robert Fortune who made his name taking tea plants from China for the British to grow in India. Children can make their own plant hunter sketch books and create prints of the varnish tree which Robert collected.

Children can also create their own botanical painting masterpiece or make a wingnut seed catkin at the Plant Painter event from August 8 to 12, all inspired by world renowned plant painter Marianne North.

In special remembrance of Gloucestershire’s own plant hunter Ernest Wilson, our Chipping Camden to China event gets children to have a go at nature printing, an essential skill for any plant hunter. They can also make their own handkerchief tree, of which Ernest Wilson collected from China and brought back to Britain himself in 1902.

The final instalment is History in the Making from 22 to 26 August, where things take a more modern turn. Kids can hear about the role of plant hunters in the present day including how they collect herbarium samples and have a go at making conifer paint brushes.

Caroline Bennett, Learning Officer at Westonbirt Arboretum commented:

“This summer Westonbirt is transformed into a plant hunter’s paradise. It’s a fantastic opportunity for families to learn just how much the Victorian plant hunters had to overcome to bring these amazing exotic trees back to Britain for us all to enjoy.

We’ve got a fantastic family trail running throughout the summer holidays and our five fantastic summer events start from July 25.

Family events are included in the cost of admission.

Children aged 18 and under receive free entry from 22 July – 31 August.

Image attached: Toddler at Westonbirt, credit Pete Thompson