Thorp Perrow Arboretum and Wildlife Park was the destination for our Autumn visit this year and although we were a bit early for the autumn colours to be at their best, 44 of us had a lovely day. 

Sir John Ropner, whose father designed and planted the Arboretum from parkland, starting in the 1930’s is, with the help of his wife, carrying on the good work and management of the 100 acres of woodland.

Sir John gave us some amusing and historical anecdotes of his life at Thorp Perrow.

We split into two groups with Sir John taking one party and the Curator taking the other on a very interesting tour of the arboretum, pointing out the various species and their history.  

The park contains five National Collections of trees, including Walnuts, Limes, Ash, Cotinus and Laburnum, together with 66 Champion Trees, being the largest of their kind in Britain.

There was also The Wildlife Park with its Meerkats, Wallabies and various other unusual creatures and Bird of Prey Centre, childrens’ adventure area, and a welcome Tea Room.

The weather was very kind to us on the “other side of the Pennines” and we had a dry and sunny day – perfect for wandering amongst the fallen autumn leaves in this very peaceful woodland.

Pat Whalley