IT’S a great time to visit East Riddlesden Hall. The gardens are in full bloom with splashes of colour and fragrant aromas in every corner and there are lots of things happening this month to encourage us to step outdoors and get closer to nature.

Tours of the Culpepper-inspired herb border will take place every Monday from 1pm to 2pm, and visitors will be able to get close, touch, smell and taste the herbs.

We will discover how herbs are used in daily life and how they were used as a first aid kit by the people who once lived here.

A 30-minute demonstration will follow in the house to see some of the garden herbs being put to good use. We will learn about the challenges faced in kitchens 400 years ago and find out how meals were traditionally prepared without modern day gadgets.

As a conservation charity, it’s important to keep our gardens beautiful without causing any harm to the environment or to wildlife and we’d love to share the secrets of our organic techniques with others.

The greener gardening walk will take place every Tuesday from 2.30pm to 3.30pm. A relaxed approach will be taken and visitors will learn how easy it is to use these methods to make their own garden wildlife friendly.

Families are invited along to help give nature a helping hand this Saturday between 10.30am and 12.30pm.

Himalayan Balsam is a non-native species which prevents traditional wild flowers from flourishing, and visitors will be able to help make a difference to the land at East Riddlesden Hall.

Himalayan Balsam is easily pulled up by hand which makes this activity great for the whole family. No specialist equipment is needed, just long sleeved tops and trousers (and gloves if possible). Himalayan Balsam bashing will also run on July 1, 15 and 29.

On July 10, volunteer Alison will lead a one-hour walk across the fields and meadows at 11.30am. East Riddlesden Hall was traditionally used by the farming community who lived and worked here, and today it is home to a variety of wildlife. The walk will uncover historic traces of this former agricultural estate whilst allowing visitors to soak up views of the River Aire.

These activities are free but admission charges apply for non-National Trust members. Under-5s are free.

CARLA WEATHERALL Marketing and Communication Officer, National Trust, West Yorkshire Group