The ten-acre Clinton-Baker Pinetum near Hertford is particularly lovely at this time of year. A pinetum is essentially a collection of conifers; but this one is planted within a mixed woodland. As the beech and larches turn golden-brown, field maples and dawn redwoods turn yellow and burnished gold, it’s a symphony of colour in autumn sunlight. Early evening, your shadow leads as you walk past the red-leaved and berried spindle tree, down to the entrance stile, the University of Hertfordshire’s white astronomy domes behind you, gulls following red tractor to the right; and lofty cedars, hemlocks and redwoods enticing you on.

Under the expert guidance of Dr Edward Eastwood, Curator, the Pinetum is gradually being restored to its full Victorian splendour, complete with fern-filled grotto and a tally of over 150 species of conifer. Join in a fungal foray, stroll down paths which Edward insists on keeping raked to “a crinoline width,” and admire the monkey puzzle dell and “stumpery.”

It’s not all about trees: you’ll be unlucky not to see - or at least hear - a jay or green woodpecker; and right now there are red and orange berries on yew, hawthorn and holly. The particularly succulent looking black ones are best avoided - it’s deadly nightshade.

Being in such a hidden spot, it was ten years before I realised this extraordinarily magical place existed, a mere fifteen minutes walk from where I live. Now I go for a restorative dose of therapeutic serenity. I’m gradually learning to identify the trees - though Edward says I’d still be clueless if they all swapped places in the night.

Extend your walk through the hornbeams and oaks of Bayford woods and hunt out the sailor’s grave, a monument erected to a scion of the Clinton-Baker family who lost his life on the Jamaican high seas in 1804, when as commander of HM Sloop Pelican he led a party which perished while saving a foundering Spanish schooner.

The Pinetum has regular work parties sawing, hacking brambles and nettles, and piling up bonfires. There are snowdrop and bluebell walks in spring.

The Pinetum is owned by the University of Hertfordshire. To arrange a visit, become a member or find out about the next work party, contact Dr Eastwood on 01992 517622 or e.a.eastwood@herts.ac.uk. Members only have access to the private site by prior arrangement.

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