VOLUNTEERS are being sought as part of an ambitious project at the Yorkshire Arboretum.

The Yorkshire Arboretum, near Castle Howard, is creating a new area of woodland garden to introduce different plants and trees to the site and to add to visitors’ enjoyment.

John Grimshaw, the arboretum’s Director, said over 300 trees, planned to give interest throughout the year with flowers, foliage, fruit or bark have gone in this spring.

“Some are good standard red maples and red oaks, but there are some real rarities among them, including the Chinese hornbeam with beautiful long tassels in fruit,” he added.

John Grimshaw, the arboretum’s Director said “The Woodland Garden will be a work in progress for many years to come but the transformation of that area is already apparent. There’s an incredible display of foxgloves there already and in the autumn we’ll start planting shrubs, herbaceous plants and bulbs between the trees”

Mr Grimshaw said the new planting had been paid for by a successful Open Gardens programme which ran in 2016 and raised over £6,000.

“To enable further planting an expanded Open Gardens programme is running again this year thanks to 27 supporters of the Arboretum who are generously opening their gardens on various dates throughout the season.,” he added.

Mr Grimshaw said the new planting had mostly been done by volunteers, but more are needed to help look after the area.

“This will mostly entail light gardening work, to keep the trees weeded and watered, and to help plant in future. Anyone who would like to help create and maintain this new and exciting project, whilst increase their own gardening skills and learning from an expert is encouraged to get in touch.

The Yorkshire Arboretum and Ray Wood are gardens of the Castle Howard Arboretum Trust, an independent charity established to maintain and protect these unique collections. Founded in 1997 as a partnership between the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Castle Howard, the Trust’s patron is HRH The Prince of Wales.

To find out more go to yorkshirearboretum.org or call 01653 648598.