I decided to take the kids to Westonbirt Arboretum this half-term, I have a membership but usually find that we don't use it enough, it's been so long since our last visit that there is now a new visitor centre!
It was well thought out and designed, with toilets, information point and even a coffee stand, which are all well placed after a longish drive!
As you followed the path to the woods, there was this lovely shepherds hut which today played host to the volunteers with the childrens trail, they were all very helpful and happy to explain, we got a map, with a trail quiz and pencils and even paper bags to put all our treasure in.
The trail took us down paths we'd never explored before and the kids liked finding all the quiz stops along the way, they happily participated in all the art in nature activities.
The trail was a good length, we took the buggy for the littlest, who's now three as she got tired along the way. The paths were muddy so we were glad of our hiking boots/wellies but the weather was lovely, so mild for this time of year.
The autumn colour was out but it's not been a spectacular display apparently due to the weather we've had this year, but the red leaves are my favourite and I thought they were stunning.
I think that there might be more Autumnal colour in the Silk Wood where the Japanese Acer's are but sadly we didn't have time to go over there on this visit.
At the end of the trail at the education centre they were helping the children make clay mushrooms and leaf crowns using their treasure from their bags.
The older girls were sceptical about having a go but when they saw what was happening they joined right in and enjoyed it, the volunteers here were also really welcoming and helpful.
A lovely end to a lovely day.
Special thanks to my chief photographer for providing the images and letting me use them ;)
