A BUDDHIST temple opened its gardens to the public at the weekend to mark 90 years of a national gardening scheme.

Conishead Priory and Buddhist Temple took part in the Open Garden event for the 16th year running.

Almost 200 visitors enjoyed the vivid colours and woodland walks on Sunday.

For visits manager Geoff Roe it was the perfect time for a spring stroll.

He said: "Many of the trees and flowers were in full bloom, with the rhododendron petals creating a red carpet on the woodland floor, bluebells, fragrant white flowers on the magnolia trees and cherry blossom.

"Our visitors really enjoyed a relaxing stroll around the grounds discovering the many amazing aspects of this peaceful place."

Many visitors to the priory took part in a short walk through the woods to the beach on Morecambe Bay to enjoy views across to the Yorkshire Dales and Lakeland hills.

Children were also able to enjoy a spring scavenger hunt in the woods.

Others took advantage of a free guided tour of the temple and part of the historic house to learn more about the history of Conishead.

It also allowed guests to gain an insight into modern Buddhism.

The National Garden Scheme has raised millons of pounds over the years for a number of charities through donations from opening private gardens across the country.

These include Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie and Parkinson's UK.

Around 3,700 gardens in the UK open each year for the scheme.

Mr Roe said: "For a lot of our guests this was the first time they had visited a garden opening for the National Garden Scheme.

"We were amazed to hear that over the last 90 years the charity has raised over £50m for nursing charities across the UK.

"In Cumbria alone there's 64 breathtaking private gardens opening for charity so there'll be some near you."

The temple is open from 11am to 5pm in March to the end of October, with grounds open daily dawn to dusk.

Visitors can also take part in free, 15-minute guided meditations every day at 12.30pm and 2pm.

To see more pictures of the open garden event at Conishead Priory go to www.nwemail.co.uk