The Yorkshire Arboretum, Kew and Castle Howard is an independent charitable trust formed in 1997 by Castle Howard and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew under the patronage of HRH The Prince of Wales.

The arboretum opened to the public for the first time as part of the celebrations of Castle Howard's tercentenary in 1999. The plant collection has inestimable value for environmental conservation, scientific research and education.

With a small but dedicated staff, supported by a team of enthusiastic volunteers, the Yorkshire Arboretum has two main priorities:

• to maintain and develop the unique tree collection and protect rare species

• to welcome visitors wishing to learn about trees and their importance to the changing climatic environment, and those wanting nothing more than just to glory in the tranquility and beauty of this sheltered valley tucked away in the Howardian Hills

To find out more please visit the Yorkshire Arboretum's web site