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Thenford Arboretum

Thenford Arboretum (Roger Newman)

Visit to Thenford Arboretum and Gardens 21st October 2022

We have been treated to some glorious weather over the past year for our walks and outings, but today – Friday 21 October – was an exception. The rain came down in torrents. However, five doughty club members donned waterproofs and braved the downpours. It was well worth the effort.

Despite the relentless rain we were able to enjoy an amazing display of glorious autumn colours as well as superb vistas and a very impressive sculpture garden. Finally, we were able to dry out and enjoy tea and cake in the warmth of the Visitor Centre.

Michael and Anne Heseltine bought the house and garden in 1976 and over the following twenty-five years restored forty acres of woodland, the walled garden and medieval fishponds. The arboretum is now spread out over seventy acres and features a collection of more than three thousand different trees and shrubs as well as herbaceous borders, water gardens, a sculpture garden and rill.

Thenford colour (R. Newman)
Thenford (M. Collins).
Moss on Ash roots and sculptures (M. Collins).
Lenin at Thenford (M. Collins).
Click on image to enlarge

Lenin’s head came from Latvia and was flown over by the RAF (apparently).

I think we would all recommend a visit to Thenford. There are occasional Open Days planned during 2023 to include Snowdrop walks, Spring flowers and the Summer garden. Maybe the weather would be kinder on another occasion!

Julia Reid 23 October 2022