Ray Wood, Castle Howard for Members Only

Ray Wood, Castle Howard.

Meet at the Yorkshire Arboretum, The Yorkshire Arboretum, Castle Howard York Y060 7BY

Ray Wood stands to the east of Castle Howard on the site of an ancient woodland. The 3rd Earl of Carlisle created serpentine paths in the natural style wood and filled it with statues, cascades, fountains, pavilions and summerhouses, but by the mid-18th century these had disappeared. In the 1940s it was clear felled for the war effort, but in the 1970s George Howard and his designer James Russell created a woodland garden reinstating the irregular paths in its 25 acres. Today, their planting legacy means there are nearly 800 species of Rhododendron in the Wood, as well as glades of Pieris, wild roses, magnolias, hydrangeas, viburnums and maples and rowans. The collection is of national importance and many of the plants have come here from across the globe and were brought back to Ray Wood by some of the great plant hunters of the 19th and 20th centuries. The collection of plants is now managed by the Arboretum Trust staff, with assistance from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Join us for an exclusive day with John Grimshaw, the director of the Yorkshire Arboretum. Starting with an introductory talk at the Arboretum, John will then lead a walk through the wood where rhododendrons should be in flower.

Tickets cost: £22.00

Organiser: Vicky Price

DIRECTIONS YO60 7BY

The Yorkshire Arboretum is located 15 miles north east of York and is easily accessible from the A64 which connects Leeds, York and the Yorkshire coast. Just follow the brown tourist signs to Castle Howard. The arboretum is located off the obelisk roundabout, opposite the main entrance to Castle Howard.

From the north, approaching on the A170, turn right onto the B1257 before reaching Helmsley. After 11ml. turn right at Slingsby, and follow directions to Castle Howard.

Please park in the Yorkshire Arboretum carpark. Meet in the THC room at 10.30- 11.00am for refreshments.

Please can you either bring a picnic lunch or lunch is available at the Arboretum for £10.00. Please contact visitor@yorkshirearboretum.org or 01653 648598 if you want to book lunch.