EAST Riddlesden Hall is inviting families to help give nature a helping hand this summer.

Visitors can pull up an invasive plant that plagues the grounds of the 17th-century manor house.

National Trust staff are running the activity on every alternate Saturday until the end of July, including June 17, from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

Himalayan Balsam is non-native species which prevents traditional wild flowers from flourishing.

Carla Weatherall, the marketing and communication officer at East Riddlesden Hall, said the “Balsam bashing” would help make a difference to the land around the hall.

She said: “Himalayan Balsam is easily pulled up by hand which makes this activity great for the whole family.

“No specialist equipment is needed, just outdoor clothing that may get a little dirty, and gloves if possible."

Sessions will also be held on July 1, 15 and 29. The activity is free with admission to the hall. Under-fives are free.

The hall is open open Saturdays to Wednesdays from 10.30am to 4.30pm, with the last admission at 4pm.

East Riddlesden Hall is hosting tours of its Culpepper-inspired herb border on at least 12 dates during the summer.

Visitors can discover more about the amazing properties of herbs and how they are used in daily life.

National Trust volunteers will lead visitors on the stroll, inviting them to smell, touch and taste the herbs that are cared for by the outdoor team.

Afterwards there will be a drop-in cookery demonstration in the manor house’s kitchen. Participation in the tour and demonstration is free with admission to the hall.

Sessions run for an hour from 1pm on Mondays throughout June, July and August. The cookery demonstrations run for half an hour from 2pm and are entitled Outside In – Bringing Food Alive.

Visitors can find out what culinary challenges people faced 400 years ago and how they prepared meals without the luxury of modern gadgets. The volunteers will answer questions.

Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/east-riddlesden-hall/whats-on for further informationabout all events.