The Jodrell Bank Arboretum is a beautiful family-friendly space in the grounds of Jodrell Bank Discoveyr Centre, perfect for a picnic, a gentle walk, or even for burning off some energy. The whole site is about 35 acres and there are fully accessible pathways which connect the playground and parts of the arboretum (tree collection).

Venture off the paths to explore further and you’ll find an apiary and beehives (for the famous Jodrell Bank bees!), ponds, a bird hide, and even a giant sculpture of a meteorite! Remember to bring your wellies if the weather’s been rainy as it can get a little muddy in places.

As part of our National Lottery supported First Light Project which will also see a stunning new Pavilion being built in the gardens. The work is currently ongoing so do bear in the mind that some areas will be out of bounds.

Altogether there are an impressive 3000 trees and shrubs on the site. These form the Lovell Tree Collection which was started by Sir Bernard Lovell in 1972 and opened to the public in 1976. Trees, seeds and plants were gifted to Sir Bernard on many of his visits to observatories, universities and space projects around the world.

We also hold two National Collections here – Sorbus (Rowan and Whitebeam) and Malus (Ornamental Crab Apple), which have wonderful displays of blossom in the spring, followed by a diverse range of berries, fruits and vivid colour in the autumn.