Imagine a space on your doorstep, where you can let your hair down and disconnect from the chaos of modern life.

Well, part of a 28-acre site near Congleton hopes to offer just that.

The Lovell Quinta Arboretum in Swettenham is the only location in our county currently signed up to a national scheme which aims to create space for visitors to switch off from technology and enjoy the natural world around them.

Dozens of locations nationwide are taking part in the project, called Silent Space.

These include National Trust properties as well as independent locations and even museums.

It is the brainchild of garden writer Liz Ware, whose work allowed her access to gardens when they were empty of visitors.

"Having the opportunity to be silent in these beautiful gardens was a privilege," explained Liz.

"The experience was often quite profound. I wondered how it could be shared more widely, so in 2016 I started Silent Space.

"The charity encourages gardens open to the public to keep an area for silent visiting.

"Think of it as the garden version of the quiet carriage on a train. We are silent but the sounds of the natural world go on around us.

"It gives us all a chance to step back from the world for a while and unwind."

The Congleton village of Swettenham was already a peaceful and tranquil place, but this new spot for silence has made it all the more inviting.

Duncan Fyfe, a member of the volunteer team who has helped to set up the area at the Lovell Quinta Arboretum, hopes the new facility will help visitors to get the best from the site.

"We've set up our Silent Space in a little copse near the main entrance," he said.

"There are two benches if you'd just like to switch off your phone and sit down for a little while, and there are flowers in the spring.

"We think it's a perfect spot, and we're delighted to be currently the only location in Cheshire.

"Many people have had an unusually stressful year and we hope our Silent Space will prove helpful for relaxation."

The Lovell Quinta Arboretum is located in Swettenham Village, near Congleton, Cheshire CW12 2LF (behind the Swettenham Arms).

It is a five mile drive from Congleton, which takes about 12-15 minutes.

For more information Congleton Nub News readers can visit

here.

Congletonians who wish to enter pay just £2.50.

The Silent Space hopes to be open every year from the beginning of March to the end of November is situated turning left out of the main entrance.

After the chaos of lockdown and returning to the hectic hubbub of normal life, this chance to be quiet and at one with nature sounds very appealing.

Congleton dogs on leads are welcome, and in fact we recently reported on a Congleton pet Instagram account with over 9000 followers, that loves to visit here.

Please click here to read that story.

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