Lake ViewThere was an air of excitement and anticipation as we set off from Bradford en route for Castle Howard arboretum - Kew in the north of England. 13 people travelled in the minibus and 4 by car. The arboretum is situated in the grounds of Castle Howard stately home and nestles in the Howardian hills NE of York. It contains specimen trees from all over the world collected as seeds and valuable for research and conservation purposes. The weather was overcast but brightened as the day progressed. There was much to interest the group. The beauty of the trees, more especially the colourful acers including the red maple acer, acer rubria and the red oak. The short tree trail was followed by the main party to the Cruck House. Others wandered down the Furniture Makers Walk and around the arboretum lake. The arboretum has some remarkable old oak trees including English and sessile oak, also native whitebeam and elm. 
Betula ermanii, Erman's BirchThe carved wooden sculptures were of interest. 25 species of bird were recorded by Stuart including the first redwings of the season and a flock of siskins. A sculpture of an osprey was seen on the lake. 12 fungi species including fly agaric and earth star fungi were seen. Of interest was a swarm of ladybirds on a tree bark, also a green shield bug. A toad was spotted. It was an interesting and relaxing day out enhanced by the availability of a cafe offering tea and cakes which the group gravitated towards the end of their visit. We returned to the Italian centre for approximately 6pm.Margaret