A Harrogate woman has co-authored a guide to trees in the town’s Valley Gardens.

The book, by Jane Blayney and Simon Hill, documents 30 species of trees in the gardens and looks at how they make the area special.

The authors describe the shape, bark, leaves, flowers and fruit of each species and reveal how they were introduced to the British Isles. They also highlight some of the pests and diseases that threaten survival.

Among the trees included in the book are Horse Chestnut, Weeping Willow and Atlas Cedar.

Ms Blayney, who co-authored the book with president of the Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain, Mr Hill, said the book was a labour of love during the pandemic.

She said:

“I have lived many decades in the Valley Gardens area.

“However, until I became chair of the Friends of Valley Gardens I did not realise the wealth and variety of the trees within the gardens.”

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Ms Blayney added she hoped the book will help more people to “realise the enormous importance of trees” and allow them to explore Valley Gardens with greater insight.

She said she was also grateful to Cllr Jim Clark, former chairman of North Yorkshire County Council, who helped to fund the book.

The 72-page guide also includes a foreword from Martin Fish, president of the Friends of Valley Gardens.

The book is currently available for £7.50 at the Valley Gardens website. You can find out more information on how to order a copy here.