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MAY 2021 £4.99

HOMES DECORATING CRAFTS GARDENS FOOD TRAVEL HEALTH

Come out

& PLAY! 10 ways to make merry in May Dreamy escapes to the Lakes Bluebell walks & butterfly gardens

THE FUTURE IS ROSY CRAFTY IDEAS TO FILL YOUR ROOMS WITH ROSES SERVE UP SUNSHINE

LIGHT & EASY VEGGIE LUNCHES

SPRING CLEAN YOUR MIND

FAREWELL FUZZY THINKING! TWITTER TRENDS

HAVE OUR BIRDS CHANGED THEIR TUNE?

HOMES WITH A HISTORY A CONVERTED MEDIEVAL INN PLUS A GEORGIAN RENOVATION

05 9 770951 028309 countryliving.com/uk

“ M Y GA R D E N I S M Y RE F U G E” AT H O M E W I T H J O W H I L E Y

M AY 2 0 2 1 I S S U E 4 2 5

Contents 120 76 104

Houses & gardens 17

EMPORIUM New ways to introduce elements of country style into your home

WEAVE THE OUTSIDE IN Bring simple rugged beauty to interiors by introducing natural textures

EVERYTHING’S COMING UP ROSES Creative makes and bakes inspired by this much-loved garden favourite

120

INN GENIUS Bold colour and quirky character have transformed a medieval Kent pub into a family home

Features

THE GARDENING YEAR AT WOODHILL MANOR The final part of our glorious seasonal series celebrates spring in this classic country garden

VIEW FROM HERE Susy Smith on the simple joys of ponds, pools and other water features

THE GOOD LIFE Ideas and advice for would-be smallholders in the country and the city

136

COOL, CALM AND COLLECTED Muted, milky shades suit this serene Georgian house in East Sussex

GOING GREENER Our guide to a sustainable life

144

35 40

STEP INTO THE STUMPERY Among twisted tree roots, an enchanting garden thrives at Arundel Castle

151

GARDENER’S NOTEBOOK Everything you need to know to get the most from your plot this month

MAKE MERRY IN MAY Celebrate the rites of spring, from ancient well-dressing to butterfly spotting

128

countryliving.com/uk

THE JO WHILEY EFFECT The BBC Radio 2 DJ has been a lifeline for many in lockdown, but it’s gardening that rocks her world

A WORD FROM THE CL TEAM Please note that the content in this magazine was created during the evolving coronavirus crisis. We have updated features where we can, but it is not possible to anticipate all eventualities as we go to press. So please be aware that some events and offers may be subject to availability, postponement or cancellation. We do hope you continue to enjoy the magazine and that you stay safe and well.

MAY 2021

128

115 M AY 2 0 2 1 I S S U E 4 2 5

Contents 68

START-UP SUCCESS: ADAM PRITCHETT NEEDLEWORK The entrepreneurial embroiderer who’s putting a new twist on a traditional craft

THE HIDDEN POWERS OF FLOWERS Florist Clare Bowen helps us choose blooms to suit the mood

“WE PUT OUR FAITH IN FARMING” Meet the Muslim family who quit their day jobs to start an organic farm

104

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE The visionaries behind the rewilding of the Knepp Estate in Sussex

115

TWITTER TRENDS Has the urban British bird changed its tune?

202 A MONTH IN THE LIFE OF… maverick Morris dancer Alex Merry

Wellbeing

162

News, views & events 8 9

OUR PICKS FOR YOUR DOWNTIME A MONTH IN THE COUNTRY Places to go, things to do and ideas to try in May

155

STROLL DOWN MEMORY LANE How country walks could help promote a more switched-on mind

161

WELLBEING FOR MIND & BODY Natural remedies and tips to help you feel your best

THE COUNTRY LIVING COLLECTION AT HOMEBASE Discover our range of stylish kitchens

SHOP WITH US THIS SUMMER Where to find our shopping pavilions and our celebrated artisans

111

THE COUNTRY LIVING COLLECTION AT DFS Bring countryside charm to the heart of the home

118 153

SUBSCRIBE TO THE MAGAZINE

178 184

COUNTRY LIVING HOLIDAYS Exclusive trips

Food & drink 162

DISH UP THE SUNSHINE Moro chef Sam Clark shares deliciously summery meat-free recipes

170

A SLICE OF ITALY Tempting bakes and sweet treats that are perfect for an afternoon tea or special supper

MAY 2021

THE CL COLLECTION AT HOMEBASE Take a look at our new garden buildings

WHERE TO BUY Stockist details

ON THE COVER Come out and play! pages 60 and 9 The future is rosy page 94 Serve up sunshine page 162 Spring clean your mind page 155 Twitter trends page 115 Homes with a history pages 120 and 136 Jo Whiley page 40 COUNTRY LIVING HOME DELIVERY Subscribe to Country Living and delight in the British countryside from the comfort of your home. Details on page 118 COVER CREDIT Photograph by Gartenfreunde/Elizabeth Whiting Associates

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COUNTRY LIVING, ISSN 0951-0281, is published monthly (12 times a year) by Hearst UK c/o Express Mag, 12 Nepco Way, Plattsburgh, NY, 12903. Periodicals Postage paid at Plattsburgh, NY. POSTMASTER: send address changes to COUNTRY LIVING c/o Express Mag, PO Box 2769, Plattsburgh, NY 12901-0239. Hearst UK is a trading name of The National Magazine Company Limited (Registered in England number 112955) and Hearst UK 2012-1 Ltd (Registered in England number 4474102) whose registered offices are at House of Hearst, 30 Panton Street, London SW1Y 4AJ. Country Living is distributed by Frontline Ltd, Peterborough Tel: 01733 555161. This publication is sold subject to the following conditions: that it shall not, without the consent of the publishers first given, be lent, resold, hired or otherwise disposed of by way of Trade except at the full retail price of £4.99; it shall not be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise disposed of in a mutilated condition, or in any unauthorised cover by way of Trade of affixed to or as part of any publication or advertising, literary or pictorial matter whatsoever. Sources, uses and disclosures of personal data held by Hearst Magazines UK are described in the official Data Protection Register. Already a subscriber? Visit hearstmagazines.co.uk/managemyaccount to update your contact details, renew your subscription and find out when your next issue is due to be delivered. Contact us at hearstmagazines.co.uk/contact-us. Call us on 01858 438423*; lines open weekdays, 8am-9.30pm; Saturdays, 8am-4pm. Please note: you can also contact us regarding back issues and special editions. All paper used to make this magazine is from sustainable sources in Scandinavia and we encourage our suppliers to join an accredited green scheme. Magazines are now fully recyclable. By recycling magazines you can help to reduce waste and add to the 5.5 million tonnes of paper already recycled by the UK paper industry each year. Before you recycle your magazine, please ensure that you remove all plastic wrapping, free gifts and samples. If you are unable to participate in a recycling scheme, pass your magazine on to a local hospital or charity. This magazine can be recycled either through your kerbside collection, or at a local recycling point. Log on to recyclenow.com and enter your postcode to find your nearest sites.

