National Trust staff and volunteers at Hare Hill Garden, Over Alderley, are making final preparations for the garden’s first half-term fun day on 29 October.

Emma Hill is Head Gardener – and is working hard to ensure the day goes well, besides doing her day job.

“There are loads of things to do in any garden at this time of year, as every gardener knows” says Emma. “Hare Hill is no exception, so we’re all very busy making sure the garden is looking its best for half term, and at the same time organising the fun day.

“We wanted to encourage more people to come and enjoy this lovely place” says Emma. It’s the first time we’ve held a Halloween/half-term activity, so we hope lots of families will come along and enjoy themselves”.

“We’ve got hundreds of daffodil bulbs to plant, and we’re giving away crocus bulbs for people to take home in a paper pot and grow themselves. You can also try rolling your own candles, making a bird feeder, and following our Bat trail through the woods – just in time for Halloween.

There’s the chance to make your own bat mask as well”.

Meanwhile, in the Walled Garden, children can try ‘giant’ sized games – including Jenga and Quoits, Noughts and Crosses and croquet – and search for sculptures of giant wooden hares scattered around the garden They’re made by local artist Ed Pilkington from felled wood – and are probably a bit of a surprise for the real brown hares that live at Hare Hill.

Emma goes on to add: “The garden is a great place to spot birds - including tits, robins, bullfinches and woodpeckers. You might even be lucky enough to see a buzzard or a tawny owl – so have a go at making a bird feeder – I’m sure the birds will be extremely grateful, especially with the cold weather coming our way ”

“Tea and cakes will also be available on the day to enjoy. The cakes will be made by our volunteers and Julie – wife of warden Tim – so they’ll no doubt be delicious!”

Hare Hill Garden is open Weds – Thurs and weekends, 10am – 5pm until Sunday 30 October.

For further information go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/placestovisit