RYEDALE Book Festival is hosting a programme of literary activities with a tree theme – in a very fitting location.

The one-day event will be held at the Yorkshire Arboretum, near Castle Howard, on Sunday, August 20.

Families will be able to enjoy two different stories, Honey for Tea and Small Finds a Home, followed by craft activities led by Karin Celestine.

There will also be the chance to be taken on a magical journey by international performance storyteller Cat Weatherill.

After lunch Professor Fiona Stafford will be talking with the Arboretum Trust’s director Dr John Grimshaw about her book, The Long, Long Life of Trees, which was a Sunday Times bestseller in 2016.

The book is a lyrical tribute to the diversity of trees, their physical beauty, special characteristics and uses, and their ever-evolving meanings.

Local poet Daniela Nunnari will be reading her poetry at intervals throughout the day and supporting others to write their own poems during a lunchtime workshop.

There will also be an opportunity for visitors to create their own “story-stick”.

Volunteers will be helping people to make their story stick by collecting fallen treasures from the trees which inspire a story that is shared at the end of the visit.

Ryedale Book Festival director Sarah Tyson said: “The Yorkshire Arboretum is rich with inspiration and a superb setting for our day of literary events with a tree theme.

“It is an honour to have Professor Fiona Stafford in Yorkshire – her nature bestseller being the most appropriate book anyone could envisage for an arboretum. I am grateful to Anne, John and the team at the arboretum for agreeing to partner with Ryedale Book Festival on this occasion; and to our event sponsor Intelsius Limited whose generous support has enabled an idea to become a day for everyone to enjoy.”

All events are included in the standard admission fee to the arboretum, which is open from 10am to 5.30pm.

For details, go to ryedalebookfestival.com/yorkshire-arboretum