WELCOME

This month…

…AND REAP THE THERAPEUT IC BENEFITS OF CRAFTIN G

EAT THE GR ENJOY H W ORS IT OUTDO … Y E JO WHIL

One of the silver linings of the past few months has been the resurgence of interest in craft. I’ve spoken to many friends who eulogise about the soothing effects of needlework, knitting, painting and pottery. It reminds me of my aunt, who was a semi-professional embroiderer. I remember, as a teenager, asking her about her dedication to her craft. Peering at me over her half-moon spectacles, she softly explained how the slow, repetitive process of pushing a needle through fabric allowed her mind to rest and helped her disconnect from her surroundings. I was mesmerised, yet too young to understand that this is what we now call mindfulness. Recently, my 27-year-old daughter took up the same craft, choosing to spurn ‘evening screen addiction’ in favour of this absorbing form of ‘mindful crafting’. Like many others, she is now reaping the benefits of improved mood, induced relaxation and better sleep. As the editor of Country Living, I’m embarrassed to say that crafting is not something I’ve ever embraced (though I love collecting other people’s handiwork!). But on reading how self-taught embroiderer Adam Pritchett turned his hobby into a successful artisan business (p68), I’m reminded of my aunt – and rather inclined to fish out my old sewing box… While some have found comfort in craft recently, others have looked to their gardens for solace. Radio DJ Jo Whiley is one of those. If, like me, you listen to Jo’s show on Radio 2, you’ll know of her love of the great outdoors. She’s an avid gardener and often shares the fruits of her labour on Instagram. I am a huge fan (she’s my style icon) and I was thrilled when she agreed to be interviewed for this issue (p40). As she told our features editor: “I do like peace and quiet and that’s what I get in the garden. I like my own company and I’m happy to potter around.” As the pace of life speeds up again, I just hope we can still find time for the simple pleasures of crafting, gardening and ‘pottering around’.

Editor-in-chief

@COUNTRYLIVINGUK

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NEXT ISSUE ON SALE 28 APRIL

Our picks for YOUR DOWNTIME Farming, foraging, knitting, beekeeping… this month’s recommended reading and listening

BOOKS The Ecological Gardener by Matt Rees-Warren (Chelsea Green, £20)

Looking to transform your plot into a wildlife haven? This book is full of ideas to get you started, from building rainwater catchments to creating wild-flower meadows. My Farming Life by Emma Gray (Little Brown, £16.99)

When she was 23, Emma Gray upped sticks to a remote Northumbrian farm to become Britain’s youngest solo shepherdess. Her story will be an inspiration to any country-lover. Light to Life by Raffael Jovine (Short Books, £14.99)

Photosynthesis is the source of life, says biologist Raffael Jovine. Here, he explains how, by harnessing this natural process, we can regenerate the planet and stabilise the climate. Where the Wild Things Grow by David Hamilton (Hodder & Stoughton, £20)

David Hamilton takes readers on a foraging adventure through the British landscape, explaining how to hunt for hidden food such as sumac, mallows and mustard. Texture by Erika Knight (Quadrille, £22)

Celebrating slow fashion, knitwear designer Erika Knight weaves her personal journey with 20 projects, including a cabled sweater and garter-stitch cardigan, inspired by the countryside and coast.

PODCASTS Queen Bees with Jane Horrocks and Esther Coles Absolutely Fabulous actress Jane Horrocks joins forces with best friend and beekeeper Esther Coles to talk hives and honey, with plenty of laughs along the way. The Knepp Wildland with Penny Green Ecologist Penny Green spotlights the abundance of wildlife at the Sussex estate leading the charge for rewilding our countryside (read more on page 104). What Planet Are We On? with Liz Bonnin The biologist and TV presenter taps up the leading experts and activists to explore the impacts of climate change and offer practical solutions. - Award winning orangeries & Garden rooms -

ORANGERIES

CONSERVATORIES

GARDEN ROOMS |

OAK BUILDINGS

Call for our inspirational brochure or book an expert design consultation

01278 764444 davidsalisbury.com

Grow, Cook, Eat, Arrange with Sarah Raven Each week, Sarah and fellow gardener Arthur Parkinson swap notes on their favourite flowers and flavoursome veg, with seasonal tips on how to sow and grow. The National Trust Podcast Secret stories from some of the UK’s best-loved landscapes and properties, from Agatha Christie’s holiday home to Lawrence of Arabia’s rustic retreat.

A MONTH IN THE COUNTRY

PL ACES TO GO, THINGS T O DO, IDEAS T O TRY

May

But I must gather knots of flowers, And buds and garlands gay, For I’m to be Queen o’ the May, mother, I’m to be Queen o’ the May Alfred, Lord Tennyson

MAY 2021

A MONTH IN THE COUNTRY

May Take your time to… survey the swift THE NUMBER OF SWIFTS (APUS APUS) WINGING THEIR WAY TO THE UK FROM THE SAHARA HAS MORE THAN HALVED IN THE PAST 20 YEARS, LEADING THE RSPB AND ITS PARTNERS TO LAUNCH A SWIFT MAPPER. YOU CAN RECORD SIGHTINGS OF SWIFTS OR THEIR NESTS, OFTEN UNDER ROOFS OR IN THE EAVES OF BUILDINGS, ON THE RSPB WEBSITE OR THROUGH AN APP. HEAD OUT AT DAWN OR DUSK ON WARM, STILL EVENINGS FOR YOUR BEST CHANCE TO SPOT THEM. SEARCH ‘SWIFT MAPPER’ AT RSPB.ORG.UK.

HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY TO… The Ladies Lifeboat Guild

SENSE OF THE SEASON

LILY-OF-THE-VALLEY This perennial, instantly recognisable from its white bellshaped blooms, has an enticing fragrance, but is poisonous if eaten. Said to have sprung up where Eve’s tears fell as she left the Garden of Eden, Convallaria majalis signifies that a woodland has ancient origins. Look out for the flower in dry woodlands throughout England, and some parts of Scotland and Wales. Find out more at wildlifetrusts.org.

OF THE BEST...

In 1886, Lady Marion Macara witnessed the RNLI’s worst lifeboat disaster. During a mission to rescue a stricken ship, Mexico, off the Lancashire coast, two lifeboat crews drowned, leaving 16 widows and 50 fatherless children. Marion and her husband, Sir Charles, raised £5,000 for the charity (equivalent to £250,000 today) in a street collection. Marion went on to set up a women’s fundraising group, which became the Ladies Lifeboat Guild in 1921. There are now 59 guilds nationwide. rnli.org.

May Day traditions

Grab your ribbons and bells to celebrate spring ‘OBBY ‘OSS Two hobby horses tour Padstow in Cornwall, accompanied by musicians rousing the crowd in song. BELTANE Marking halfway between the spring equinox and summer solstice, this Gaelic festival features Beltane bonfires, which are said to protect crops, cows and people. JACK-IN-THE-GREEN Spot the Jack-in-the-Green (right) – clad in a conical or pyramidal frame woven with foliage – leading a parade in a tradition dating back to the 1700s. MAY DAY DEW This custom involves young women washing their faces with dawn dew for a clear complexion in the year to come. MAY GOSLINGS In many places in the north, ‘April Fool’s Day’ is in May. Those who fall foul of a prankster are called ‘May goslings’, a relative of the ‘silly goose’.

MAY 2021

countryliving.com/uk

A MONTH IN THE COUNTRY

May

Don’t miss

NATIONAL WALKING MONTH May marks National Walking Month. Make your steps count by going on a sponsored walk as part of the British Heart Foundation’s Just Walk campaign, raising money for the seven million people in the UK living with coronary and circulatory disease. Order your free fundraising kit at bhf.org.uk.

EAT THE SEASONS Watercress THE PEPPERY PUNCH OF WATERCRESS HAS BEEN A HIT FOR MORE THAN 1,000 YEARS. THE ROMANS THOUGHT IT AN APHRODISIAC, HIPPOCRATES

Back from the brink

BELIEVED IT PURIFIED THE BLOOD AND VICTORIANS ENJOYED IT IN SANDWICHES FOR

THE SAND LIZARD

BREAKFAST. GROWN COMMERCIALLY IN BRITAIN SINCE 1808, WATERCRESS IS FULL OF IRON, VITAMIN C AND CALCIUM. BLEND WITH PEAS, LEEKS AND MINT FOR A HEARTY SOUP OR FOR MORE RECIPES, GO TO WATERCRESS.CO.UK.

