And this is (some) of what the fuss is about. I’m told that some of the birds painted on the Sèvres are the product of a very fertile imagination #fantasticbirds

Well I would love to meet him, but he may well have to come and meet me. Even though I am not a bird.

He did! Come and meet me. And met Mimi the paper Myna. What an honour Hamza Yassin

You are a legend for your contribution to conservation and the natural world. And, like me, you can dance!

I am delighted that you enjoyed your day - it was a great pleasure to meet you too!

Of course I thoroughly approve of this, and of #WorldNatureConversationDay - I wonder if any of the young folks made any clay elephants. I shall have to send one of my people to look for me…

So look at all these marvellous critters made by talented young visitors to the Conservation Hub Waddesdon for #WorldNatureConservationDay - with the eye of faith one might even be an elephant. There’s certainly a magnificent porcupine…

I thought there was a certain amount of bustle going on outside. It’s that time of year.

This is what’s happening around me at the moment #ChristmasAtWaddesdon ⁦Waddesdon⁩

I’m not the only marvellous beast in the Manor at the moment - meet my new friend in the Smoking Room Waddesdon thanks to paper artist Andy Singleton

Christmas has been dismantled. And who knew it featured zebras? Photo courtesy of our brilliant Waddesdon Gardeners

Elephant and turkey at home in the State Porcelain Collections, Dresden, part of Augustus the Strong’s famous porcelain menagerie - another copy of the Turkey is right here Waddesdon

Another mechanical marvel Waddesdon is receiving some attention. This 18C clock has a weight-driven pipe organ in its base so barrels, pipes and clockwork are being sent for conservation and repair to the Speelklock Museum in Utrecht so it can play properly again

The great David Garrick (by Joshua z Reynolds and torn between Tragedy and Comedy) back in his accustomed position in the Red Anteroom Waddesdon after temporary displacement for an exhibition. All’s well that end’s well, I think

At Spencer House this morning for the press launch of the year ahead for the Rothschild Foundation and Waddesdon including the new season’s exhibitions. Lovely to be in such magnificent surroundings and many thanks to the team there

We’re getting spruced up!

Hurrah!! The House is open again for the new season and there are flowers bursting out all over, even inside! It’s a Blossom Trail Waddesdon

Get a load of these wonderful creatures designed by pupils at Waddesdon Secondary School inspired by the fantastical birds painted on porcelain Waddesdon Mousebird, anyone?

Stacks of these outside can only mean one thing. Bedding changeover Waddesdon

All sorts of fun stuff seems to be happening outside my window today. Giant inflatable lobster, anyone? Stiltwalkers? And a dance circus company called Motionhouse who made my trunk twirl with excitement at their daring. All still going on tomorrow Waddesdon Summer Fest