Exhibition
January 27-April 27 ‘Library of Cultures’, The Library of Birmingham, Birmingham, West Midlands. Showcasing highlights of the collections, including a copy of Audubon’s Birds of America (0121-242 4242; www.libraryofbirmingham.com)
Jump racing
January 25 Festival Trials Day, Cheltenham Racecourse, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. First race at 12.40pm. Followed by a Brightwells Bloodstock sale. Advance tickets from £12 (01242 513014; www.cheltenham.co.uk)
Sale
January 25 The Ultimate Snowdrop Sale, Myddelton House Gardens, Enfield, Middlesex. Rare and unusual snowdrops from select nurseries. 10.30am- 12pm, entry £3.50 (www.visitleevalley.org.uk; 0845 677 0600)
Day out
January 26 Hands on with hazel, Garston Wood nature reserve, near Shaftesbury, Dorset. Lend a hand with vital cop- picing and fencing. Full train- ing provided, plus tools and gloves. 9.30am-3pm-bring a packed lunch if you can stay for the whole day. In the event of bad weather, telephone 01722 712713 to check for cancellation (01929 553360; www.rspb.org.uk)
Point-to-point
January 26, North Norfolk Harriers, Higham, Suffolk. Also Jedforest at Friars Haugh in the Scottish Borders. Check for weather conditions on Talking Point 09068 446061 or at www.pointtopoint.co.uk
What to book this weekend
Garden History Society Winter Lecture
March 12 ‘Place-making for the imagination: Horace Walpole and Strawberry Hill’, 70, Cowcross Street, London EC1. Dr Marion Harney of the University of Bath gives one of the Garden History Society‘s Winter Lectures. 6.30pm, tickets £8 for members (if paid in advance) and £10 for non-members or members on the door (www.gardenhistorysociety.org; 020-7608 2409)
Painting course
March 17-20 ‘Where Sea Meets Land’, St Ives School of Painting, Porthmeor Studios, St Ives, Cornwall. Learn the secrets of capturing the ocean on canvas-materials and observation trips to local beaches are included. £295 (01736 797180; http://schoolofpainting.co.uk)
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