Arley Arboretum is a fabulous place to visit throughout the year.

In April the woods are carpeted with millions of bluebells, in June the herbaceous borders are filled with roses and butterflies, and from now to November hundreds of trees put on an autumn display that is perhaps the most spectacular in the area.

Many of our trees are very rare, and indigenous to other continents or living fossils from pre history such as the Ginkgo Biloba, but it is perhaps those trees that can often be found in New England, North America, that make our display so dazzling.

From now the leaves of the Liquid Amber are turning from a rich plum to deep scarlet. The Acers over the next few weeks will go from bright yellow to red and almost fluorescent orange. Scarlet Oaks will, as their name suggests fill the woods with sweeps of vibrant red, and the Ash, Maple and even Magnolia with its bright red seed pods add to the spectacle.

The woodlands are also a great place to spot both rare and common fungi, from ink caps to parasols and puffballs.

Guided walks are available through the woods and gardens, or why not finish off a leisurely stroll with a visit to the tea rooms.

The arboretum is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 11am – 5pm and is to be found between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth on the A442, just over a mile from the hamlet of Shatterford, and is brown signed from this road.

It is also accessible from the Bewdley-Highley Road (B4194) via the footbridge over the River Severn at Arley.

More information is available on www.arley-arboretum.org.uk