WINTER doesn't encourage us to spend as much time outdoors as we do in the spring and summer.

But may be we just need some incentive? Those embarking on outdoor pursuits such as walking embrace the opportunity to explore the great outdoors - whatever the season.

Gardening is another outdoor pastime, but there are periods when even our own green spaces don't need as much attention as they do during growing season.

However, there is still plenty to keep us occupied in winter - we just need to wrap up warm and enjoy the fresh air, after all, it's good for our health!

Founded in 1927, the National Garden Scheme is closely connected to nursing in the UK after it was

established to fund training and support nurses who were retiring.

Over the years the scheme has donated £45 million to its beneficiary charities including Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Help the Hospices and Crossroads (now Carers Trust).

Its commitment to nursing and caring is constant and its 'Gardens to Visit' is a popular tome for discovering open gardens to visit throughout the country.

But this month (February) the scheme is hosting its first ever Snowdrop Festival. More than 100 gardens, including some in our region, will be open to visit over the next few weeks giving visitors, and not just green-fingered enthusiasts, the opportunity to explore, and appreciate, outdoor spaces at a time of year when we aren't expecting much in terms of blooms, but as this festival proves, there is still plenty to view.

Supported by Visit England, the Snowdrop Festival kick-starts Visit England's 'Year of the English Garden 2016' campaign.

George Plumptre, chief executive of The National Gardens Scheme, says: "With not very much to do outside at this time of year, a visit to a Snowdrop Festival garden is the perfect way to get some fresh air and really start looking forward to spring. Whether you want to admire the different varieties of snowdrops, or just have a walk in lovely surroundings, visiting a National Gardens Scheme garden in February will be perfect escape."

Located within the limestone scenery of the Dales, Austwick Hall, Town Head Lane, Austwick, Settle, boasts extensive drifts of more than 50 varieties of common single and double snowdrops.

Austwick Hall opens from noon until 4pm on Wednesday February 24. Admission is £4 but free for children and home-made teas are available. For more information call 015242 51794 or visit austwickhall.co.uk

3 Bainton Close, Beverley, Yorkshire, is a small town garden with a variety of spring flowers including hellebores and a collection of approximately 150 varieties of snowdrop.

Visitors are welcome by arrangement in February from tomorrow (Sunday February 14) to February 21 only. Opening times are 10.30am until 3pm and for groups of one to 10. Admission is £3 and free for children.

For more information call 01482 861643.

Devonshire Mill, Canal Lane, Pocklington, York, features a two acre garden surrounding an old watermill. Visitors can look forward to early spring flowers with double snowdrops, hellebores and ferns in old orchard and a woodland setting. There are also raised beds and well-stocked herbaceous borders.

Devonshire Mill opens from 11am until 5pm on Sunday February 21. Admission is £3.50 and it is free entry for children. Home-made teas are available. For more information visit devonshiremill.co.uk or call 01759 302147.

Fawley House, 7 Nordham, North Cave, Brough, Yorkshire, is a tiered two and a half acre garden with lawns, mature trees, formal hedging and gravel pathways. The garden boasts an extensive range of plants with Lavender beds, mixed shrub/herbaceous borders.

Fawley House opens from 11am until 3pm on Friday February 19 for the Snowdrop Festival and various dates in the summer. For more information visit nordhamcottages.co.uk or call 01430 422266.

Sutton Gardens, Sutton Lane, Masham, Yorkshire, boasts an abundance of naturalised snowdrops carpeting the old orchard and hillside at Low Sutton and throughout the garden at Sutton Grange. Warming winter refreshments will be available.

Sutton Gardens opens from noon until 4pm on Sunday February 28 and a date in the summer. For more information visit lowsutton.co.uk or call 01765 688565.

So why not pay them a visit and support charities in the process.