As the first signs of spring begin to reveal themselves across Shropshire, National Trust properties prepare to welcome their first visitors of the year.
The conservation charity is encouraging everyone to wrap up warm and set off on a nature adventure, to spot snowdrops, hellebores and winter crocuses, some of the first flowers to emerge from the winter soil.
Dudmaston Hall, Benthall Hall and the Rock Houses at Kinver Edge will all be embracing the first signs of spring. Whilst at Comer Woods, families can look out for winter wildlife and signs of spring in the woodland.
Gow Gibson, property operations manager at Dudmaston Hall and Comer Woods said: “It is wonderful to be able to welcome people to Dudmaston for our two ‘Winter Walk Weekends’ in February. We hope visitors will be able to enjoy a beautiful show of snowdrops carpeting the Dingle.
“We are really looking forward to the middle of March too, when the galleries and gardens at Dudmaston Hall open from Sunday to Thursday, and the end of March when the historic rooms open.
“We are also excited to provide a woodland spotter trail for families looking for fun half-term activities in Comer Woods. Visitors can explore the woodland looking out for signs of winter wildlife. They are then welcome to borrow games and sports equipment from the playbox next to the meadow, whilst enjoying a hot drink or a snack from the Café at Comer.”
For four days, 15, 16, 22 and 23 February, the park, bookshops and playground will be open at Dudmaston Hall for winter walks through the Dingle. Visitors can also stop off at the Orchard Tea-Room, which will be serving hot drinks, warming lunches, cakes and bakes. Dogs on leads are welcome in all outdoor areas. Admission applies, with free entry for National Trust members.
The free spotter trail in Comer Woods is available daily from the welcome team in the car park during half term, from February 15 to 23, 10:30 to 2:30. The Cafe in Comer Woods will be serving takeaway hot drinks, snacks and treats and parking is free for National Trust members, or £5 daily.
Benthall Hall, near Broseley, will also open from Saturday 15 February.
Claire Hale, visitor experience manager at Benthall said: “From being battle scarred by canon fire during the Civil War, to providing a home for the distinguished botanist and tilemaker George Maw and playing its part in the Industrial Revolution – Benthall has so many fascinating stories to tell.
“In Benthall’s garden, the extraordinary range of crocuses should begin to surface in early spring along with snowdrops and hellebores.”
The property will open Saturday to Wednesday from February 15. The garden opens at 12.30pm and the house opens at 1pm. The Shepherd’s Shed will be serving takeaway hot and cold drinks, snacks and sweet treats in the car park. Admission applies, with free entry for National Trust members.
Meanwhile at Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses, near Stourbridge, the Rock Houses, garden and tea-room will be open daily from 10.30am from February 15 to 24, after which it will be open Thursday to Monday throughout the season.
Visitors can try to spot snowdrops growing in the meadow at the base of the rocky escarpment and imagine what life was like living inside a sandstone cave. Then they can relax in the tea-room or browse the excellent selection of second-hand books in the book shed. Admission applies, with free entry for National Trust members.
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