THE director of Yorkshire Arboretum will stand down at the end of the month. 

Dr John Grimshaw, who has served in the role since 2012, will leave the site to become editor-in chief of Curtis’s Botanical Magazine by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. 

During his time at the arboretum, he has pushed forward a series of developments, including the country’s first dedicated Tree Health Centre, which opened in 2021. He was awarded an MBE in 2024 for his efforts. 

Chair of Trustees Greville Worthington said: “John has been a very energetic director and curator here since 2012 and has led a series of developments, including the country’s first dedicated Tree Health Centre, which opened in 2021, and the Red Squirrel Enclosure in 2023. 

"He has been responsible for great improvements to the arboretum and its collection, including creating the network of wildflower meadows and beautiful Woodland Garden. His contribution has been immense and he’ll be greatly missed by the arboretum community.”

John was appointed MBE in the last New Year Honour’s List for services to tree health and plant conservation, in relation to his work at the arboretum and in founding the Tree Health Centre, which offers advice and training on issues relating to tree pests and diseases, biosecurity and climate change resilience.

Curtis’s Botanical Magazine has appeared continuously since 1787 and is the longest-running illustrated botanical journal. It combines botanical information and horticultural advice with specially commissioned fine botanical art. 

John said: “I’ve fancied this job for years, and I’m proud that I’ll be taking on the helm of this remarkable publication. 

"It’ll be a wrench to leave the ‘arb’ after so long, but it has been a pleasure and privilege to work here. Seeing trees planted 10 years ago growing well, or the wild orchids spreading through the meadows is extremely rewarding, and I look forward to seeing the arboretum continuing to grow and flourish in the future."

Arboretum members will have a chance to say farewell to John at the arboretum in the morning of Thursday 26 September, and there will be a leaving reception for him by invitation that afternoon.