To celebrate the wonder of nature this spring the National Trust will be running a range of fun and engaging nature themed activities for all the family across their special places during the Easter break (26 March – 8 April).

As spring unfolds, nature comes to life – leaves start budding on the trees, frog spawn fills the ponds, birds return from their winter migration and yellow daffodils bring a splash of colour wherever they bloom. With so much to see, this is the perfect time to visit a National Trust place and reconnect with nature and the great outdoors.

There’s a whole range of fun things planned, here’s a taste of what’s happening:

The Argory, Moy is home to wide variety of trees, many of which were brought here by the family from travels abroad. Explore the trails outdoors and find a tree to climb, then head indoors and make your own craft creation to decorate the giant tree in the Birkenhead room.  At Springhill, Moneymore the nature theme is spring flowers as some family members were botanist. Have fun pressing your own flowers and then treat yourself to a flower cupcake in the tea-room before heading off into the glorious gardens.

At Mount Stewart, Newtownards discover the signs of spring on the demesne nature trail, try your hand at planting at the potting shed, enjoy nature themed craft and join the rangers to learn the art of bush craft.

Castle Ward, Strangford is celebrating the work of scientist Mary Ward with the new Mary Ward Discovery Zone where kids can become scientists for the day and discover the natural world of bugs and beasties. There are fun craft activities, a nature trail around the grounds and an egg trail in the house using Mary Ward’s collection of unusual bird eggs. How many will you find?

At Rowallane Garden, Saintfield there’s a new ‘Spring into Nature’ walk to discover. Create your own nature wristband using things you find along the way and stop off at the special micro-world stations to get a larger than life view of nature. You might be shocked by what you see!  Take part in an egg and spoon race at the front of the house and pot a sunflower seed to take home and watch grow.

Take the new Tree Trail at Downhill Demesne and test your climbing and balancing skills in the Bishop’s Natural Play area hidden in the forest. Create brilliant beach sculptures on Porstewart Strand and explore the dunes to see what creatures you can find.

The fun continues in Fermanagh, where the Easter nature trails feature a range of self-led activities along the way. Craft a swan out of willow, build a den or climb a tree at Castle Coole. Make willow butterfly, count the rings on a tree and try your hand at pond dipping at Florence Court. While at Crom you can make your own willow fish, build a den or enjoy a boat trip in traditional cot.

Visit over the Easter weekend and you’ll also get to participate in one of the popular Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts happening at National Trust places around the country. Trails cost £1.50 per child and there’s a chocolate treat for everyone who follows the bunnies’ clues and completes the hunt.

For a full list of Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt locations and dates and details of the Easter nature activities happening at National Trust places visit NationalTrust.org.uk/NI.