100 SPOTTER’S GUIDE

Emerging from its metre-deep burrow in spring, the male sand lizard (Lacerta agilis) transforms from a dull brown to an electric green to woo a mate. Once common throughout southern England, habitat loss has caused populations to plummet. Yet hope is on the horizon. Last year, after a bumper breeding season at Marwell Zoo in Hampshire, conservationists released 200 youngsters to Puddletown Forest in Dorset to allow them to flourish once more. marwell.org.uk

The wingspan, in millimetres, of the emperor moth, the only silk moth in the UK Native blossom Look out for these delicate blooms on your countryside strolls this spring

Elder

BIRD CHERRY Common in northern England, Wales and parts of East Anglia, this tree’s almond-scented blooms beguile bees. ELDER Often found near rabbit warrens and badger setts, these cream-coloured flowers can be used to make wine, cordial or tea. HAWTHORN Also known as the May tree, the hawthorn displays fragrant pale-pink flowers that grow in flat-topped clusters.

Bird cherry 12

MAY 2021

Join the National Trust’s Blossom Watch and share pictures on social media using #blossomwatch

Hawthorn countryliving.com/uk

discover…

Created by Capability Brown and neoclassical architect James Wyatt, Saxon-style Broadway Tower was built as a folly in the 1700s. Sitting atop a beacon hill in the Cotswolds, it offered sweeping views across 16 counties and, a century later, drew artists William Morris, Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Edward Burne-Jones for their summer holidays. Visit today to discover the link between the tower and the Arts and Crafts movement (broadwaytower.co.uk).

A MONTH IN THE COUNTRY

May

WEEKENDERS

Grasmere

Set in the shadow of the Central Fells, The Yan at Broadrayne Farm is the perfect place to return to when you’re weary from walking. Tuck into Cumbrian classics in the bistro, before heading back to your room to watch the stars shimmer over Silver How (rooms £320 for two nights; theyan.co.uk). Alternatively, Victorian House, in the middle of Grasmere, is the epitome of modern-rustic style. You could also book a stay in its shepherd’s hut (above) overlooking the River Rothay (B&B from £149 per night; victorianhousehotel.co.uk).

CUMBRIA Surrounded by glassy lakes, mountain tarns and rugged hilltops, it’s easy to see why Grasmere was heralded by William Wordsworth as “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found”. And, with the landscape largely untouched since the days of the Lakeland poets, there is still plenty to entrance visitors today.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO Keen to wander lonely as a cloud? Well, you’re spoilt for choice. For a family-friendly, accessible walk, set out for White Moss Common to embark on a 3.5-mile route that crosses the shores of Rydal Water, before hiking up to Rydal Cave – the remnants of a centuries-old quarry. If the weather’s fine, pack a picnic and climb Helm Crag – or the Lion and the Lamb, as it’s known locally. It’s a steep ascent but your efforts will be rewarded with spectacular views of Coniston Fells to the south and mighty Blencathra to the north (thelakedistrict.org).

PLACES TO EAT For those with a passion for provenance, book a table at Forest Side, where the menu features foraged finds, local meat and fish, and fruit and vegetables grown in the kitchen garden (theforestside.com). If your schedule revolves largely around walking, you will appreciate the hearty ‘Viking Breakfast’, or a Scandi-style supper of meatballs and mashed potatoes, on offer at the popular Mathilde’s café (heatoncooper.co.uk/mathildes-cafe).

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Shops to visit At Heaton Cooper Studio (above left), peruse a vast array of art supplies before heading to the archive gallery, where works focus on capturing the mountainous local landscape (heatoncooper.co.uk). For a sweet but spicy souvenir, The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop (above right) attracts visitors from around the world – and once you’ve nibbled a slice of their traditional confection, you’ll understand why (grasmeregingerbread.co.uk).

countryliving.com/uk

WORDS BY LAURAN ELSDEN. INFORMATION CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRESS BUT MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS SITUATION, SO PLEASE CALL IN ADVANCE TO CHECK DETAILS. PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALAMY; ALUN CALLENDER; GETTY IMAGES; PHIL RIGBY; RNLI/H H TANSLEY; SHUTTERSTOCK. ILLUSTRATION BY ALLIRA TEE

Where to stay

CL ARTISANS Start your own Commonplace book with this 240-plain-page hardback journal from Starsmead Books, £25. Made by Ursula Jeakins, with cover by Angie Lewin

Handblown wine glass textured using bramble leaves by Emma Mackintosh of A Flame with Desire in the Lake District, from £20. Order through Nettle + Tansy

Compact racing green leather and tweed backpack, £185, The Cambridge Satchel Company. Also available in a brandy-toned brown leather

This insect house gives solitary bees the perfect place to lay their eggs, £25, National Trust Shop

emporium

Angus Ross’s Prism chair with steambent legs and backrest is handcrafted in ash and rush, £1,600. Handmade to order in his Aberfeldy workshop

Our home and crafts editor Alaina Binks picks her favourite pieces from makers, artisans and small businesses

This limited-edition linocut print by Sophie Elm is from a collection of 12 designs featuring seed packets, £45 each from Jeff Josephine Designs

There are six fragrances of natural soy candle in the utility tin range by Voak’s mother-anddaughter team, each one representing a part of the Yorkshire landscape, £14.50 countryliving.com/uk

Architectural and interior designer Ben Pentreath has recoloured a handful of Morris & Co’s timeless prints as fabrics and wallpapers in his favourite colours. This Daffodil cushion is £120 from Pentreath & Hall

MAY 2021

CL ARTISANS

Editor’s choice

Green Sleepy Daisy lampshade, made to order, Willow With Roots. Twisted fabric flex, £5/m, with bulb holder, £5: both Labour and Wait

MAY 2021

PHOTOGRAPH BY NATO WELTON

“For me, the beauty of this pendant shade – made by mother-and-daughter duo Jenny Crisp and Issy Wilkes – lies in the sculptural shape of the handwoven and curved willow”

CL ARTISANS

Bonfield Block-Printers’ ‘Bloodlines’ design depicts 18th-century pastoral life. Seen here as a lampshade in Venetian red, £145. Made to order

emporium

Denise Allan’s vintage tray collection for The Shop Floor Project features hand-painted British birds seen around the Levens Estuary, £395 for similar

Stylish Ketley suede boots by Ariat with lace-up front and zip at the back, £270. In sizes 3-8.5

Susie Hetherington’s ‘Hillslie’ fabric collection is inspired by her home. Half Dozen design is shown. Digitally printed to order, £56/m A 500-piece jigsaw of Angela Harding’s print of golden hares, £10.99. Available through Angela’s website or at Waterstones

Khadi cotton napkin, £10 from Maia London, launched by textile designer Laura Miles and made using cloth woven by WomenWeave

Modo Creative’s graphic posters with recycled-wood hangers are designed by a husband-and-wife team in Yorkshire and feature single words such as Love, Imagine and Mischief, £32

Toymaker Liz Pearson of Love Heartwood makes spinning tops (5cm) from local reclaimed beech, £9. There’s a choice of colours and they can be engraved, too

Follow @CLArtisans on Instagram for news of our The Good Life artisan markets this year and to see more unique products from CL artisans 20

MAY 2021

FOR STOCKISTS see Where to Buy

countryliving.com/uk

PRICES AND AVAILABILITY CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRESS. POSTAGE/DELIVERY COSTS ARE IN ADDITION TO THE PRICES QUOTED HERE

