In February 2025, 20 PLUS Award Students took part in an on-site skills session at Westonbirt Arboretum, where students worked together to support the team in developing their youth forum.
These PLUS students have had a direct impact on the route that Westonbirt will take to develop their youth forum, helping to ensure the student voice is embedded in this project from the outset.
Below, hear from 2nd year Geography student, Ffion Jones, about their time at Westonbirt.
‘My visit to Westonbirt, the National Arboretum was a really fantastic, immersive experience.
We arrived early, and the crisp morning air was refreshing as we set off on a guided tour. At first, I wasn’t sure I’d fully connect with the landscape, but our guide’s storytelling brought everything to life. As we walked, we saw Californian Giant Redwoods and stood before the humble yet incredibly rare Wollemi Pine. I was mesmerised, but learning about these trees’ origins and their role in conservation also helped me understand Westonbirt’s vital work.
After the tour, we got stuck into a brainstorming session, tasked with finding ways to inspire young people to engage with the Arboretum’s mission. Working in groups gave us a chance to develop ideas together, bouncing suggestions back and forth. It was a great way to practice teamwork and communication. During our discussion, the Westonbirt team also gave us insights into careers, volunteering opportunities, and outreach programs which developed my understanding of the conservation sector.
Looking back, the experience was transformative. Seeing Westonbirt’s mission to inspire and involve young people resonated deeply, and it reminded me how crucial it is to nurture our empathy in order to reach people.
I left feeling refreshed—physically, emotionally, and academically. For any student looking to reset, develop skills, and learn something new, I’d highly recommend seeking out opportunities like this. A day off campus really can put everything into perspective.’
What Next?
- Complete your Evidence Log Pathway to achieve your Bristol PLUS Award.
- If you haven’t signed up this year, look out for registration in September 2025.
