February Half Term: The Secret Lives of Trees

Trees are remarkable – they can help reduce air pollution and combat climate change. Join us at The Exchange during February half term to explore the fascinating world of forests and trees.

• Encounter some of the animals who make forests their home
• Get hands-on with fossils and specimens in the gallery
• Have a go at tree identification and find out how trees communicate with each other
• Join in with tree-inspired art
• Meet the expert scientists who are researching how trees can withstand our changing climate

Schedule and booking links

Monday 21 February, drop-in between 10:30 - 15:30
Free, booking recommended
Reserve your place

Birmingham Tree People are Birmingham’s tree wardens. They plant, protect and promote trees and the urban forest. Join the team and find out what they do to look after the city’s trees. You’ll take part in tree ring counting, do forest themed quizzes and create colourful leaf rubbings. 

Tuesday 22 February, drop-in between 10:30 - 15:30
Free, booking recommended
Reserve your place

Meet the researchers from the Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR) who are passionate about understanding trees and their role in climate change. Find out how trees communicate with each other and create your own tree-themed crafts to take home.

Wednesday 23 February, repeated sessions at 10:30, 12:00 and 14:00
Free, booking recommended - see booking links below.

All over the world trees form perfect habitats for animals to find food, water, air and shelter. Get hands-on and meet some of the animals who live in trees and forests, including stick insects, tarantulas, corn snakes, giant millipedes, cockroaches and tree frogs. The sessions are delivered by Zoolab, expert providers of fun and educational ethical animal encounters.

Reserve tickets for the 10:30 slot
Reserve tickets for the 12:00 slot
Reserve tickets for the 14:00 slot

Thursday 24 February, drop-in between 10:30 - 15:30
Free, booking recommended
Reserve your place

Meet some of the team from the Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR) who are passionate about researching trees and their role in climate change. Become a plant detective and get creative with tree-themed craft activities.

Friday 25 February, drop-in between 10:30 - 15:30
Free, booking recommended
Reserve your place

The Royal Forestry Society has dedicated itself to sharing knowledge on the art and science of woodland management for more than 135 years. Learn more about the lives of trees, have a go at leaf identification, take part in tree bingo and create your own forest-themed crafts to take home.

This activity is presented as part of The Air We Breathe, a brand-new public programme, with an exhibition, activities and events that explore the close relationships between us, our environment and our air quality. From a hydrogen train to a sci-fi forest, discover the work being done by the University of Birmingham to deliver clean air both here in Birmingham and around the world – and how you can get involved.