Helen Lack of Silver and Birch uses mostly plants and flowers grown in her garden in the New Forest for her jewellery. This necklace is £30

COLUMN

View from here

ILLUSTRATION BY MAY VAN MILLINGEN

Fountains, cascades, ponds and pools: a water feature can bring sound, light and life to your garden – and Susy Smith just can’t resist them ay is the month when, under normal circumstances, I look forward to my annual visit to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Along with the gardening pages of Country Living, it is where, over the years, I have found many ideas for my own patch. But this is not, as we know, a normal year. Nor was 2020. The flower show was cancelled last year for, incredibly, the first time since the Second World War. This year it has been postponed until September in the hope that, by then, it might be able to go ahead – live as opposed to ‘on screen’. Many fingers will be crossed on that one. Devoid of the inspiration from my annual Chelsea visit, I have been using the various stages of lockdown to take a long, hard look at my garden and decide how I might carry out a bit of remodelling. I applied myself to the simple stuff first – clearing up the messy working area, sorting out the greenhouse and reorganising the shed. So far so good. I had to call in expert help to re-surface the hoggin path that snakes through the 40-metrelong space and replace its wooden edging boards that had almost rotted away. But even that’s all done now. So, next up for 2021? To install a new water feature… All the best gardens, in my view, contain water in some shape or form, whether it’s a simple, shallow pond designed for wildlife, a full-on formal affair with fountain or, for those lucky enough to have the space and resources, a river, stream or even a lake. Aside from attracting birds, aquatic creatures and other wildlife, water also adds the important elements of sound and movement or, if still, reflects the sky. My previous, much larger garden in Hampshire had three areas of water – a wildlife pond in my mini orchard; a sizable, deep, rectangular pool edged with decking; and a small water feature made from an old stone sink and surrounded by pots of hostas. The sink was filled with rounded pebbles and the pump in the tank hidden beneath it recycled the water through an old brass tap on the wall. The water splashed onto the pebbles below, creating a lovely sound and catching the light in its droplets. My current garden has something similar with water running from a tap, but in this case, it pours into a vintage iron water-tank. This sits against one of the walls of the house, so I can hear the soothing countryliving.com/uk

sound at night from my bedroom window. But now I have reclaimed the area farthest from the house, I would like to have water there as well. As the mood is quite utilitarian, I’ve decided that another water tank and tap would do the trick and have sourced the materials to create it. I was planning to stop there. Then, in one of the brief periods when we were allowed to go visiting, I was invited for an outdoor lunch at my brother’s. He has a stunning garden and there is always something of interest to catch my eye. In this instance, it was a new water feature. A large cube made from Corten steel, it has a bubble fountain in a central reservoir of water and, as the steel weathers, it rusts to a lovely patina. Situated on his sunny terrace, it sits on a bed of gravel planted with succulents. It reminded me of something I might see in one of the many inventive show gardens at Chelsea. “I want one,” I declared. “It would look just perfect on my sunny terrace surrounded by my pots of agapanthus.” Ever since, I have been squirrelling money away to be able to buy this somewhat expensive item of frippery. It has finally arrived, although I am now waiting for an electrician to get it all up and running. But in the meantime, the new path edging is in place, I have added hazel saplings, ferns and white bluebells to the area around the shed and, for the oval of lawn in front, have planted a mini meadow of primroses with ox-eye daisies to follow in the summer. It’s all a bit of an experiment but, then, so is most gardening. As I look out of my bedroom window onto the reordered scene below, the handsome, buff-coloured hoggin path can be seen clearly, winding through the space and leading my eye towards the once-messy area I used to call “The Wilderness”. It has now become a cohesive part of the garden. I am hoping that, by the time you read this, my new water feature will be bubbling away on the terrace in the sunshine. I’m feeling rather pleased with myself. ‘Who needs Chelsea?’ I thought yesterday. Well, the truth is, we all do. For its reappearance will signify that the things we all used to love doing, whatever they may be, are available to us once again. NEXT MONTH Susy has a bee in her bonnet about garden insects. Meanwhile, you can follow her on Instagram @susysmithmacleod.

MAY 2021

PLANTING FOR BUTTERFLIES

THE GOOD LIFE

in the Country

AUTHOR AND JOURNALIST

Sally Coulthard I love the word ‘flitting’. In rural areas, doing a flit meant moving from one farm tenancy to another, but the word has ancient Germanic origins, meaning ‘to flow or float’. It’s also a word that perfectly suits the behaviour of the butterfly, as it promiscuously drifts from flower to flower. Fly, flutter, flee, fledge, fletch – all these kinetic words have the same grandparent. The endless, casual movement of the butterfly is one of its most appealing qualities – I could watch them for hours. I often try and get close up – to sneak a glimpse – but they’re canny, sensing my countryliving.com/uk

shadow, and fly off just out of reach. Maybe that elusiveness is part of their charm. But last summer, their elusiveness was a bit more worrying – we just didn’t seem to have that many butterflies in the garden. Conservationists often say that butterflies are highly sensitive indicators of the general health of the environment – the canary in the coalmine, if you will. Perhaps the weather confused them, or a key area of local habitat wasn’t available, but I’m determined to do my bit and redouble my efforts to add more butterfly-friendly plants to the smallholding. The key will be to provide sustenance for as much of the growing season as possible. In spring, butterflies rely on nectar to refuel after a winter of hibernation or a long

Sally and her family share their plot with sheep, horses, chickens and the odd peacock. Maintaining a vegetable garden, orchards, fields and a wild pond, Sally has perfected the art of smallholding on a budget (sallycoulthard.co.uk). LOCATION

The Vale of Pickering, North Yorkshire PLOT SIZE

12 acres EXPERIENCE

Sally has been running her smallholding since she moved to Yorkshire 13 years ago

MAY 2021

PLANTING FOR BUTTERFLIES

THE GOOD LIFE

In spring, butterflies rely on nectar to refuel after a winter of hibernation journey from warmer southern continents. In autumn, the same fuel is needed so they can boost their energy reserves for going into hibernation or setting off back down south. Gardeners used to recommend planting buddleias – come the summer months, they are dripping with pollinating insects, hence the nickname ‘butterfly bush’. But Buddleia davidii is also an invasive species. In the wild, it can often out-compete native vegetation and reduce biodiversity. Thankfully, there are now non-invasive versions that can still provide food for butterflies without spreading like wildfire. There are also a host of other better-behaved plants butterflies can’t resist – lavender, sedum, verbena, valerian, hebe, marjoram and wallflower to name but a few. Pick plants with staggered flowering periods and you can also be sure to have something to entice them from April to November. It’s also important to think about the food available for the butterfly in its larval stage: the RHS has a list of British butterfly larval food plants (search ‘Butterflies in Your Garden’ at rhs.org.uk/advice) but they include many wild species such as buckthorn, bird’s foot trefoil and meadow grasses. Simple measures such as having a birdbath means butterflies can get access to water, while leaving windfall fruit to rot and release juice provides an additional, vital food source. Some plants are surprising favourites – ivy, holly, willow, hawthorn and dogwoods. Trees and shrubs can be as beneficial for certain species as perennials. Failing that, plant some sacrificial brassicas – that’ll bring cabbage whites fluttering in their droves…

READ ON Planting for Butterflies by Jane Moore (Hardie Grant, £12) is an upbeat, practical guide to attracting pollinators to your garden – covering lifecycles, caterpillars, moths, butterflies and general gardening tips. It also has planting suggestions for small plots, containers and window ledges.

