VISITORS are being encouraged to take a walk on the wild side when they pay a call on the country's best-preserved Carthusian monastery.

After a ten-month shutdown because of the foot-and-mouth crisis, English Heritage is reopening Mount Grace Priory to the public from Thursday.

The monument, near Northallerton, North Yorkshire, is one of the last remaining English Heritage properties to remain closed due to the outbreak.

While it has been closed, the grounds have been untouched by visitors or gardeners for the first time in centuries.

The result has been an invasion of vegetation and wildlife, turning the landscape into what a spokesman described as a "scene worthy of a Turner painting".

English Heritage is now considering a strategy to help consolidate Mother Nature's gains when the tourists return.

"Grounds at many historic sites were once kept on a tight rein, with manicured lawns," said regional landscape manager Mick Wilson.

"However, in recent years we have introduced a more varied, eco-friendly approach at sites, including Whitby Abbey and Helmsley castle.

"Grass is left to grow longer and water features restored, which not only helps wildlife and encourages flowers, but also adds a romantic ambience."

He added: "Mount Grace is already famed for its wonderful natural beauty, but we would like to take something positive out of a difficult year and retain some of the wildness."