WITH the days getting longer, splashes of colour in the garden and bird song in the air we can be sure Spring’s finally here.

Daffodils injecting colour across the site and ribbons of tulips creating a tapestry of colour are signs the garden is waking up. Colours of blue and white dominate the flowerbeds and the bright green shoots of new grass begin to appear.

Spring is about new beginnings and there are lots of new things waiting to be discovered at this time of year.

Would you like to learn more about the historic collection we look after? We’re giving 15 minutes of fame to a carefully selected object every Wednesday and Sunday.

The object in focus for March will be a 17th century buffet, which has connections to a well-loved book. We’ll be taking a peek behind its finely-crafted doors at 3pm on March 19, 22, 26 and 29.

We’re offering a true behind-the-scenes tour of this historic home every Wednesday in March and April. Come along and find out how we get the house ready to welcome the first visitors of the day. You’ll be welcomed into the house by the conservation team and given the opportunity to view the house before we open to the public.

Discover why we choose to flood certain rooms with light and leave others cloaked in darkness. Understand how we balance the conservation needs and visitor experience needs of this listed building.

A light breakfast with the house steward is included, and booking is essential by calling 01535 607075. Tickets cost £25 per person and tours are limited to a maximum ten people. This special experience would make a great gift.

After the success of the family willow planting event in February, we’re inviting you to pull on your wellies and help us to create a wild flower meadow this Mother’s Day. This will be a great activity for the whole family and one for aspiring gardeners not to miss. Join us on March 26, between 12.30pm and 2.30pm, and be ready to roll up your sleeves.

Take a stroll across the fields with our volunteers and uncover historic traces of this former agricultural estate. The fields were historically used by the farming community, who lived and worked here. Today the fields are home to an array of wildlife.

Come along on April 3 at 11.30am to discover traces of the community and soak up views of the River Aire.

Have you ever wassailed an apple tree? From April 8 and throughout half-term we’re learning more about this traditional celebration of prosperity. Enjoy the custom of wassailing apple trees in the garden, decorate the apple trees with good luck messages and sing songs to bring hope for a good harvest.

East Riddlesden Hall is open Saturdays to Wednesdays between 10.30am and 4.30pm (last admission at 4pm).

General admission prices apply; free for National Trust members and under-fives. Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/riddlesdenhall or call 01535 607075, during office hours, for more details.