EAST Riddlesden Hall reopens on February 16 with half-term family activities and a new art exhibition.

Children can weave a green igloo, find a secret garden, test their balance, and make dens, mud pies and bird feeders.

The exhibition Traces will showcase the work of Barbara Greene, artist-in-residence at the 17th-century National Trust manor house.

Barbara began renovations 20 years ago at her 17th-century Cononley farmhouse, uncovering several curiosities which could date back to when the house was built.

In the gardens and behind the walls were fragments of china and glass, ancient hooks and nails, rags of hand-made cloth, bits of a gin jar, marbles and old pennies.

Barbara’s exhibition creates connections between the objects found and the lives of people who lived and worked in the Aire Valley over the centuries.

The display will include printed artist books, boxes, screen and laser prints, printed textiles and small sculptures, alongside some of the original objects.

East Riddlesden Hall house steward Jackie Waters said: “Over the years we’ve found very similar objects under the floorboards and in the grounds here at East Riddlesden Hall.

“We’re interested in comparing both sets of items to get a better understanding of how similar lives were in the Aire valley in the 17th century.”

The exhibition will run from February 16-21, 11am-3pm, then at weekends between February 23 and March 10.

Family activities include a chance to weave willow shoots on February 18 and 19 between 10.30am and 12.30pm. The shoots will be woven to create a green igloo, and during summer this leafy den will provide a shaded play area.

During the holidays children can find a secret garden where they can test their balance, make mud pies and work together to build ‘the best den ever’.

Families can go in the hall to make willow bird feeders or nests. There will be 30-minute gingerbread making on February 18 and 21, at 11.30am and 2pm.

East Riddlesden Hall will be open between February 16 and 21 from 10.30am 4.30pm, then on weekends until March 17.

Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/east-riddlesden-hall or call 01535 607075 for further information.