Families can enjoy a wild Easter this weekend in west Dorset thanks to a trail designed for children.

Mapperton House, Gardens & Wildlands, near Beaminster, opens for the 2024 season on Easter Sunday, March 31, with an Easter-themed rewilding trail. 

The trail is specially designed for children and allows youngsters to discover the wonders of Mapperton Wildlands, one of Dorset’s most spectacular rewilding projects.

It was named the third most beautiful wildlife project to visit according to a study based on Trip Advisor comments.

More than 800 acres of marginal farmland and woodland are being handed back to nature and regenerative agriculture is being promoted across the rest of Mapperton Estate. 

Rewilding projects are important for the environmental health of the planet, provide vital habitats for threatened species and offer people with areas of nature beauty to visit.

On the trail children will be able to learn more about Mapperton’s beavers, Woody and Twiggy, Tamworth pigs, Exmoor ponies, White Park Cattle and nature restoration efforts.

The News previously reported about the escape of Woody and Twiggy, after their home was damaged in a storm last year.

Booking a garden ticket gives access to the trail, which runs until April 11, as well as splashy fun for little ones in the beaver play area and older children can seek out the rustic lost village play area in the woodland.

Mapperton House is also open for guided tours and visitors can take a stroll around the award-winning gardens.

The house was voted ‘the Nation’s Finest Manor House’ by Country Life magazine and the gardens were recently named Historic Houses’ Garden of the Year.

The Coach House Café will also be open offering lunches, cream teas, and other refreshments.

From May, the estate will host the Gilded Age American Heiress Exhibition, illuminating the life and legacy of Alberta, the 9th Countess of Sandwich.

Mapperton House & Gardens are open from March 31 until September 30 2024, Sunday to Thursday. The house is open for guided tours only and pre-booking is recommended.           

More information can be found at mapperton.com