There’s nothing quite the sound of birdsong and the sight of a clear blue sky to make you feel like stepping outdoors for some fresh air, and our programme of walks and tours will help you to enjoy those even more.

During May we are joined by local birding expert, Mark Doveston, for a walk with a difference. Take an early morning stroll around the grounds and Mark will tell you all about the birds, their calls and habitats. Continental breakfast and a steaming mug of hot coffee will be served in the tearoom afterwards, and are included in the price.

The hour-long walks are £7.50 per head and start at 7am on May 2 and 17, and booking is essential.

From May 6, and back by popular demand, medical herbalist Jane Ramsden will be holding 30-minute costumed walks of the herb border.

Jane will delve into interesting facts about the herbs as well as highlighting culinary and medicinal properties of the herbs. She will explain how they were used both traditionally and today.

Tours are free with the admission price, and will be held on the first Wednesday of every month from May 6 at 11am, noon, 2pm and 3pm.

Volunteer Alison is getting ready for the start of her River Walk tours from May 11. Visitors are advised to bring a pair of binoculars for a chance to see wild flowers, birds and fallow deer.

Held on the second Monday of the month, these walks are free and are limited to six people at a time. Booking is essential.

Every Wednesday from June 3, the head gardener Jill will take you through the gardens on a ‘greener gardening’ tour.

She will explain how we keep our gardens going throughout the year using green techniques and will share tips about how you can implement some of these techniques at home.

The hour-long tour is free with the entrance price and will start at 11am.

Over the last few weeks we’ve been busy recruiting new volunteers. Volunteers are at the heart of East Riddlesden Hall and last year over 9,000 hours were donated by the volunteers here.

However, we are still short on room guide volunteers and are looking for friendly, energetic people who can help us bring history to life for our visitors.

Volunteering is a great way to learn new skills, meet people and contribute to looking after this special place. We’re flexible with the days that you volunteer and we will cover your travel expenses up to 30 miles.

Volunteer open days are held on the last Sunday of every month at 2pm for anyone wanting to come along and find out more about volunteering at East Riddlesden Hall. Anyone interested in attending should get in touch with me.

East Riddlesden Hall is open from Saturdays to Wednesdays between 10.30am and 4.30pm. General admission prices apply, and entry is free for National Trust members and under-fives.

For more information, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/riddlesdenhall or call 01535 607075 during office hours.