One of Cheshire's Gardens of Distinction is changing its name to honour its creator.

The Quinta Arboretum will now be known as The Lovell Quinta Arboretum in memory of Sir Bernard Lovell.

The 28-acre garden in Swettenham was created by the founder of Jodrell Bank from open grassland he bought in 1948.

Now entrusted to the Tatton Garden Society, it features more than 800 species and 2,500 trees and shrubs, including two national collections.

There is also 12 and a half acres of wild wood owned by Cheshire Wildlife Trust and meadows filled with wild flowers.

Visitors can enjoy views over the valley of the River Dane from the arboretum, which contains a collection of endangered conifers sponsored by The Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh.

Sir Bernard, who was president of Tatton Garden Society until his death, died in August 2012 leaving behind a huge space age legacy.

The professor of radioastronomy created the 76- metre Lovell Telescope which tracked the rocket that carried Sputnik 1 into orbit in 1957.

Colin Hurrell, of Tatton Garden Society, said: ‘We are delighted to rename the arboretum in recognition of Sir Bernard Lovell.

“He created this natural treasure in Cheshire for everyone to explore. We are working on plans to further develop the Lovell Quinta Arboretum, to add interest for a wider age range to enjoy and to improve access for the less able.

“This is a wonderful oasis that all should enjoy.”

Sam Youd, chairman of Cheshire Gardens of Distinction, added: “Changing the name of The Quinta Arboretum is a wonderful tribute to its founder.

“I am sure that the magical gardens at The Lovell Quinta Arboretum will continue to enchant future generations.

“Cheshire’s Gardens of Distinction are proud to be associated with such an impressive floral delight that has well-deserved national recognition for the importance of its collections.”

The name ‘quinta’ originates from Sir Bernard’s home in Swettenham.

The house was built in 1911 by Rev Banner whose fiancée agreed to marry him on the condition that he build a house identical to her home in Congleton, also called The Quinta.

à The Lovell Quinta Arboretum is open to the public every day except Christmas Day, from 9am to sunset.

Entry is outside the Swettenham Arms and visitors may use the pub car park.

Admission is £2.50 or free to Tatton Garden Society members.