WILDLIFE charity the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is inviting people to take part in its free activities over the Easter bank holiday weekend and discover the amazing animals, birds and insects that live right on our doorsteps.

Clea Grady, the charity’s communications and marketing manager, said: “We understand families are facing a very different Easter this year - with lots of beloved family traditions being put on hold. If people are worried about finding things to do, or sad to be missing out on time with family and friends, then hopefully we can help. We’ve put together activities to help embrace your wild side and stay connected with those you love this Easter.”

The ‘wildlife treasure hunt’ and ‘really wild quiz’ are freely available to all, to appeal to children, adults and even teenagers – and also to inject some wildness and fun into the long weekend.

In the specially designed treasure hunt, parents print out or draw a selection of local wildlife – from a worm to a bee – to hide around the house or garden for children to find. The treasure hunt ends with a butterfly to colour in and hang in windows.

The trust says it hopes to create a wave of butterflies across the country this weekend.

There is also the ‘really wild quiz’ to keep adults and teenagers entertained, and with rounds on Yorkshire, spring, music, books and films, the charity says there is something for everyone.

Go to ywt.org.uk/wild-easter-weekend to download the quiz and treasure hunt and take part in the action. The trust is also encouraging its supporters to share photos, feedback and results over social media.

The wild Easter weekend marks the start of a bigger campaign across the summer, where the trust hopes to inspire people about the joys of the wildlife that lives ‘close to home’ – the animals, birds and insects that can be found in, or encouraged into, our own back yards.

Rachael Bice, the trust’s chief executive, said: “The joy that wildlife can bring is a wonderful balm in worrying times like these. Though we’re are all more confined than usual, we still have access to nature in some way – whether that’s in our gardens or on balconies, on local walks, through open windows or online through games and activities. We want to help people use this time to strengthen their relationship with nature, and experience first-hand the positive and lasting impact it can have on our wellbeing.”

To follow the campaign, on social media, search for Yorkshire Wildlife Trust on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.