News from the Education programme

It amazes me that from been a twinkle in the eye of the 2006 newsletter I have now been at the arboretum for nearly a year. I am pleased to report that the Education Programme is in full swing and for those of you who regularly pass through the visitors centre I hope you have found the time to take a look at the new

Finally, our thanks also to all our members who continue to support the Arboretum and its work, your continued support is deeply appreciated.

Dog Fun Day 9^th September

Many months ago, Kay Inman had the idea of a day when the dog walkers of the arboretum could get together for light- hearted competitions and demonstrations. She enlisted the support of Dorianne Butler and a group of like minded people and on 9^th September the Dog Fun Day took place. Eric and Marjory Cowham

Thanks from John Simmons

I felt extremely honoured to have the new entrance building named after me and was delighted to be able to return and see it in operation.  In use it more than exceeded my hopes and expectations as it is both aesthetically pleasing and functional and its situation and structure will also allow its simple adaptation to any likely future needs.

When, as Curator of Kew, I was seeking to secure the future of the Arboretum at Castle Howard and its collections, I had no concept of becoming so personally involved through the first decade and more of my retirement. How to progress the Arboretum on what, by Kew’s standards, were miniscule resources, was a great challenge.  But it proved to be a very rewarding experience and made so by the enthusiasm and commitment of all involved who have given so much.  I thus extend my appreciation of this to the Arboretum’s dedicated staff and volunteers, the many equally supportive staff of Castle Howard, the Howard family, the Trust’s Trustees and Benefactors and of course the underpinning support of so many at Kew.

I was also rather overwhelmed by the generosity of those who gave to my farewell gift.  It was quite unexpected but very much appreciated.  The silk pictures now grace my home and the cash will go towards long planned house improvements that will help us in our advancing years!

So I send my sincere thanks to all the donors and my good wishes to the Trust and its Members for a happy and successful future with the Arboretum.

children’s activities and trails we have on offer. Activities include Leaf Bingo and a Treasure Hunt, an Arboretum Explorer and a seasonal Story Trail so if you are ever stuck for activities to do with the children or grandchildren the Education Programme can help!

We have also welcomed several school groups to the arboretum this year, with groups coming from as far a field as Birmingham and Scarborough. The groups explored the arboretum through our new curriculum linked activities menu, which includes pond dipping, minibeast searches, habitat design, bark art and much more. The Arboretum now offers a variety of opportunities for outdoor learning and provides a beautiful and safe environment for developing field study techniques. The

interactive, hands-on activities are delivered by myself and a team of enthusiastic volunteer Education Explainers and can be combined to create a bespoke day or half-day of activities.

Group bookings are now being taken for the spring and summer terms and prices range from £2 to £5 per child depending on the number of assisted activities selected. I have also created a teacher pack, full of activity ideas and example risk assessments, for groups booking unassisted visits. For further information you can come and see me at my desk in the visitors centre, have a peek at the education pages of our website or e-mail me on education@kewatch.co.uk.

The education programme is always looking for new volunteers to assist with delivery of activities to school groups, if you

enjoy working outdoors and are keen to encourage children to learn more about their natural environment I would love to hear from you.

Katherine Forsey, Education Development Officer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

settled in, ready to issue tickets and waited to greet the dogs and their people. It was an anxious time as estimates of possible numbers varied from five to five hundred!

In fact, blessed with a fine day and ground which was firm and dry, about two hundred people took part. There were a lot of first time visitors and families and they joined in enthusiastically. The sausage eating competition proved especially popular!

Representatives from Ryedale Dog Rescue, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and Pets as Therapy set up stalls and Hearing Dogs put on a demonstration showing the wonderful work their dogs are trained to do.

The event could not have happened without the wonderful support of Pauline and John Verity and

their team. They provided and set up the agility and flyball courses and gave demonstrations throughout the afternoon. Many other people also gave their time, particularly Lesley Mather and Eileen and Dick Taylor and friends.

The charities were pleased with the opportunity to raise awareness of the work they do and over the following weeks, many people returned to visit the Arboretum, having discovered what a marvellous place it is.

Joyce Kingman