in the Country

21 BLOOMS BUTTERFLIES CAN’T RESIST SPRING Apple blossom Bluebells Cherry blossom Forget-me-nots Grape hyacinths Plum blossom Primroses EARLY SUMMER Ceanothus French marigold Hawthorn blossom Roses (singleflowered varieties) Sage Thyme Wallflowers MID-SUMMER– EARLY AUTUMN Catmint Fennel Ivy Lavender Sedums Sunflowers Verbena

H AT C H I N G C H I C K S

THE GOOD LIFE

in the City

FOUNDER OF HEN CORNER

Sara Ward While we keep our days busy with the bees, baking bread, preserving fruit and pickling veg, the hens will always be at the heart of our little urban smallholding. They bring life to the garden with their decorative plumage, gentle clucking and the odd jovial skirmish when one catches a worm. I’ve always found hugging a hen can bring joy to the soul, but that’s nothing compared to cradling a freshly hatched

MAY 2021

chick. When raising our own, we’ve learnt that they only stay fluffy for three days before their proper feathers peep through, so we make the most of those early cuddles. It’s possible to buy a four-egg incubator if you’d like to hatch chicks at home and don’t have a flock of your own, but we take the more traditional approach of putting our eggs under a broody hen. As we keep only female chickens at Hen Corner (boys are too noisy for highly populated urban areas), the eggs laid by our girls will never hatch. So instead, when we realise one of our hens has gone broody, we buy

Sara and her family have transformed the garden of their Victorian terrace house into a mini smallholding, complete with 24 hens, three colonies of bees, a kitchen garden and a micro-bakery (hencorner.com) LOCATION

Brentford, West London PLOT SIZE

475 square metres EXPERIENCE

Sara started farming in her garden in 2007 with vegetables, later followed by hens, fruit trees and bees

countryliving.com/uk

H AT C H I N G C H I C K S

THE GOOD LIFE

in the City

It’s easy to spot a broody hen because she’ll take up residence in the nest box and refuse to move

fertilised eggs from a reputable breeder to place underneath her. It’s easy to spot a broody hen because she’ll take up residence in the nest box and refuse to move for days, or sometimes weeks. This isn’t uncommon and usually we’d have to coax her off her nest to the accompaniment of pecks and growls. But if we’ve decided to hatch some eggs, we’ll make sure she’s set up with a fertilised clutch in her own maternity coop to avoid disturbance from the rest of the flock. The incubation period for hybrid hens and large fowl is 21 days. For the smaller bantam chicks, it’s just 19. During this time, the ‘mother’ hen will pluck feathers from her breast so she can share her warmth and humidity with the growing chicks. As they get bigger, ready to peck their way out with their tiny beaks, we use the time to prepare for their arrival. Hatching chicks is lovely but it involves a huge amount of work – you’re potentially creating up to 13 new pets to care for! Top of the list should be checking you have enough equipment and space. They’ll need their own coop and

MAY 2021

fox-resistant run. The chicks will need special food called chick crumb, and drinkers that prevent them falling in and drowning. If you’re hatching chicks with an incubator, the list is even longer. Chicks can take a few hours to emerge from their egg, slowly but determinedly breaking their way out – if you’re lucky, you’ll spot one emerging into the world. It’s a sight that I always find amazing. At home, we have a big wall poster with lovely hand drawings of 62 breeds of chickens. We’ve already had the pleasure of caring for 16 of them and I take delight in knowing there are many more new adventures to come.

I tend to order fertile eggs by the half-dozen box. Ordering by post means I can select a number of different breeds to complement those that we already have. We order ours from Gillian at South Yeo Farm East (farmerdixon.co.uk). The first chick we ever hatched here was from them – Bunty the Chocolate Orpington bantam. She then went on to sit on other eggs, a selection of Pekin Bantams. One of her new chicks was named Beyonce and the other Nando’s – suffice to say, I didn’t choose the names.

EXPERT

TIP Remember that over half the chicks you hatch will be male. You can’t keep cockerels in built-up areas and more than a few in a flock will lead to fights. Plan what to do with yours.

countryliving.com/uk

PHOTOGRAPHS BY CHARLIE COLMER; GETTY IMAGES; VICTORIA HARLEY; RACHEL WHITING

BUYING EGGS FOR HATCHING

ECO LIVING

Going GREENER Our quick and easy guide to a sustainable life

EAT FOR THE

planet

Cows could play a key role in a new plan for sustainable farming set out by the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission*. The report, which argues that we could still feed the nation if we cut back on intensive farming and increased legume yields and tree crops, acknowledges that grazing livestock provide great natural fertilisers. We would have to eat more fruit, vegetables, pulses and nuts, but pasture-fed animal protein could still be on the

*FARMING FOR CHANGE, JANUARY 2021 (FFCC.CO.UK). **HOW TO REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT BY HARRIET DYER (SUMMERSDALE)

menu, as long as we limited it to no more than 35g a day. ffcc.co.uk

“Let us choose to make sustainability a core value so we can build the prosperous future our children and grandchildren deserve” HRH The Prince of Wales, launching the Terra Carta, a charter urging businesses to become more sustainable

LOCAL ECO-HERO Bathers of Yorkshire have ensured a popular outdoor swimming spot is safe for a dip after a two-year campaign. The mile-long stretch along the River Wharfe near Ilkley already attracts up to 1,000 swimmers on sunny days but has suffered contamination in the past by sewage works. The Environment Agency will now take monthly samples to test the water. Thanks to the Ilkley Clean River Group, the site has become England’s first official river-bathing site. Who’s for an alfresco swim?

{

ONE CHANGE TO MAKE THIS MONTH…

Air-dry your clothes If you’re in the habit of using a tumble dryer, now’s the time to make more of the longer days by air-drying instead. One tumble-dryer cycle uses as much energy as leaving on 225 lightbulbs for an hour**, but if every UK home that uses one made this switch, we could save more than a million tonnes of CO2 a year.

DID YOU KNOW… …that just eight per cent of rural England is open to the public? The Right to Roam campaign aims to change that. Founders Nick Hayes and Guy Shrubsole are asking the government to extend the Countryside and Rights of Way Act to allow walkers to enjoy more commons, mountains and moors. For details, head to righttoroam.org.uk.

814% The increase in cirl buntings since 1989, thanks to the RSPB’s conservation work with farmers

countryliving.com/uk

{ MAY 2021

ECO LIVING

Going GREENER the future of activism at the moment. It used to be all about live demonstrations. Now it’s moved into the digital realm, with people using social media to promote their message. Still, a huge part of our work is about coming together. Conversation and engagement are what changes hearts and minds.

Yes, not many people realise FOE was the group who kickstarted the whole recycling revolution. Our first campaign, in 1971, was to return thousands of empty bottles to Schweppes to encourage reuse – and we’ve been campaigning for better use of the earth’s resources ever since. In 2003, we lobbied the government to provide every UK household with a way to recycle rubbish from their doorstep; now 45 per cent of our waste is recycled. We also founded the Great British Bee Count, helped put an end to fracking and recently saved Northumberland’s coastline from a coal mine.

IS THE WORLD READY FOR CHANGE? Environmentalism is much more mainstream than it was in the 1970s. Today, we get a lot of support from people spanning all ages and professions. The school strikers and Extinction Rebellion have helped raise awareness. We now need action.

WHAT’S ON YOUR TO-DO LIST FOR 2021?

ASK AN

ECO ACTIVIST

This month Miriam Turner, co-CEO of Friends of the Earth (FOE)

FOE TURNS 50 THIS MONTH – HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE IN THE HOT SEAT? I’ve been interested in nature since primary school pond-dipping days, so this does feel like the dream job. I studied ecology at university, then did a masters in sustainability. I desperately wanted a placement at FOE but didn’t get it. Instead, I worked in business, spending 12 years at Interface, a sustainable manufacturing company, where I was involved in making floor tiles from recycled fishing nets. Four years ago, I joined FOE as co-director of innovation and, last year, got the job as co-executive director.

