Visit of the International Dendrology Society.

On Friday 7th May The Arboretum Trust, Kew at Castle Howard, was delighted to welcome almost 80 members of the International Dendrology Society for a study day on "The Planting and Maintenance of an Arboretum in the 21st Century".  Members were able to learn of the planting philosophy of Jim Russell VMH and how the Arboretum is maintained.  

The programme was led by John B E Simmons VMH, Curator of the Arboretum with Neil Batty Leading Arborist and Tony Kirkham, Liaison Officer with Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Although members attending were largely from the UK we were delighted that some members travelled from as far afield as Jamaica, Belgium, Ireland and New Zealand.

The group was welcomed by the Honorable Simon Howard and then given a short address by their chairman Carol Gurney before starting their tour of the arboretum.

The group had a picnic lunch by the lake, after which Carol Gurney made a presentation to John Simmons of some rare trees and a generous donation for the Arboretum Trust.

The visit concluded with a visit to Ray Wood, in the grounds of Castle Howard.