Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Community fund our 2026 visitor days are open to everyone, and we want to make sure cost isn’t a barrier to enjoying the arboretum. We’re offer a sliding scale of ticket donations so you can choose the amount that fits your circumstances, while supporting our restoration work and woodland wellbeing programme.
Consider choosing the Free Ticket if you
• are finding it difficult to cover everyday costs such as food, bills or transport
• are in receipt of benefits or long term financial support
• have significant debt that limits your ability to meet basic needs
• are in full time education without financial support from family
• would experience genuine hardship if you paid for a ticket, such as skipping meals or struggling to pay rent
• rely on the woodland as a supportive and affordable place to improve your wellbeing
Consider choosing the £5 Ticket if you
• are able to meet your daily costs but only with care and planning
• rent your home and sometimes feel stretched by monthly bills
• have little or no savings to fall back on
• occasionally have to choose between social activities and essentials
• would find paying the higher tiers doable but noticeably difficult
• feel that paying £5 is a manageable sacrifice rather than a hardship
Consider choosing the £8 Ticket if you
• have stable employment and can meet your daily costs comfortably
• have some disposable income that allows you to treat yourself on occasion
• can afford small luxuries like meals out, hobbies or new clothes when needed
• have modest savings that offer some security
• would need to make minor sacrifices to pay at this level but not at the expense of your wellbeing
• want to contribute fairly to keeping events accessible for others
Consider choosing the £10 Ticket if you
• are in employment with secure income and a comfortable level of savings
• can afford holidays, trips, or leisure activities without financial strain
• own your home or have financial support through family resources
• have investments, retirement funds, or other assets
• work part time by choice or have a high degree of earning power
• want to actively support the restoration of the arboretum and help subsidise access for those on lower incomes
Sacrifice or hardship
When choosing a ticket tier, please consider the difference between sacrifice and hardship. A sacrifice might mean cutting back slightly on non essential spending for a short time. Hardship means the choice would have long term harmful effects such as struggling to pay rent, buy food or afford transport to work. If a ticket would cause hardship, please choose a lower tier.
Multiple tickets
If you are booking multiple tickets, you can mix and match tiers to suit each person’s circumstances. For example, a family of five might choose a combination of Free, £5, £8 or £10 tickets so everyone can attend comfortably while supporting the arboretum.
