Two of the Borders’ leading heritage attractions, Dryburgh and Jedburgh Abbeys, are hosting special guided walks to enable visitors to learn about and appreciate the historic trees in their beautiful and serene grounds.

The informative events have been organised as part of the Lothian and Borders Partnership programme of Treefest Scotland, a national initiative which aims to generate public awareness of, and celebrate, the wealth of trees, woods and forests which our country boasts.

At Dryburgh Abbey on Sundays 15th and 22nd July and 5th, 19th and 26th August, visitors will be taken on a tour of the rich parkland which surrounds the stunning medieval ruins by Monument Manager Rowley Duncan.

He’ll be pointing out and talking about the many fine large trees in the abbey grounds, including the Dryburgh Yew. Listed as one of the 100 most important trees in Scotland in recognition of its historical significance, this magnificent example of Common Yew or Taxus Baccata has witnessed the fascinating story of the abbey since 1136.

And on Sundays 29th July and 12th August at Jedburgh Abbey, Rowley will be the guide for an enjoyable stroll around the abbey’s sprawling and tranquil gardens.

In addition to talking about the fascinating historic trees which surround the abbey, he’ll be talking about the famous cloister and herb gardens. It was here that the brethren of the Middle Ages, who were self-sufficient in most things, grew pot herbs for the monastery’s refectory table and medicinal herbs for its infirmary. These were commonly used to make remedies for fevers and coughs, soothing balms for skin or eye irritations, tonics and purgatives.

Rowley said: “Dryburgh Abbey and Jedburgh Abbey – two of the four great Border abbeys – are not only impressive as powerful symbols of ecclesiastic power in the Middle Ages; they both boast superb grounds which are richly planted with a wide variety of heritage trees. And our Treefest guided walks provide a great opportunity to explore the grounds, to learn all about the remarkable trees and plants within them and to hear about their fascinating histories.” More information from www.treefestscotland.org.uk