“Exterior works on the Yorkshire Arboretum have progressed well, with scaffolding removed from the outside in November. We are now now beginning to work on the interior finishing with the project set to be completed in early 2021.”
Yorkshire Arboretum
Castle Howard, North Yorkshire
Recreation and public services
Construction of purpose-built visitors centre
We are continuing to make good progress at our project to build the UK’s first Tree Health Centre, the Yorkshire Arboretum, located near Castle Howard in North Yorkshire.
When complete, the Yorkshire Arboretum will be the UK’s first purpose-built facility created to expand public awareness about the threats posed to trees by pests and diseases, and ways to keep them as healthy. The new visitor centre has now been constructed and is currently being fitted out.
Designed by SALT Architects of Beverley, East Yorkshire, the Tree Health Centre will offer training courses given by specialists and cater to all levels of expertise. Following successful pilot courses held in 2018, the centre will offer training on a commercial basis mixing classroom, lab and outdoor learning settings, as well as a public outreach programme.
Yorkshire Arboretum Chief Operating Officer Mathew Harrison says: “We are delighted to announce Hobson & Porter Ltd as building contractors for the Tree Health Centre. The company has strong links across Yorkshire with a proven track record of delivering third sector projects – they are keen to promote environmental preservation, and we believe their approach matches our core strategy and values.”
Cladding for the Tree Health Centre was kindly donated by Shelmore Timber, Norbury Park Estate. Shelmore Timber cladding is sourced from their own mature woodlands on the 1,500-acre Norbury Park and Ranton Estates.