In September the gardening group travelled to Thorp Perrow Arboretum just outside Bedale in North Yorkshire.
Thorp Perrow is the most important Arboretum in the north of England and was created by Colonel Sir Leonard Ropner, it was developed into a visitor attraction by his son Sir John Ropner and Sir Henry Ropner is the current custodian. Thorp Perrow covers 100 acres and is home to 5 National Plant Collections and has 67 Champion Trees.
The site has an avenue of lime trees forming one of the national collections. There is a collection of stunning hydrangeas and a wild flower meadow. There are numerous paths around the park with lakes and small islands with quaint bridges to cross. By Kate’s Island there is a charming carved tree. Nearby there is a stone acorn with a bench to observe the view.
Set within the woodland is a bird of prey and mammal centre. We could look at the meerkats and pygmy goats and were able to wander through a small enclosure with wallabies. The birds of prey include numerous owls from around the world as well as vultures and hawks. We were able to enjoy a flying display with a pair of male cara cara birds, an owl and a falcon.
The tea rooms were pleasant and served a range of refreshments.
It was a windy day and around 2.30pm we were instructed to leave the arboretum as a tree had damaged a car and it was considered too dangerous to stay under the trees. Our driver took the coach a scenic route home so as not to cut short our day out.
Our October speaker is Nick Smith the Show Director of the Harrogate Flower Show with his talk “The Show Must Go On”.
On Friday 2nd October we will return to having talks at Stainton Village Hall.
Julie and Kate