Soar sky-high at westonbirt arboretum thanks to new stihl treetop walkway

[Steve Bullman]

SOAR SKY-HIGH AT WESTONBIRT ARBORETUM THANKS TO NEW STIHL TREETOP WALKWAY

 

[xfloat=right]http://www.arbtalk.co.uk/images/stihl1.jpg[/xfloat]

An aerial pathway through the leafy canopy of The Forestry Commission's National Arboretum, Westonbirt, will be officially unveiled by Countryfile presenter, Ellie Harrison, on Tuesday 26th April.

 

Sponsored by STIHL, the landmark 'STIHL Treetop Walkway' whisks visitors into and above the arboretum's tree-tops for a breathtaking birds-eye-view of the world-renowned tree collection.

 

The new 13 metre high walkway will transform the woodland experience by promising spectacular views across the arboretum landscape and enabling visitors to discover more about Westonbirt's 15,000 trees from high above the ground.

 

The 300 metre route follows a serpentine path through the trees and along the contours of the site, providing step-free access into the arboretum's Silk Wood for people of all abilities.

 

Robin Lennie, Managing Director at STIHL, says he is thrilled the walkway is officially open.

 

"The opening of the STIHL Treetop Walkway is a significant milestone for STIHL. As a leading outdoor power equipment company with such a rich heritage in tree management, it is important for us to support initiatives that help educate people on our wildlife and reinforce the message that chainsaws help foster the growth of our ecosystems. It will be wonderful to see families and school children step foot on the walkway for the first time and get a whole new perspective of the breathtaking arboretum," says Mr Lennie.

 

The impressive walkway structure is made from Larch and Douglas Fir and includes more than 20 pairs of timber legs, ranging in size from 2.5 metres up to 14 metres tall.

 

The walkway experience will also feature seven interactive hotspots to give visitors of all ages the chance to get up-close with nature and learn more about the fascinating world of trees.

 

Andrew Smith, Director at Westonbirt Arboretum says:

 

"People have been enjoying the views of Westonbirt from the ground for generations, so the time has come to offer our visitors a new and exciting way to see the arboretum by getting up close and personal with the canopy, just like our tree team! This landmark addition transforms the visitor experience with incredible views which have never been seen before. It also provides a family-friendly and fun way for visitors to engage with the world of trees.

 

"The STIHL Treetop Walkway is the start of an exciting new chapter in Westonbirt's history and can be enjoyed as the seasons change throughout the year. We're incredibly proud of it and would like to thank all the Trusts, Foundations, companies and individual donors who have given their time and money to make this project a reality."

 

The new STIHL Treetop Walkway will be open from Wednesday 27th April and access will be included within the admission to the arboretum.

 

For more information, please visit Forestry Commission - Westonbirt, The National Arboretum - visitor information, events and tree collection information (England)

[Stoatally]

I've been watching bits of this being put together and it really does look like it will be pretty cool. Nice to see its included in the admission, another reason to become a friend of Westonbirt.

[sean]

Superb. I wonder if it has wheelchair access? 😏

[Steve Bullman]

Superb. I wonder if it has wheelchair access? 😏

I would imagine so

 

The 300 metre route follows a serpentine path through the trees and along the contours of the site, providing step-free access into the arboretum's Silk Wood for people of all abilities.

[sandspider]

I've seen bits of this being built too. Will be interested to have a look at it when it's open.

 

Mind you, looking at trees from the ground was good enough for my granddad!

[treeplanter]

a good little plus point for the arb show , look forward to having a look

[Stoatally]

It opened to the public today SO i popped over for a look. It's really impressive, gives a very different perspective to that part of the arboretum.

 

I really enjoyed it, would have liked to have a look at the interactive bits and gone up the steps to the crows nest bit but the dog really wasn't very keen. She could see the floor between all the broads. She made it all the way across it though, unlike someone's spaniel who lay down and looked like they were clinging on for dear life!

 

 

 

[sean]

It opened to the public today SO i popped over for a look. It's really impressive, gives a very different perspective to that part of the arboretum.

 

I really enjoyed it, would have liked to have a look at the interactive bits and gone up the steps to the crows nest bit but the dog really wasn't very keen. She could see the floor between all the broads. She made it all the way across it though, unlike someone's spaniel who lay down and looked like they were clinging on for dear life!

 

 

 

 

 

Has it got wheel chair/buggy access?

[Stoatally]

Yes -p I'm sure it has, there's a picture of a mobility scooter on the bottom of the sign and I can't think of anything you wouldn't have been able to access - other than the crows nest and one little side bit over a rope bridge.

 

They'd never get away with building anything like that now without it being DDA compliant.

 

I must go back over there without the dog one day to see it all and have a roam round the old arboretum

[silky fox]

What a fantastic structure! Shall have to walk it after the Arb show.