YOU’RE THE FIRST WOMAN IN THE ROLE… Yes, but I won’t be the last. According to the UN, 80 per cent of people displaced by climate change are women, so it feels appropriate to have a woman in this post. However, I share the role with Hugh Knowles – we’re also the first job share. We both have young children and wanted to be involved in their lives.

WHAT’S A TYPICAL DAY? It’s a balance between meeting donors and politicians and running an organisation of 180 people. We’re talking a lot about

MAY 2021

This year is firmly about climate, leading up to the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in November, which is being held in the UK. Every local council can help to cut emissions, so we’re working with our grassroots groups to put pressure on those in power. The pandemic has taught us all the importance of kindness, community and conversation – and they’re our values, too: people coming together and working for something bigger than themselves.

IF YOU COULD HELP FOE ACHIEVE ONE THING THIS YEAR, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I’d like us to make sure the government puts consistent policies in place. Now is not the time to be building roads, expanding Heathrow or approving a new coal-fired power station in Cumbria. We need to show leadership on the things that matter.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Do it today... Use Friends of the Earth’s Postcode Lookup Tool to find out how your local council scores for energy use, waste management and tree cover. takeclimateaction.uk

Do it tomorrow... Write to your local councillor or MP and ask them to effect change. Conversations lead to action.

Do it this month… Join a local Friends of the Earth group (there are 250 nationwide) to collaborate with others on environmental issues affecting your community. friendsoftheearth.uk countryliving.com/uk

COMPILED BY SARAH BARRATT. PHOTOGRAPHS BY BRENT DARBY; ANDREW MONTGOMERY. STYLING BY SIAN WILLIAMS

YOU HAVE QUITE A LEGACY TO FOLLOW…

THE COUNTRY LIVING COLLECTION AT HOMEBASE An exclusive range of quality kitchens showcasing the best of British design

ECO FRIENDLY

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The new Country Living designs are the perfect choice for those dreaming of a welcoming farmhouse kitchen. The Whitstable is a classic Shaker style in a choice of ten beautiful colours, while the Hastings is the epitome of country chic with tongue-and-groove cabinets and paint shades that create a cosy ambience. Mixing handles and cabinet colours creates a bespoke look, while the pantry cupboards and deep-pan drawers are ideal for storing cooking and baking equipment. Supplied pre-assembled for ease of installation, all Country Living kitchens are hand-built in Yorkshire and come with an impressive 20-year guarantee. See the full range in store and online, and let our design experts create a kitchen that will quickly become the heart of the home.

HASTINGS

KITCHEN COLLECTION Visit homebase.co.uk to book your virtual or in-store appointment

EXCLUSIVELY AT

PROFILE

The JO WHILEY EFFECT

She’s been a lifeline for many in lockdown and a valiant crusader for vaccines. But, for the Radio 2 DJ, it’s gardening that really rocks INTERVIEW BY LAURA SILVERMAN PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALUN CALLENDER

’ve always had a background role in life,” Jo Whiley says, with a wry smile. “It suits my personality.” That’s a background role in the lives of 1.7 million BBC Radio 2 listeners a week and millions more who have watched her present Glastonbury Festival or the RHS Chelsea Flower Show on TV. But it’s genuine. As Jo sees it, she’s not the focus. She’s not the attentionseeking type. This year, Jo’s reach has extended even further. She has continued to air her show from Broadcasting House, providing a lifeline for many during lockdown. And in February, her successful campaign to prioritise vaccinations for people with disabilities brought relief to thousands (see overleaf ). Yet for Jo, home is always where the heart is – and never more so than during the pandemic. Jo lives in a converted barn in Northamptonshire with her husband, Steve Morton, their four children (aged 12 to 28), two cats (a Bengal and a ragdoll) and two dogs (a retriever and a sproodle). “I’ve been lucky, so lucky,” Jo says, with quiet assuredness. “This year has been really precious bonding time. We’ve gone back to basics with boardgames and walks. I’m dreading the kids going out into the world again.” The slower pace over the past year has been valued: “It’s been good for me because I used to be exhausted a lot. The kids used to complain that I had to be doing something all the time. I’d have to go for a run or, when I was training for a triathlon last year, I’d be off for a swim. I felt under so much pressure to do stuff. It’s been very good to calm down a bit.” Jo still runs – another triathlon is planned for this month – but she has recently started yoga, following Yoga with Adriene on YouTube. “I’ve always been manic about the exercise I do. I like to countryliving.com/uk

work hard and sweat, but I’ve hurt my shoulder and it’s been unbelievably painful. I’m getting older and I’m stiff in the morning, so I thought I’d give it a go. I feel quite good.”

FOR THE LOVE OF POTTERING Jo enjoys the usual energy at home. Everyone’s schedules might have calmed down, but there are still deliveries from Etsy and buzzing phones to attend to. Last night, Jo and Steve, a music executive, were outside at midnight enticing the dogs back under the fence to avoid a clash with nearby horses. Jo also likes to escape: “I do like peace and quiet and that’s what I get in the garden. I like my own company and I’m happy to potter. It’s my favourite thing: pottering around in the garden.” The RHS Chelsea Flower Show, now postponed until September, is a fixture in her diary. Jo designed a scent garden with Jo Malone, Kate Saville and Tamara Bridge in 2017 and co-presented coverage of the festival for the BBC a couple of years later. She has loved gardening for years, recalling days spent as a child on her grandparents’ allotment and hours picking dahlias from the garden to sell at the village shop, run by her mum. Earwigs always fell out of the pots. Jo’s garden, which Instagram followers can glimpse on her posts, is largely her design, with the exception of Steve’s Buddha and windchimes on the patio. Towards the bottom of the garden is a treehouse, used by her youngest child, Coco. Another area is full of vegetables, appreciated by the eldest child, India, a chef and food stylist. “Last year, she really pushed me to plant things. We had raspberries, strawberries, herbs, kale, chard, beans, peas and pumpkins.” And carrots that no one wanted to eat. “This MAY 2021

PROFILE

year I won’t be doing carrots.” When the family moved into the house 12 years ago, the garden was a field: “It wasn’t very pretty – the grass was in terrible condition.” Jo set to work, planting and extending the borders. She loves colour, and a crowd of tulips, dug in last year, has just had its moment. In May, alliums, in all their cheerleader showiness, will be in full swing and rosebuds will be about to open. This year’s highlight will be the rose ‘The Lark Ascending’, which Jo planted just before Christmas after seeing an Instagram post by the garden designer Jo Thompson. “I’m beside myself with excitement about how it’s going to look. It’s a very luminous flower,” she says. A young Amelanchier tree is also just about to blossom: “I’m looking forward to that because it feels like it was a baby and now it’s growing into a toddler. It makes me so happy to see the buds coming up.” Jo feels as if she has “a relationship” with her plants. “They’re my babies. I feel responsible for them. I’ve been nursing them. I want them to be as fit and strong as possible. It’s lovely seeing their personalities.” She laughs. “I sound like a nutter… It’s lovely seeing what they contribute to your life and your family home.”

