Plans have been revealed for a new children's play area at Westonbirt Arboretum.
The project, part of a 10-year play strategy, is funded by The Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum (The Friends) and Forestry England.
The first phase, costing £127,000, is set to be completed by the end of August.
The plan is to create two nature-inspired play zones in the Old Arboretum, catering to children of all abilities and developmental stages.
The play areas will include features such as a birdbox, an elevated boardwalk, tree nets, and speaking tubes.
Alongside these additions there will be ramp access provided and a variety of play types, ensuring inclusivity and catering to different age ranges and support needs.
Emma Griffiths, CEO of The Friends, said: "Supporting and helping fund development in the arboretum is what we are all about; supporting them to improve connection with the trees and underpinning vital conservation work in the collection.
"We are excited that the first phase of play has been funded, and we’re looking now to fundraise for phases two and three."
Neil Seegobin, project manager at Westonbirt Arboretum, said: "Westonbirt Arboretum offers the ultimate natural playground and thanks to The Friends and Forestry England, this project has provided us with scope for more ambitious pieces to encourage further interactive and exploratory experiences through nature, with the whole family.
"Through our new innovative and inspiring play offer, we’re updating and keeping experiences fresh for young visitors, and we hope this in turn helps generate new visitors and more re-visits."
The new play area is part of a broader strategy to engage families, particularly those with children aged four to eight and those with additional needs.
The plan is to install two more natural play areas in 2025 and 2026, including in the dog-friendly Silk Wood and a redevelopment of the former Exploratree play area.
As part of the strategy, The Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum will be seeking donations to fund these future phases.
Mr Seegobin added: "Visitor numbers have grown significantly since installation of the Treetop Walkway and investment is needed to keep the family audience engaged and to entice new visitors to explore the arboretum.
"This development enables us to widen our offer to visitors and this new play also provides an inclusive experience."
A date for the opening of the first phase will be announced in due course.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here