Arboretum invites public to discover the magic of the tress

The National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire will host a free interactive summer programme designed to engage visitors of all ages with the natural world.

Titled as Wondrous Trees, the exhibition will run from 19 July to 31 August.

The programme explores the stories, science, and sounds of the Arboretum’s trees, encouraging outdoor discovery, participation and reflection on the connections between people, trees and the environment.

CANOPY, a new sound art installation by the Lorna Rees Company, invites visitors of all ages to experience a multi-part soundscape celebrating the relationship between humans and trees.

Developed with contributions from over 500 people, including ecologists, artists and young people, CANOPY offers a thought-provoking audio journey around 24 suspended Sonic Seed pods, bringing together diverse voices to celebrate the beauty of the Arboretum’s woodlands, and the human connection to them.

Stories of healing, contemplations by renowned experts and new songs inspired by trees, are just some of the 24 ideas about trees that will be shared by CANOPY as visitors explore.

It will be open daily from 11 am to 4 pm with free entrance.

Every Wednesday throughout the summer holidays, Wondrous Takeovers offers even more to explore, with themed sessions full of music, theatre, stories and craft.

It is a chance for young visitors to let their imaginations run wild and make new memorable memories.

Admission to some activities is by free ticket, where advanced bookings are recommended.

Children are encouraged to get noisy, exploring rhythm, song and sound inspired by trees during music making workshops. It is facilitated by instruments and natural materials.

The workshops will take place on Wednesday 23 July and Wednesday 20 August at 11am, 11.45am, 12.30pm, 1.15pm, and 2.15pm.

B’Opera will feature Alice and the Library Tree on Wednesday 30 July at 11am and 1.30pm. This magical, interactive theatre performance is for children aged one to three.

Interactive storytelling will also take place on Wednesdays, 6 August and 27 August from 11 am to 2.30 pm.

An arts and crafts session will take place on Wednesday 12 August from 11 am to 3 pm. The drop-in creative sessions will encourage younger visitors to use natural materials like leaves, twigs and feathers to bring the forest to life. 

Older children can try hapa zome, a plant based Japenese eco-printing technique, to create their own pressed-leaf art and nature frames

B'Opera Presents: Tall Trees and Tiny Seeds (Wednesday 27 August, 11am and 12.30pm, Ages 0-5)

A magical music-led workshop for the Arboretum’s youngest visitors will take place on Wednesday, 27 August at 11 am and 12.30 pm. It is open to children aged up to 5, with singing, swaying and stomping, combining rhythm and movement with songs inspired by trees.

Rachel Smith, head of Participation and Learning at the National Memorial Arboretum said: “Wondrous Trees will offer the chance to discover and connect with nature” says “Trees have long been powerful symbols of life, Remembrance, and renewal.

“Our summer programme has been inspired by the stories, science and sounds of the Arboretum’s trees.

“Its, free, inclusive participatory activities will give visitors of all ages the chance to explore, reflect and learn from the story's trees tell.”

Click here for more information about the Wondrous Trees activities, and to book specific sessions.

All activities are free. Some sessions have limited space so booking tickets in advance is recommended.