LIFE ON AIR Jo has continued to broadcast her show through all the various lockdowns of the past 12 months. During the first one, listeners would call in to tell her how sad and lonely they felt. Her playlist reflected the mood because callers requested downbeat songs. Jo began to feel exhausted: “It was really tiring because I felt the weight of everyone’s misery and distress, and you take it on.” One woman emailed to say she had lost her husband six weeks before and hadn’t spoken to anyone since: “I read that out one night and just started crying. It caught me… I was overwhelmed by the sadness of the situation… It got to a point where my producer and I thought we couldn’t carry on like this. We needed to cheer up. Everyone needed a shot of joy in their lives.” It took effort: “I’m quite a melancholy person... My natural inclination is to play wistful tunes and miserable songs – Tom Waits and Nick Cave. That’s what I’m known for at home. It’s quite a stretch for me to play anything really upbeat.” Yet, out came

MAY 2021

Bruno Mars and Dolly Parton. The “shot of joy” was administered – and has been welcomed. Jo has been performing her way through. “There are days when I have gone in and felt sad, but I’ve just had to put that aside… Sometimes, with the radio, if I’m feeling a little bit melancholy, I think, ‘I have to put on a different version of myself with added Michelle Obama or Beyoncé or Julie Walters in Mary Poppins.” Michelle Obama and Mary Poppins, however, can stay at work, allowing Jo to be herself when she gets home: “After a show sometimes, I don’t want to talk to anyone. I just need to decompress.”

PERFECT HARMONY Radio and gardening “combine really well”. Their slow pace attracts “contemplative” types, while the studio, like the garden, is “solitary and intimate”. Even listening to music has parallels with gardening: “When you listen to music, you soak it in, just as you do when you tend to your plants.” Radio has also given Jo the chance to interview one of her biggest heroes: Monty Don. She follows all his advice on Gardeners’ World, making notes from YouTube. They bonded over melancholy songs: “I learnt more about music from Monty than I did about gardening.” Years ago, Jo thought she might be an occupational or speech therapist, helping people like her sister Frances (see below). She got into radio by accident, working at BBC Radio Sussex while she was studying Applied Languages in Brighton. Even in this role, background or otherwise, she’s looking after people. “I definitely feel a concern for my listeners now more than ever,” she says. “I’ve realised what an absolute lifeline radio can be for people. Playlists are great, but there’s nothing like having someone there, talking to you while you’re going through the hell you are. You can get real comfort from a friendly, reassuring voice.” LISTEN TO JO on BBC Radio 2, Monday to Thursday, from 7.30-9pm.

JO’S CAMPAIGN FOR JABS In February 2021, Jo revealed that her sister, Frances, had yet to be vaccinated against Covid. Frances has Cri du Chat syndrome, a rare genetic condition. “It’s driving me absolutely crazy,” Jo told Country Living at the time. “It’s so frustrating. So many emails have gone backwards and forwards to the surgery. We’re just unlucky.” Unlucky doesn’t cover what came next. Days later, Frances tested positive. Her breathing deteriorated. It was, Jo said, “the worst week of our lives”. By the end of the month, the worst was over. Frances had returned home from hospital and Jo had attracted so much attention by highlighting the vulnerability of people with disabilities that the NHS prioritised their jabs. The BBC dubbed it “The Jo Whiley Effect”.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALAMY (OPPOSITE); WILLIAM PENRICE (THIS PAGE). HAIR AND MAKE-UP (MAIN PHOTOGRAPHS) BY LIZ BECKETT

“I LIKE MY OWN COMPANY AND I’M HAPPY TO POTTER AROUND. IT’S MY FAVOURITE THING: POTTERING AROUND IN THE GARDEN”

Jo’s

JOURNEY

Born 1965 Grows up in Northamptonshire. Jo will have a younger sister, Frances, who has severe learning disabilities

1983-1986 Studies Applied Languages at Brighton Polytechnic, where she works at BBC Radio Sussex

1986-1991 Works on WPFM, a BBC Radio 4 youth culture show, before booking bands for Channel 4’s The Word

1991 Marries Steve Morton, a music executive. They now have four children

1993-2011 Joins BBC Radio 1, co-hosting The Evening Session

1998-2001 Hosts The Jo Whiley Show, a music discussion programme on Channel 4

1994-current Presents Glastonbury on Channel 4 and then the BBC 2009 Brings out her autobiography, My World in Motion

2011-today Gets her own evening show on BBC Radio 2, Mondays to Thursdays 2017 Co-creates The Jo Whiley Scent Garden (left) at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Two years later, she presents a segment on Chelsea on the BBC

2020 Takes part in Dare2Tri for Sport Relief, completing three triathlons in three days (shown above, with her daughters)

2021 Spearheads a Covid vaccine campaign on behalf of her sister. Trains for another triathlon in May, fundraising for the Brain Tumour Charity

countryliving.com/uk

HOME INSPIRATION

Natural textures and materials can bring simple, rugged beauty to your interiors this spring. Think willow, rush, rattan, sisal and seagrass… WORDS BY CAROLINE ATKINS PRODUCED BY BEN KENDRICK

Weave THE OUTSIDE in

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ardens, hedgerows and woodlands are rich in inspiration for textured, organic furnishings. Pliable leaves and grasses, sleek cane, gnarled twigs and riven bark all provide contrast and character, and are beautifully adaptable for indoor use. This isn’t about turning your home into an indoor garden, more about incorporating natural elements that help it to breathe – and that reflect the spirit of where they come from. Natural matting, rush-seated chairs, woven-willow footstools and coppiced-wood cabinets all make practical, down-to-earth furnishings, while fabrics made from jute or paper introduce unexpected materials in discreet, subtle weaves. These are timeless features that bring a sense of their raw source with them, their life visible in the grain, their surfaces full of interest.

THIS PAGE United by their warm tones, bamboo and wicker chairs partner a crumply linen cloth, while the patterns created by a woven jute rug (opposite), rush shopper and old straw hat make a natural connection MAY 2021

H O M E S & D E C O R AT I N G

Kitchens & DINING ROOMS

Knotty planks will create rugged kitchen worktops and splashbacks as well as cupboard doors and drawer-fronts, while baskets woven from willow, hazel stems, rush and other grasses provide contrasting storage when slotted onto shelves or used as cutlery trays. Set sturdy bentwood chairs around the dining table, or look for Scandinavian and mid-century designs with seats of plaited jute or paper cord. Rush mats and serving ‘nests’ add texture to the table, while a rustic chandelier formed from lengths of twisted wood will create a focal point above it.

1 Wicker baskets soften hard surfaces and help to organise open kitchen units 2 Woven trays introduce warm seasonal style to tabletops and are useful, too 3 Natural fibres such as this Pentle Tigers Eye sisal carpet, £49.99/sq m, the Country Living Collection at Carpetright (carpetright.co.uk), make practical flooring choices in a dining room

9 4 Walnut wood pendant light by Louise Tucker, £495 (louisetucker.net) 5 Wicker placemat in green, £14.40, Penny Morrison (pennymorrison.com) 6 Ash chair by Ambrose Vevers with woven willow seat by Hilary Burns, £1,450. Made to order (ambrosevevers.com) 7 Oval rush table mat by Felicity Irons of Rush Matters, £68 (davidmellordesign.com) 8 Glass tumbler with seagrass sleeve, £9.95, Nordic House (nordichouse.co.uk) 9 Long oval seagrass serving basket, £25, The White Company (thewhitecompany.com)

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Woven rattan pendant shades, mirrored by a jute rug, create an eye-catching focus in this modern, utilitarian kitchen

H O M E S & D E C O R AT I N G

10 This glazed wall cabinet by Sebastian Cox for deVOL features woven timber backs to complement the kitchenware. Prices start from £15,000 (devolkitchens.co.uk)

11 Woven wicker pendants highlight a beech-block kitchen worktop

12 Wicker, rattan and seagrass make relaxed and informal place settings 13 Palm-leaf wall hangings lend warmth and interest (trouva.com)

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Living spaces & WORKROOMS

Flooring woven from jute, sisal, coir or seagrass creates a traditional Arts and Crafts-style background, is rugged and hardwearing for areas that get most use, and is a neutral base for bolder-coloured rugs and other furnishings. Include textured seating among your upholstered pieces, with the occasional armchair in rush, jute, cane or rattan. Twiggy branches of coppiced hazel will make rustic-style bookshelves and side tables – perfect for holding a vase of dried grasses – while coiled rope and woven rush can be fashioned into lampshades, planters and frames for mirrors or pictures.

