IT’S THE simple splash of colour and bird song in the air that gives the sign that spring’s on its way, and the perfect time of year to wrap up warm and take a walk through the gardens.

The snowdrops are still carpeting the ground, narcissi bulbs are beginning to awaken and crocuses tease the eye with their vibrant blues, pinks and yellow.

The Wild Garden is the best place to be at this time of year.

In March, this garden is awash with pale yellows and whites.

Primroses, snowdrops, wood tulips, cowslips, and yellow leucojum amongst many others start to appear.

From mid-March, narcissus in their masses make their presence known in the wild garden and the bright yellow erythronium pagoda stand proudly in various corners.

The Formal Garden is still resting, but you’ll see the bright red flowering quince that contrasts nicely with the foliage of the golden philadelphus.

Throughout the gardens and grounds the trees and shrubs put energy into bringing new buds to life; these will shortly envelop the gardens once more.

Birdsong can be heard throughout the gardens as our feathered friends invite you to take a seat and pause for a few minutes to listen to the sounds of their gentle melodies.

Even though nature is at its busiest, you don’t have to be - stop and take time to simply absorb all that’s happening around you.

Spring is about new beginnings, embracing what nature has to offer and preparing for the lazy days of summer yet to come.

East Riddlesden Hall is open at weekends at the current time between 10.30am and 4.30pm.

There are plenty of things to keep the whole family entertained, and lots of hidden areas to discover too such at the wild play area with the best fallen log for balancing on.

Every Saturday and Sunday until March 25 you can make a willow bird feeder to take home and hang in your garden.

For those in search of adventure, a new seasonal trail will have you searching for interesting objects in the house - trail sheets can be collected from the shop.

On Sunday, March 11 you can join the head gardener Jill between 11am and 1pm to plant some snowdrop bulbs and young primroses.

Flowers are the perfect way to say ‘I love you’, and planting flowers together is a great way of celebrating Mother’s Day this March.

You can come back later in the year to see how they’ve grown and flourished. This drop-in activity is suitable for the whole family and is a great introduction to gardening for children.

There’s a wide selection of gifts available in the shop and the tea-room’s a great place to stop and re-fuel.

As well as deluxe hot chocolates that are guaranteed to warm the smallest of hands, there’ll be a great choice of seasonal family lunches available too.

All activities are free with general admission prices.

Entry is free for National Trust members and under-fives.

Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/east-riddlesden-hall or call 01535 607075 for further information about opening times, special activities and permanent attractions at East Riddlesden Hall.