In and around Buckinghamshire...

In the gloom of January and February, snowdrops are the little wonders of nature which can lift our spirits and help carry us through to spring. Here are some of the best places to see them in the Thames Valley and Chilterns

Winter is for rosy cheeks and frosty walks. It's for wrapping up warm, pulling on the wellies and getting out there in the Buckinghamshire countryside whatever the weather. The cosy tea room and tired-happy children afterwards make it all worthwhile.

Whether it's a muddy woodland welly walk, an exhilarating blustery blast up a Chilterns Hill, or a need to clear your head this winter, we have the walk for you. Why not enjoy the views and space at Stowe or the rolling wooded hills of the Chilterns? There are lots of places to unwind on a winter walk in Buckinghamshire.

The grasslands, woodlands and scrublands in the Chilterns Countryside are home to many species of bird. Some a familiar natives, like the robin and the chaffinch, while others are migrant species that overwinter in the Chilterns or are just passing through. How many of our favourite ‘top-ten’ birds can you see in the Chilterns Countryside?

At this time of year, we need to get outside, whatever the weather. Breathe lungfuls of cold fresh air, stomp our pale cheeks rosy and gaze at the changing face of nature at the beautiful places on our doorstep in Buckinghamshire.

Whether you live here or are coming to visit, here's a reminder of the wonderful places nearby. There are magnificent country houses such as Claydon or Waddesdon for a grand day out, or rolling hills and woodlands for glorious walks at Hughenden, Stowe and Ashridge. When the big-hitters are busy, why not check out some of the smaller hidden gems in Buckinghamshire?

We have some of the finest country houses such as Waddesdon and Claydon and breathtaking formal gardens with parterres at Hughenden, Waddesdon and Cliveden in this region. Tumbling herbaceous borders, informal pleasure grounds, orchards and kitchen gardens complete the picture.

The Chilterns are well known for their rolling hills, wooded green valleys and chalk downland meadows. They're perfect for a ramble or a picnic. For walks with easily accessible paths in a carefully designed landscape punctuated with elegant statues, monuments and temples, Stowe is your perfect destination.

Spring is here, which means it’s time to remove the covers from the historic statuary in gardens and parkland at places like Hughenden, Waddesdon, Cliveden and Basildon Park. Once the covers are off, the hard work begins.

2015 saw the start of a new phase of restoration for the gardens at Stowe. The Landscape Programme comprises of 54 tasks taking place over five years to reinstate many of the lost temples and monuments that once ‘dressed’ the gardens like pieces of a theatre set whilst undertaking maintenance on structures and lakes. Read more and keep up to date here.

Discover more about the work we're doing to prolong the life of our ancient trees. Throughout Europe ancient and veteran trees are now rare. At Ashridge Estate, Chrissy Hardy and the ranger team are fundraising to ‘halo-release’ 1000 veterans.

Hartwell House, near Aylesbury, was given to the National Trust with two other Historic House Hotels in 2008 to ensure their long term protection. The hotel operates as a stand-alone commercial operation, but its annual profits go towards supporting our ongoing conservation work. Perfect for a luxury break exploring Buckinghamshire.

From music recitals to garden tours and food & drink events, Hartwell House has a lively programme of activity for everyone to enjoy. It's advisable to book in advance for traditional afternoon tea, which is available year-round. Patrons of the hotel and restaurant are welcome to walk in the gardens and parkland which extend over 90 acres.