FEBRUARY is fast approaching and there is plenty to see and do if you take the time to visit a National Trust location during the coming weeks.

Listed below is a selection of events. From hedge laying competitions and bird box building to healthy walks and blacksmith courses, there is something for everyone.

Wimpole Estate in Cambridgeshire:

- Hedge laying competition – Saturday February 5, 9am to 2pm, Cobbs Wood Farm

The local hedge layers will be competing to be the champion at Wimpole.

- Basic beginner’s blacksmith course

Saturday February 19, 10am to 4pm

An introduction to blacksmithing in Wimpole’s own blacksmith shop where you will learn the basic techniques of this old craft and take home the object you make. Booking essential 01223 206000, limited places, �95 each, including simple lunch.

- Textile Tuesdays

Tuesday February 22, 11.30am to 1.30pm

Discover how we clean and care for the textiles in the collection with the housekeeping team, drop in between 11.30am and 1.30pm.

Normal hall admission applies.

Hatfield Forest, Essex

- Healthy walks

Thursday February 3, 10, 17 and 24, 9.45am

A variety of intermediate health walks through this ancient medieval forest. Please note this is a muddy site with roaming cattle. Well behaved dogs are welcome. Free, car parking charge applies. No booking required.

- Walk: Winter Tree ID

Saturday February 5, 2pm- 4pm

Discover the fascinating trees to be found at Hatfield Forest and learn valuable winter identification techniques. Meet at the Shell House Car Park. Suitable for ages 12 plus. �6, car park charge applies. Booking essential on 01279 870678.

- Bird box building

Sunday February 20, 11am - 4pm

Bring along the whole family and build a nest box to take home, to attract birds to nest in your garden. Full instructions given – Not only for DIY enthusiasts! Suitable for accompanied children. �6 per box, car park charge applies. Booking essential on 01279 870678.

- Whatever the Weather

Monday to Friday February 21 – 25, drop in between 11am - 3pm

Enjoy the sunshine or jump in the puddles, activities happening all week whatever the weather. Both indoor and outdoor trails, games and crafts happening everyday. 50p for each craft, car park charge applies, no need to book.

- Conservation in Action Walk

Monday to Friday February 21 – 25, 2pm

Free guided walk to take a closer look at the conservation work we do and what makes Hatfield Forest such a unique place. Car parking charge applies. No booking required.

- Introduction to Forest Survival

Friday February 25, 10.30am - 3.30pm

Learn the basics for surviving in the wild with only the bare necessities. An introduction to shelter building, fire lighting and foraging. Bring a hearty packed lunch! Suitable for accompanied children, aged 8 years+ Group of two, �18, three, �26, four, �34. Additional person �10. Car park charge applies. Booking essential on 01279 870678.