The Yorkshire Arboretum reopened on 8^th June, offering 120 acres of peace and tranquillity on the historic Castle Howard estate. With COVID-19 lockdown restrictions easing, the arboretum is a perfect place to escape to and experience outstanding natural beauty safely. With sweeping vistas, wildflower meadows and peace hidden glades to explore, the Yorkshire Arboretum offers visitors a taste of the natural world away from these uncertain and troubling times.

The arboretum has adapted to the necessity of restricting the spread of Covid-19 by introducing new visiting times and an online booking system, as well as a new reception cabin and a one-way flow system to ensure social distancing; sadly the Visitor Centre and Arboretum Café are still closed.  General admission is from 12-4pm daily; exclusive entry for arboretum members is 10am-12pm. Booking visits in advance is easy using the arboretum’s new online booking facility, which is available at: www.yorkshirearboretum.org/admission-booking

Yorkshire Arboretum Director, Dr John Grimshaw, said: “I am delighted to see the arboretum open and full of life again after the strange quiet of the past few months. It’s lovely to chat to returning visitors and members, and to hear how much they’re enjoying being here in such a safe and secure environment. Our vast lawns are perfect for picnicking with your family, and at the moment the wildflower meadows are at their peak, full of flowers including lots of wild orchids – or look for the huge numbers of tiny baby toads emerging from the lake. There’s something to inspire everyone here- and plenty of space to explore.”

CHANGING CHAIRS

After nine years, Professor Alastair Fitter CBE, FRS, has stood down as Chair of the Castle Howard Arboretum Trust at a recent board meeting held by Zoom. Following tributes and thanks for his dedicated service to the Trust Alastair was presented with a painting of an arboretum scene by artist-in-residence Meg Huby. Following an advertising and application process, the Trust has appointed Greville Worthington as new Chair. Until recently Greville was Chair of the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, but he has a keen interest in trees, growing many maples and bamboos at his home near Catterick.

In line with the updated recommendation regarding the use of tennis courts we have amended the guidance as detailed below.

With effect from 1 June, 2020 the Government has agreed to the easing the lockdown rules for tennis so that, with strict guidance (listed on attached document), singles and doubles are now allowed with any household.

It is very important that these Guidelines are observed. Please report any breaking of the rules as flouting of the instructions could lead to closure of the courts. The Corona Virus pandemic remains a very serious situation.

Thank you.

Paul Hogarth, Chairman, Sports and Social Club and
Geoff Bishop – 01653 628055”

With-effect-from-1-June

Remember.

Leave none of your possessions on court.

Please use the tennis court responsibly and with respect for others.
If other people are wishing to use the courts please restrict your use to 1 hour.
Thank you for your support and co-operation and please stay safe.

If you wish to download this document to print off, please do so here:-

Director John Grimshaw writes-
‘We are delighted that we can reopen the Yorkshire Arboretum from Monday 8 June, and very much look forward to welcoming members and visitors again. With 120 acres to wander through we feel the site offers a safe, secure and pleasant place to visit.’
For full details and revised opening times see here.

We are pleased to confirm that, subject to any changes in government advice, the arboretum will open again on Monday 8th June 2020.

For more information, see here.