Discover the Magic of Trees this summer at the National Memorial Arboretum

From 19 July to 31 August, the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire will host Wondrous Trees, a free interactive summer programme, designed to engage visitors of all ages with the natural world. 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 (Daily, 11am-4pm) | Free

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.

Wondrous Takeovers

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, which we recommend booking in advance. On the day tickets are subject to availability.

Music Making Workshops (Wednesday 23 July and Wednesday 20 August, 11am, 11.45am, 12.30pm, 1.15pm, 2.15pm)

Children are encouraged to get noisy, exploring rhythm, song and sound inspired by trees during facilitated interactive workshops using instruments and natural materials.

B’Opera Presents: Alice and the Library Tree (Wednesday 30 July, 11am and 1.30pm, Ages 3-5)

When a storm damages Alice’s beloved library tree, can she get it re-opened? Will she be any match for the white rabbit and the evil queen of hearts? Can her Fairy Godmother help? Find out in this magical, interactive theatre performance for children aged 3 – 5, which will blend classical pieces, with nursery rhymes and original music composed by B’Opera.

Interactive Storytelling (Wednesday 6 August and Wednesday 27 August, sessions between 11am and 2.30pm)

Every tree has a tale to tell! We’ll be sharing ‘Tree Full of Wonder’ a story by Anna Smithers in our interactive storytelling sessions. Arts and Crafts (Wednesday 13 August, 11am-3pm)

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, with singing, swaying and stomping, combining rhythm and movement with songs inspired by trees.

“Wondrous Trees will offer the chance to discover and connect with nature” says Rachel Smith, Head of Participation and Learning at the National Memorial Arboretum. “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.”

For more information about the Wondrous Trees activities, and to book specific sessions, click here. All activities are free. Some sessions have limited space so booking tickets in advance is recommended.