Yorkshire Arboretum will remain open during lockdown after Government decision on green spaces

The popular attraction made the announcement after the Government said public gardens can operate during the English lockdown period, acknowledging the physical and mental benefits everyone gains from being outside in green spaces.

However, the arboretum cafe and visitor centre will be closed from this evening in accordance with lockdown restrictions. The toilets will remain open and will be cleaned regularly.

The arboretum will continue to take bookings through its www.yorkshirearboretum.org website.

Yorkshire Arboretum director Dr John Grimshaw said: “We look forward to seeing you again in the next few weeks. Our Covid-19 security measures remain firmly in place, and in the wide open spaces of the arboretum you can be as socially distant as you wish.

“Members and volunteers are welcome to visit at any time, but pre-booking is essential for non-members.

“Despite recent rough weather there is still a lot of lovely autumn colour to be seen, there are heaps of leaves to scuff through, and the trees show off their shapes as we transition into winter.

“Please come to see them!”

The Yorkshire Arboretum and Ray Wood are gardens of the Castle Howard Arboretum Trust, a charity established to maintain and protect these unique tree collections.