The weather was lovely on the Thursday - sunny intervals and dry! So we went for a walk at Queenswood Country Park and Arboretum which is only 20 minutes away by car.
Queenswood comprises 123 acres of ancient mature woodland on Dinmore Hill which has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and an arboretum with many species of rare and exotic trees from around the world.
The wood was once part of a large area of ancient oak woodland which stretched to the Welsh Borders. It was a royal forest where the king and his nobles could hunt venison. As deer and boar hunting became less popular the woodland was managed for timber and coppiced. Much of what was left of King's Wood gradually became farmland and only this small remnant remains. Its name changed to Queen's Wood during the reign of Elizabeth I.
A few decades ago there were rumours that the wood would be sold to a property developer for the construction of bungalows. To prevent this happening the Herefordshire branch of the Campaign for Rural England raised funds successfully to save the wood. When they could no longer afford to maintain the wood it was leased to Herefordshire Wildlife Trust and Leaf Sustainable Development.
Over time mature tree species felled between 1914 and 1918 were replaced and a public appeal in 1953 led to the planting of an arboretum of 1200 rare trees to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
Many species of mature trees have been recorded at Queenswood and there are dormice hidden away and fallow deer. There are a good number of bird, wild flower and butterfly species.
Victorian post box at the Visitor Centre
There is a Gruffalo Trail for families to follow with statues to find along the route.
Leaf Art
After following various paths through the woodland we eventually ended up at the viewpoint.
Old Man's Beard
I was really chuffed to spot this Magpie Inkcap - a new species for me. Although while I was taking photos I missed a Goldcrest that B and E were watching!
It was a lovely walk and to be honest I am not sure why we don't visit more often although weekends and school holidays are best avoided as it can get busy! I made a few purchases in the Herefordshire Wildlife Trust Shop before we left.
All photos taken by me with the Panasonic Lumix FZ330 bridge camera. (I don't particularly rate my photos but if anyone wishes to use one of mine or my son's I would appreciate an email first - thanks).
2 comments:
I have never been to an arboretum and there is one at Nunham Courtneay not far away from me. I must rectify that sometime after seeing what one is like
Billy Blue Eyes - Thanks so much. I think you will find the one near you is well worth a visit especially at this time of year with the autumn colours :)
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