GETTING close to some of the most magnificent birds of prey in the world can be an awe-inspiring experience.

At Thorp Perrow Arboretum, near Bedale, you can do just that and also receive an uplifting dose of beautiful surroundings at a time of year when nature is, quite possibly, at her most spectacular.

The Falcons of Thorp Perrow is housed in a huge walled garden and is the base for the Northern School of Falconry.

It is home to more than 75 birds of prey from the five continents of the world, including eagles, falcons, vultures, hawks and owls. Weather permitting, there are flying demonstrations at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm each day. It remains open until November.

The 85-acre arboretum itself is open all year round and features some of the largest and rarest trees and shrubs in England, which are currently particularly striking as autumn is now very much upon us.

This Sunday at 2pm there is a guided autumn tour and there are similar events on the following two Sundays.

The arboretum was the creation of one man - Colonel Sir Leonard Ropner, the father of the current owner Sir John Ropner. Sir John believes that one of the factors in favour of the arboretum is that it has an atmosphere of being the creation of an amateur gardener.

Its woodland walks are ideal for this time of year. These open on to the lake which lies in front of the great Thorp Perrow house and the accompanying formal gardens.

There are also tree trails and nature trails, while there is a special children's trail, play area and wild flower area, which features bird and wild flower identification boards.

For refreshments, there is a tea room, while you can buy a souvenir at the small gift shop. There is also a plant centre if you feel inspired by the arboretum to liven up your own garden.

The arboretum is located just south of Bedale, four miles from the A1 Leeming turn-off, on the Bedale to Ripon road.

Admission costs £5.25 for adults, £4 for older folk and £2.75 for children (under-fours get in free). A family ticket (two adults and two children) costs £15.

For further information, you can ring (01677) 425323 or visit the website www.thorpperrow.com.

Updated: 10:17 Wednesday, October 02, 2002