Autumn fun at Queenswood Country Park

As the leaves on the trees start to turn and autumn descends upon us where better to see some amazing autumn colour than Queenswood Country Park?

October and early November is the best time to visit to see trees ablaze with colour and at the arboretum, especially in the Autumn Garden there are some really spectacular sights. Here the foliage of the Japanese Maples (Acer palmatum) display brilliant vermilions, purples, yellows and oranges.

Discover these eye-catching autumn displays for yourself by joining one of the guided walks led by the Countryside Rangers at 2pm on Sunday October, 19 and Sunday, October 26 and Sunday, November 2 (meet outside the Tourist Information Centre).

Also in October there will be a chance to find out more about fungi by joining the Queenswood Fungus Walks on Saturday, October 25 (10am-12.15pm) and Wednesday,h October 29 (2pm-4.15pm) led by local field mycologist Sheila Spence.

See if you can find 'Candlesnuff' and 'Cramp Balls' or even a 'Jelly Fungus' along the way and learn about why fungi are such an important part of our environment. (Not suitable for children under 12.) These walks cost £3.50 for adults and £2 for children over 12 or you can purchase a family ticket (two adults, two children over 12) for £10.00.

To book you place please contact Sheila Spence Tel: 01531 631736 or email: marchesfungi@btinternet.com

Fun for kids
If you are looking for fun things to do with your kids during the autumn half term then come and join the WildPlay Nature Rangers who will be at Queenswood on Tuesday, October 28 for some "Spooky Halloween Fun!"

Create scary masks and lanterns…make a spooky apple head…create a gigantic monster and play ghoulish games! This event is free so come and find them in the Autumn Garden any time between noon and 2pm (all children must be accompanied by an adult).

There will also be a Bertie Buzzard Autumn Trail to follow around the park during the half term holidays.

And if you want to do your Christmas shopping in a calmer setting then Queenswood Tourist Information Centre will be open daily until December 23 with lots of Christmas gift ideas and stocking fillers. You can also contact the TIC to book an electric mobility vehicle for your visit Tel: 01568 797842

Queenswood is Herefordshire's only country park and has free car parking, toilets and a licensed café. There are three way-marked trails and easy access paths so that everyone can enjoy the park as well as a picnic and barbecue area, a popular adventure play area and a free 'seaside style' telescope at the view-point.

Queenswood Country Park is on the A49 between Hereford and Leominster - follow the brown signs at the top of Dinmore Hill. Alternatively the 492 bus service departs Hereford and Leominster at regular intervals throughout the day.