Tree Top Retreat..

En route back from England yesterday we broke the journey in Cambridge, spending the night with my niece and her family. We had time in the afternoon to visit Anglesey Abbey, a National Trust property with extensive gardens which have recently undergone a make over to encourage younger visitors to take an interest in nature and wildlife.

Walks have been created with children in mind and activity packs can be borrowed from the reception area. Amongst the things we spotted were badger sets...

... and some rather large musical instruments strung between the trees...

But the centre piece was this magnificent tree house....

A notice at the top of the stairs warns...

And you really do feel high up! Here's a shot looking down at Cathy, my niece, from the top platform in the tree canopy.

All the work has certainly paid off. There were plenty of children enjoying these gardens which, until recently, had been the preserve of their parents.

Well done, National Trust. It's a brilliant scheme which will no doubt foster life long interest in some of those children.