AS part of this month's Heritage Open Days initiative, the National Trust is opening many of its properties for free on Saturday.

The scheme aims to encourage more people to make the most of their glorious national heritage by visiting National Trust properties all over the UK.

And as an added bonus this year, the trust has joined forces with the Society of Genealogists to offer opportunities to find out how to begin tracing your family tree at many locations.

To support these events, the trust has launched a major online resource to provide a wealth of hints and advice on researching your family history and heritage.

The site includes a surname profiler' to discover the roots of your name, a memory map on which to upload and share your memories, and top tips from family history and genealogy experts on researching your family tree.

The National Trust's Dorset representative Alex Brannen said: "This is a once-a-year opportunity for people to access our properties for free and learn a bit about what we do.

"This year, we are also offering people the chance to find out about their own history and chart their memories. We are encouraging people to write down memories of their day with us as well as days they have spent at our properties in the past.

"Today's history is really someone else's present from a long time ago and by collecting people's memories, we will be building up an archive of memories. I think people will love the idea that they can contribute themselves to what we do."

Fiona Reynolds, director general of the National Trust, added: "Everyone's lives have shaped our collective heritage and increasing numbers of people want to know more about their past and to explore their roots.

"Whether you have memories or experiences you want to record for posterity, would like to hear those of others, or are tempted to begin researching your family tree, there are lots of ways to get involved. We hope everyone will be encouraged to come along and share their stories."

Dorset's National Trust properties include Max Gate, Cloud's Hill, Hardy's Monument, Kingston Lacy House, Corfe Castle, Hardy's Cottage and Brownsea Island.

For details of National Trust properties taking part call 0870 458 4000 and to view the trust's online family history and heritage resource, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/yourhistorymatters