KEIGHLEY people are being urged to get closer to nature this month at East Riddlesden Hall. The National Trust says the gardens and fields surrounding its hall are perfect for a short stroll on a crisp winter’s day.

A spokesman suggested people could see how many breeds of birds they can spot in the trees along the bank of the River Aire. She said: “There’s a great play area for children too and you can treat the whole family to a warming bowl of soup at our tea room to reward your hard efforts.

“If you’d like to give something back to help nature, why not consider becoming a National Trust member? It’s not just about looking after our historic houses, the money also goes back into looking after rare species of animals, creating woodland habitats and reducing our carbon footprint.”

Although the hall itself is closed for winter season, the shop and tea room will reopen for weekends from January 11. And there will be a programme of regular activities for all ages from February.

These will include half-hour lessons in making gingerbread using a 400-year-old recipe including bread and honey, on many days from February 17.

Also held during several days from February 17 will be Greener Gardening, a chance four people to chat with a gardener about how they can copy the hall’s methods combining good design and colour with wildlife conservation.

An Introduction To Bread, running regularly from February 18, is a fun hands-on session allowing people to make their own tasty dough to take away to bake at home, while hearing about the history of bread.

Another National Trust property, Hardcastle Crags near Hebden Bridge, offers winter walks in the woodland and along the river, with Gibson Mill and its tearoom, in the middle of the woods, opening during all January weekends.

Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/east-riddlesden-hall/trails/riddlesden-ramble for further information.