Activities at the Arboretum
Feed the ducks
We currently have a group of about a dozen male and female Mallard ducks visiting our ponds on a daily basis.
By all means feed them a little when you visit. This will encourage them to stay. Pickings in winter are lean. Bread is not the best option.
The notice at the pond suggests healthier options which include; sweetcorn, lettuce, peas, oats, rice and seeds.
Leicester and Rutland Wildlife Trust - 2024
The LRWT have been holding outdoor nature events for children at the Attenborough Arboretum for many years.
To browse the current list of activities scheduled here this summer please click on the link below.
LRWT - About UsThe Attenborough Arboretum Volunteer Programme
A friendly group of volunteers meet most Thursday mornings during the year to tackle various tasks around the arboretum.
If this is something that may interest you please click on the link below.
The Volunteering ProgrammeTry your hand at Willow Weaving
Nobody can have failed to notice our beautiful living willow tunnel that was planted out in March of this year (2023).
It is absolutely thriving now and growing weekly. To be a success all living willow structures need to be regularly woven, as the new growth comes and before it loses it's pliability and turns to hard wood.
Please do try your hand at weaving the willow. It would be a great help and is a relaxing and simple activity that both adults and children can enjoy. The willow structure is there for your education and entertainment.
Weaving is easy. Simply weave the long pliant new growth back into the existing framework in an in-and-out criss-cross fashion and an upward direction. A short instructional video is available here.