As winter slowly begins to inch towards spring, February still seems a long way from warmer weather filled with the scent of new flowers and the sound of chorusing birds -- but a visit to Batsford Arboretum might tell a different story.

It might seem like the trees and plants are still in hibernation, so why visit an arboretum at this time of year? But take a day to enjoy the 56 tranquil acres at Batsford and it becomes obvious this is not the case at all. There is certainly plenty of activity going on in the undergrowth.

"People automatically think of arboretums in autumn and while that is a great time t enjoy the colour, Batsford is nice at any time of the year because there are always different things to see," explained Chris Pilling, the visitor and events manager at the arboretum.

February visitors will be able to enjoy the aconite and snowdrop displays brightening up the woodland as things start to stir ready for the spring blooming season.

"We have a good spread of these flowers so it always looks nice. This is followed closely in April by the daffodils and cherries in flower. We have the national collection of Japanese flowering cherries so it is quite stunning when they come into blossom," said Mr Pilling.

Batsford Arboretum was mainly planted more than 100 years ago by Algernon Bertram Freeman-Mitford, otherwise known as Bertie Mitford, and many of the trees he planted are still there today.

It was his travels and experiences that helped shape Batsford. He travelled widely in Asia as an attach to the foreign legion, bringing this oriental influence to Batsford which can been seen in his planting schemes -- lots of acers and 65 different species of bamboo among others.

A stroll through the trees will also take in some oriental statues including a giant Buddha and a pagoda.

The history of Batsford on the arboretum's website reveals even more about the creation of what is now one of the largest private tree collections in the country.

"As well as introducing a multitude of unusual plants, Bertie Mitford created an artificial watercourse some 600 metres long down the west side of the gardens. He enlisted the help of the Pulham Brothers, well known throughout the country at that time for their landscaping abilities, to build other major features which can still be seen including the rockeries, streams and waterfall, lake and the hermit's cave."

The tree and plant collection remained static for a while, although Batsford estate itself was made famous for a while as the home to the Mitford girls during World War I until it was sold to cover death duties.

The gardens lacked tender loving care for a while until Frederick Anthony Hamilton Wills succeeded his father in 1956 and, along with his head forester Ken Hope, he indulged his passion for trees, consolidating the collection and adding other trees. He is credited with turning Batsford into an internationally renowned arboretum.

He died in 1992 after founding a charitable trust, the Batsford Foundation, to ensure the future of the arboretum. The trust still administers the arboretum.

Having 56 acres brings with it a huge responsibility for all the staff at Batsford, who aim to encourage more people to visit and enjoy the arboretum throughout the seasons.

"All the 56 acres are well planted so the majority of our work is maintenance rather than planting," said Mr Pilling.

"Having said that, a lot of trees have reached maturity and they obviously need replacing sometimes."

With 3,346 different species throughout the estate, there is plenty at the arboretum for everyone to enjoy and to provide colour and interest at any time of the year.

Mountain ash and birch rub branches with acers and oaks, making it an amazing collection of trees from around the world. The collection is expanded when necessary by wild collected seeds supplied by various botanic gardens.

Mr Pilling added: "We are hopefully taking over a new piece of ground shortly which will enable us to plant a new area. That is for the future."

As well as human visitors, the arboretum is a lifeline to many native species of flora and fauna which are encouraged by the sympathetic management regime.

Visitors are welcome at Batsford all year round and it is easy to spend a day there strolling around the grounds, visiting the garden centre and taking a break in the tearoom. The gates open at 10am with last entry 4.45pm. It is closed on Wednesdays in December and January and closed on Christmas Day. There is also a falconry centre next door and a joint ticket to the falconry and arboretum is available for £10 (£4 children). Standard admission to the arboretum for adults is £6 and £2 for children.