There’s an exciting opportunity to become a pest detective at The Workhouse, Southwell, during the February half-term holiday. The National Trust property is opening its doors for the new season on Saturday 13 February with a range of activities to interest all.

Over the opening weekend, Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 February, volunteer conservation staff will explain what’s involved in the winter clean which is carried out during the closed season. The 1970s bed-sit is the last room to be unwrapped so that visitors can see what is involved in preparing the room for the public. Volunteers will be on hand to show visitors the types of dust, fibres and pests found during the cleaning process.

During the half term holiday 17-21 February ‘The Good, the Bug and The Ugly’ will showcase the range of pests found at The Workhouse. Visitors can get out the magnifying glass to examine common pests, some good, some bad and some very ugly! Children can make a pest trap to take home, follow a pest trail and have a go at a game of matching the little critters to the damage they cause. Staff and volunteers will be on-hand to offer advice.

On a more creative note, theatre design students from Nottingham Trent University have been working on a project in collaboration with The Workhouse which is culminating in a display of their work under the title ‘Fragmented Entirety’. Visitors can see their work which explores the relationship between people and historical sites from 13 to 21 February.

The Workhouse is open Wednesday-Sunday from 12noon-5pm, last admission one hour before closing. For further information about opening times, prices and future events please call 01636 817260 or see: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/theworkhouse