If you’re looking for something to do and somewhere to go in the run up to Bank Holiday weekend, then head out to Speke Hall.

There you’ll find ‘Birds, Bugs and Blooms’ - a packed five-day programme for children based around discovering more about the natural environment around the Speke estate and the wildlife that lives there, as Ali Hamilton, Speke’s events’ co-ordinator explains:

“Speke Hall and its estate are an oasis for wildlife, flowers and insects” says Ali. “We’re right on the edge of a major urban environment and it’s amazing what thrives here. Our ‘Birds, bugs and blooms’ week aims to show children what’s literally living on their doorstep and is all part of the National Trust ’s ’50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾’ campaign to encourage children to explore the great outdoors.

"One of the ’50 things’ is to go bug hunting – it’s number 31 on the list. When you’ve done it make sure you tick it off in one of our ’50 things’ scrapbooks available from Home Farm Reception."

Activities lined up at Speke during ‘Birds, Bugs and Blooms’ include talks with Tom Davies, Speke’s Beekeeper who’ll be explaining how bees make honey and why bees are kept at Speke Hall; spotter sheets to help you find the many butterflies and flowers that make their home in Speke’s Wildflower Meadow; a flying birds’ display from Wild Wings (26 Aug) and wildlife trails around The Clough – Speke’s ancient woodland which was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 - and the Victorian Stream Garden.

“We’ve also got something rather unusual on offer” continued Ali. “On Saturday, August 25, we’ll have family Tai Chi nature trails and workshops organised by ‘A Moving Difference’. You walk the trail, find the markers with clues to various Tai Chi exercises, then all meet up to do the exercises by the stable block.”

We’re also laying on daily craft activities for children , and the Victorian maze and our adventure playground will also be open.

Altogether it’ll be a great week of holiday activities – so do come along and join us!”

‘Birds, Bugs and Blooms’ runs from 21 – 26 August, 12 noon – 4pm.

For more information call 0151 427 7231 or go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/spekehall

Normal admission rates apply and there is a charge of £1 per child for craft activities.

Speke Hall, gardens, shop and Home Farm Restaurant are open Weds – Sun, 11am – 5pm and Bank Holiday Monday. Please note entry to house between 11am and 12.30pm is by guided tour only.

For details go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/spekehall.