THE Lovell Quinta Arboretum, a 28-acre site originally designed and planted by Sir Bernard Lovell of Jodrell Bank fame, has been awarded international accreditation.
The site, which is now owned and managed by charity The Tatton Garden Society, boasts two national collections of trees and 2,500 different plants.
Sir Bernard, who lived next door to the site, planned many of the features such s the Birch Avenue, inspired by one at Tolstoy’s Yasnaya Polyana estate in Russia.
Today, the arboretum is a place of grassy tracks, sweeping avenues and wooded corners, and appeals to keen horticulturalists, walkers and families alike.
It has always been a popular destination for local residents, and has now been awarded international recognition with an ARBNET accreditation.
ARBNET was set up in America to recognise standards of excellence in tree-focused gardens and encourage conversation, collections and scientific collaborations.
Tatton Garden Society chairman David Skidmore. Credit: Write Image for you Media
The Lovell Quinta Arboretum underwent an exacting accreditation process which resulted in it being recognised as Level 3, putting it on a par with other prestigious sites worldwide.
“We’re delighted that our hard work has been recognised with this accreditation,” said David Skidmore, professor of botany and chairman of the Tatton Garden Society.
“As we’re a charity a number of people volunteer a lot of their time to help keep the arboretum the beautiful place it is, and now we have the accreditation we’re looking forward to working with other organisations and expanding our educational programme.
“We’ve always known how special the Quinta is, and it’s wonderful that we can bring it to a wider audience.”
The Lovell Quinta Arboretum is in Swettenham Village, behind the Swettenham Arms.
For more information visit lovellquintaarboretum.co.uk. Dogs on leads are welcome, entrance is £2.50 and visitors are welcome to park at the Swettenham Arms if staying on for a drink or food.
Caps
The Great Avenue was planted by schoolchildren between 1984 and 1996
The Arboretum is crossed with grassy walks and winding paths
Tatton Garden Society chairman David Skidmore hopes the accreditation will bring new opportunities for the arboretum.
Credit: Write Image for you Media
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