SNOWSHILL Manor and Garden, near Broadway, is looking for help from more volunteers as it prepares to extend its opening times.

The manor recently received the go-ahead to open seven days a week and will begin the new schedule from September 1.

The National Trust-run manor house, famous for being packed with the extraordinary treasures collected by eccentric Charles Wade, will now have increased flexibility in how it operates.

The site will also be able to accept additional coach bookings, hold more events and accommodate more cars on peak days.

"Our visitor numbers have been declining in recent years at a time when other National Trust places have been seeing increasing numbers," explained Dominic Hamilton, Snowshill’s General Manager.

"It became obvious that visitors today want more flexibility in their choice of which days to visit, but this could not realistically be accommodated within the existing planning agreement. We therefore consulted with the local community and came up with a proposal which would allow us to improve our financial health and develop our visitor experience, whilst minimising the impact on our neighbours."

Snowshill is now hoping to see the decline reverse and numbers rise gradually to the level they were at a few years ago.

"With our visitors spread out across the week, we’re actually expecting to see less very busy days, even with our visitors number restored to where they once were," he added.

The changes allow for two coaches to visit on week days and one a day at weekends, as well as for a field to be used for car parking for up to 28 days per year. More events will be allowed, but with a specific restriction on amplified music, responding to residents’ feedback.

"We have talked to our neighbours in the village at length about the changes and amended our proposals to meet their concerns. There is a delicate balance to be struck between attracting visitors who help support local businesses, and detracting from the environment. We will continue to listen to our neighbours and work with them to minimise the impact of the changes on them and this stunningly beautiful place."

The National Trust is now recruiting new volunteers to help tell the fascinating stories of Mr Wade and his collection at Snowshill and will help to guide visitors on tours of the house on the extra two days.

The manor is open during the main tourist season of March 1 to October 31.

To find out more about joining Snowshill’s volunteer team, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/snowshillmanor