The earliest verifiable recorded history of Batsford Park which includes the arboretum dates back to the early part of the 17th Century. We know a substantial house existed on the site at that time which went on to be altered and extended over the next two hundred years. In common with most gardens of the time, the land was laid out in a formal style, gradually evolving into the more relaxed natural style you see today in the late 19th century. The 56 acre arboretum at Batsford is home to one of the largest private tree collections in the country, providing something of interest throughout the year and famed for trees which originate in Japan and China. The collection includes a number of Red Data species which are extinct in the wild and several UK champion trees, famed for their size. Established in 1880’s, as a ‘wild garden’ with a collection of trees. Over 50 acres with 1500 different species, many rare, naturalised bulbs, magnolias, flowering cherries and the ‘handkerchief tree’ in spring. Maples and sorbus in autumn. Something of interest all year round. National Collection of Prunus (sato-sakura Group).