THE ARBORETUM IS IN THE VILLAGE OF SWETTENHAM and extends for about 11 hectares. It was created by Professor Sir Bernard Lovell, FRS from open grassland after he purchased the property in 1948. In 1996 it passed into the hands of the Cheshire Wildlife Trust who transferred it to the Tatton Garden Society in the autumn of 2003.
There are some 2000 species and some 5,000 trees and shrubs, including currently 2 National Collections. There is a hebe collection with over 100 species in trial beds planted by the Hebe Society. In 2005, over 60 new rhododendron taxa were planted. A camellia walk was planted in 2003. There is a lake and many species of wildlife.
The arboretum is open to the public every day, except Christmas Day, from 9 am to sunset. Entry is by the outside eating area of the Swettenham Arms and visitors may use the large pub car park. There are two days each year when the site is open for the National Garden Society ("yellow book") charity.
Entrance charge is £2.50, but is free to members of the Society and to RHS members. If no one is present to receive the money, it may be put in the brick box at the entrance. The money is badly needed to help maintain this beautiful site.
