SUMMER fun is back at a National Trust property near Worcester with this year's focus being on visitors connecting with the natural world by learning more about its smaller inhabitants.

Summer of Play is now running at Croome, near Worcester until Sunday, September 1 as the National Trust issues a guide to some of the activities taking place during the holidays.

Sponsored by Starling Bank, this year's theme is Bugs and Biodiversity theme.

There are five unique play zones to explore, including mud kitchens, a bug hunt in the house, reading in a book-nook, racing a wheelbarrow around the flags, dressing up in a bug outfit and taking to the stage.

ACTIVITIES: There are activities at Croome until September 1 ACTIVITIES: There are activities at Croome until September 1 (Image: Shaun Fellows)

Visitors can also 'kick back and relax' at the Rotunda in a hammock. There are also nature-themed art workshops, forest school sessions and bug handling events.

“We are thrilled to bring the Summer of Play back to Croome,” said Chantelle Williams, Visitor Experience and Operations Manager at Croome.

“This year’s focus on bugs and biodiversity offers a wonderful opportunity for families to connect with nature in a fun and engaging way. We look forward to welcoming everyone for a summer filled with exploration, creativity and play.”

CHOICE: Some of the activities at last year's summer of fun at Croome CHOICE: Some of the activities at last year's summer of fun at Croome (Image: Shaun Fellows)

To complement the Wild Imagination exhibition in the House, artist Sarah Taylor Silverwood will be holding a Drawing Day on Thursday, August 8 inspired by her new animation which was made in collaboration with young people from Pershore, commissioned by Croome and Meadow Arts.

Emma Bowen, Learning and Engagement Manager at Meadow Arts said: “Meadow Arts has been working with young people in Pershore for the past four years.

"Partnering with National Trust to co-commission a new piece with Sarah Taylor Silverwood for Croome has created a fantastic opportunity for those local young people to showcase their talent and ideas. Having opportunities like this are crucial to developing the artists of the future.”

RECOMMENDED READING: National Trust property Croome Park holding Moth Morning

RECOMMENDED READING: National Trust Croome Court's parking 'chaos'

Artist Sarah Taylor Silverwood said: “The young people’s vision was to transform what they saw into a vibrant part-imaginary universe that I could jump into and channel into this new animation”.

Worcestershire Libraries will be hosting an interactive Rat-a-Tat Tales storytelling day led by The Hive’s storytellers on Tuesday, August 13 with the opportunity to join the Marvellous Makers’ Summer Reading Challenge.

To celebrate the summer memories made at Croome, artists Hipkiss & Graney are running weekly creative workshops invite families to join them on Saturday, August 31 for a grand procession, games day and picnic to celebrate a Summer of Creative fun and play at Croome.