Woodland takes centre stage at one of Yorkshire's most important historic houses

This year there has been appreciation of this annual spectacle and woodlands at Burton Agnes Hall like “never before”, according to the owners.

The Cunliffe-Lister family, who reside at the Elizabethan manor house, said despite far fewer people being able to see the annual snowdrops spectacular in person, due to current lockdown restrictions, the natural show was of greater significance than ever before.

Previously up to 6,000 people would visit on a daily basis for the annual event but this year it is limited to up to 200 locals each day.

Olivia Cunliffe-Lister told The Yorkshire Post: "It’s a symbol of the world coming out of the winter and us all moving to a hopeful new year.

"Normally we’d welcome people from afar to wander through the snowdrop-blanketed woodland and marvel at this wonder of nature.

"This year’s a little different but we’re thrilled to open for local people looking for peaceful escapism while exercising in nature."

She added due to the closure of the house over the past year the woodlands have seen an upsurge in popularity among local members of the public.

Mrs Cunliffe-Lister said: "All of the focus has been on providing outdoor opportunities... Consequently the woods have had way more footfall and indeed been appreciated and loved perhaps more than ever before.

"We all have a lot more mud in our lives at the moment.

"Perhaps in the past - it wasn’t necessarily the reason you would visit here but now it’s really taken centre stage."

Despite the house being closed for almost a year due to Covid-19, a flurry of activity has continued behind the scenes at Burton Agnes Hall, which is situated between Driffield and Bridlington.

This includes the plantation of thousands of tulips in 55 varieties, at the end of last year, which will flower in April and May.

"They are going to really come into their own and provide a source of joy and sense of vibrant colour," said Mrs Cunliffe-Lister.

The greenhouse and potting shed has also seen a hive of activity in recent months including head Gardener Jeremy Palmer keeping a close eye on Cymbidium plants - one of the plants that would have decorated Burton Agnes Hall, but are currently wintering in a heated greenhouse due to the house being closed.

Looking ahead Mrs Cunliffe-Lister said she is now planning for an adapted Easter period.

Previously up to 40,000 eggs were hidden in the grounds for the public to find however this year there will be an Easter egg hunt with "a difference".

Instead 25 realistic, scaled-up eggs of birds that nest in the woodland, will be created by a local joiner and hidden in the grounds.

Mrs Cunliffe-Lister added: "It will be a lovely opportunity for locals to learn about the many birds that make the woodlands their home and how they can protect them."

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