AN historic country estate has put aside an area of woodland for visitors wanting a peaceful spot for some quiet reflection.

Thorp Perrow Arboretum, near Bedale, is the first garden in the north of England to take part in the Silent Space project, which invites public gardens to reserve an area where visitors can wander, or reflect silently away from phones and the distractions of modern life.

Silent Space was initiated by Oxfordshire-based garden writer Liz Ware.

“Our lives are very hectic and we rarely allow ourselves time to be quiet,” she said.

“It’s all too easy to miss out on the restorative benefits of being peaceful in a green place.

"Recent research has shown that spending short periods of time in silence and enjoying the sounds of the nature is not only very good for us but it also deepens our connection with the natural world.

“I’m delighted that Thorp Perrow is joining the project – our first arboretum and our first northern Silent Space’ says Liz.

“How wonderful to have the chance to be silent in the midst of such a spectacular private collection - to be able to really pay attention to the birdsong and to the sound of the breeze in the trees.”

An area of woodland planted especially for autumn colour has been selected as the location for the silent space. A spokesperson for the estate said: “It is an area off the beaten track which is planted especially for stunning autumn colour, but which is a tranquil space with beauty throughout the year and is home to wildlife, interesting Fungus and an array of wonderful plants.”

Running to 100 acres, Thorp Perrow is home to five national plant collections' and 67 ‘champion trees’. The arboretum is laid out in sections inter-connected via paths, glades, bays, and avenues.

Thorp Perrow’s ‘Silent Space’ is open to the public from 10am to 5pm every day.

To learn more about the Silent Space project, visit; silentspace.org.uk.