Hardwick in February

girl sitting at table drinking from mug

By February half-term we 're all ready to get oudoors, breathe in some fresh air and use up some energy. Hardwick Hall opens its doors to visitors once more so there'll be plenty to do both inside and out throughout the week.

Find our feathered friends

Over the last few weeks the rangers have been building bird boxes to put up in the park, to encourage a variety of birds to nest at Hardwick. This is the best time of year to see the birds as the trees are still bare. PIck up a spotter sheet and see how many birds you can spot around the park, in Lady Spencer's Walk and by the Great Pond.

Make a nest or two

Join the rangers in the stableyard to make cosy nesting bundles, for the birds to line their nests with on Wednesday 21st and find out what else you can do at home to help the birds through spring. On Friday 23rd you can take a walk with the rangers and see the park through thier eyes.

Great tit perches on a lichen covered branch.
great tit perched on lichen covered branch
Great tit perches on a lichen covered branch.

Inside the house


The house opens to visitors in February half-term after a winter of cleaning. New plaited rush matting will be laid in the Long Gallery and you’ll be able to have a look at how it’s made and have a go at plaiting in the same way. 

New rolls of rush matting ready to be laid in Hardwick Hall.
rolls of rush matting on floor
New rolls of rush matting ready to be laid in Hardwick Hall.

In the house we’ll be marking the centenary of the year some women were given the vote and looking at how the suffrage movement affected the Devonshire family at Hardwick .You can be a campaigner yourself and make your own campaign badge below stairs.