Walsall Arboretum and Visitor Centre

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The artists

Rushall Primary School, together with Oakwood Special School form the North Star Federation. They are delighted to be taking part in this project as the arts are highly valued in their schools and are at the heart of everything that they do. All of their pupils are taking part in this project in some way, and they have extended it to a 'within school' project in addition to beyond school within Walsall to enable participation for all. Nothing is more important at the moment than wellbeing, and they believe art to be a powerful vehicle through which to express pupil voice and grow confident resilient children who will thrive in an ever-changing world.

The location

Walsall Arboretum is a Victorian public park located close to Walsall town centre in the West Midlands of England. Part of the park and surrounding housing are covered by the Arboretum conservation area. In the early 2010s, the park has undergone a major restoration and redevelopment programme funded largely by the Heritage Lottery Fund. The site is a rural retreat at the heart of Walsall town centre.

First opened in 1874, it now spans 170 acres and includes Hatherton lake, the country park and the extension. The park includes gardens, green spaces, play areas, and sports facilities. When you visit the Arboretum you will see a wide range of flora and wildlife. It has over 10,000 different species of trees and shrubs, which make a perfect backdrop for wedding photos. When it comes to sport and leisure, the Arboretum caters for all age groups. Many activities take place in the park, including walking, park runs, fishing and playing sports. Most of the pathways in the park are flat, and most areas are wheelchair accessible.

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