1 A handcrafted bench, with a straw back that references a traditional lambing chair, suits the rustic nature of this converted barn (thenewcraftsmen.com) 2 An old worn willow coffee table is home to a welcoming display of flowers 3 Woven materials suit transitional areas such as this hallway, with a display of garden hats and a large basket for storing outdoor cushions

3 9 4 Jute floor runner (L240cm x W76cm), £195, Design Vintage (designvintage.co.uk) 5 Rattan mirror, £160, Pooky (pooky.com) 6 Bayleaf desk in English walnut by Sebastian Cox, £5,250. Made to order (sebastiancox.co.uk) 7 Pentle Herringbone sisal flooring in Driftwood, £49.99/sq m, the Country Living Collection at Carpetright (carpetright.co.uk) 8 Empire rattan shade with swan-neck wall fitting in antique brass, £59, Pooky (pooky.com) 9 Rattan rocking chair, £365, Rockett St George (rockettstgeorge.co.uk)

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A basketweave cotton rug mirrors the fine detail in a woven mid-20th-century Scandinavian chair and fine block-printed pattern in textiles

H O M E S & D E C O R AT I N G

10 Used in a sunny room, weathered garden furniture creates a beachy feel 11 Caned chairs relax the style of traditional faded florals

12 Blending vintage caned chairs with other furnishings brings a laidback feel to this living room

13 Woven natural materials mix easily with most decorating schemes and colours

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Bedrooms & BATHROOMS

You only have to watch wisteria twisting its way up the walls of a house to see how useful stout stems can be when brought into bedrooms and bathrooms. Short lengths of coppiced and storm-fallen branches will make twiggy peg rails and single wall-hung hooks (see Geoffrey Fisher’s handcrafted Trooks at geoffreyfisher.com). Baskets woven from willow or water hyacinth will slide onto shelves and under beds for extra storage, and – with a bit of lateral thinking – a hazel fence panel may find a useful role as a standing screen. 1 Woven squares of rush matting make flexible and inexpensive flooring in a utility room or even a bedroom and can suit any decorating style 2 A caned headboard gives a vintage flavour in this little guest bedroom – this style of furniture is currently undergoing a revival 3 Baskets are also perfect in a bathroom, helping you organise and conceal cosmetics and sundries

8 9 4 Rattan headboard, from £475/double, Cox & Cox (coxandcox.co.uk) 5 Small raffia scallop shade with cream trim, £132, Matilda Goad (matildagoad.com) 6 Esben cupboard with cane panels, £1,125, Graham & Green (grahamandgreen.co.uk) 7 Willow ‘Fisherman’ basket, £25 (set of two), Habitat (habitat.co.uk) 8 Belvoir steel and twisted paper chair, from £349 (lloydloom.com) 9 Seagrass Flådis basket, £13, Ikea (ikea.com)

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10 A woven jute mat brings warmth to this converted barn’s guest bedroom, mixing happily with textiles from woollen stripes to Morris & Co Arts and Crafts prints 11 In a rustic setting, there is beauty in the timeworn, with an old sieve displayed to effect against a boarded wall

WEAVING A TRADITION: THE MATERIALS

Coppiced wood

Rattan

Jute

Coppiced wood stems – young trees cut close to the ground to encourage vigorous new growth – make simple furniture and accessories. Knots and twists add extra character, while torn, ‘swilled’ strips can be woven to form baskets and chair seats. Many of today’s most distinctive furniture makers trained with coppicers and conservationists, learning how to work with young, pliable greenwood alongside sustainable woodland management.

Harvested from the solid core of a Southeast Asian palm, rattan can be steamed and moulded into rigid shapes such as graceful bed frames and lampshades, as well as woven to form wicker chair seats and table tops, or create textured panels for drawer fronts and cupboard doors. No longer confined to the conservatory or hotel lounges, it adds freshness when used sparingly amid upholstered furniture.

This natural vegetable fibre is traditionally spun into the strong bands used in furniture suspension (Graham & Green sells a ‘deconstructed’ chair with its jute webbing exposed at the back). Softer than seagrass or sisal, it makes good bedroom flooring (gentle on bare feet), can be knitted into chunky upholstery for pouffes and footstools – and, in its ‘off the roll’ form of hessian, is used to make simple, slubby curtains and sofa covers.

Willow

Sisal & seagrass

Rush

Another of the home-grown options (from Somerset to Scotland), willow supplies stems in a range of colours including red, green and gold. Harvested in winter, dried and then wetted again to make it pliable enough for use, it can be woven into baskets and furniture and also turned into wreaths and artworks: makers such as Lizzie Farey have diversified beyond baskets into willow vessels, ‘nests’, sculptures and wall-hung panels.

Sisal is a natural fibre from the agave plant. Tough and durable, it can be woven into a variety of patterns – from bouclé to herringbone – to make practical flooring and pliable, versatile storage baskets. Seagrass is even more resilient: a hardy grass grown underwater in Vietnamese and Chinese plantations, where the salt content gives it a natural stain-resistance that is very useful for flooring and rugged, textured, woven furniture.

Established in Britain since the 14th century, and given an extra boost by the Arts and Crafts movement, rush weaving has long been a staple of country flooring and other furnishings. Practitioners include Felicity Irons, who harvests bulrushes from riverbeds in Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire for her Rush Matters business, and Waveney Rush in Suffolk, which grew out of a longestablished East Anglian weaving tradition.

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY HEATHER BIRNIE PHOTOGRAPHY; CAMERA PRESS; BRENT DARBY; HOUSE OF PICTURES/ELISABETH AARHUS/TIA BORGSMIDT/ANNA KERN/HELEN PE/IDA SCHMIDT; LIVING4MEDIA; LOUPE IMAGES/JAN BALDWIN/BENJAMIN EDWARDS/RACHEL WHITING; TAVERNE AGENCY/LISA COHEN; RACHEL WHITING; PENNY WINCER. STYLING BY ALAINA BINKS; DIVINE DESIGN; HONNING & FLORA

H O M E S & D E C O R AT I N G

C E L E B R AT E S P R I N G

Make MERRY IN MAY 60

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Time to come out and play! From maypole dancing to ancient well-dressing, bluebell walks to butterfly spotting, here are ten of our favourite ways to celebrate the rites of spring WORDS BY LAURAN ELSDEN

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Tiptoe through THE BLUEBELLS DID YOU KNOW THAT THE UK IS HOME to half the world’s population of Hyacinthoides non-scripta – which also go by the name of witches’ thimbles and granfer griggles? For one of the best bluebell spectacles, head to Croft Castle in Herefordshire, where thousands of the nodding, bell-shaped flowers bloom beneath the ancient Candelabra Oak; or to Gunby House in Lincolnshire, where they congregate in multitudes around the 14th-century St Peter’s Church. North of the border, Crinan Wood also has hordes of bluebells, as well as 40 species of lichen and 13 types of fern. To find a bluebell wood near you, visit woodlandtrust.org.uk.

Meet up at the MAYPOLE GIDDY GIRLS AND BOYS DANCING around a beribboned pole is a tradition rooted in an ancient Pagan fertility festival. Although dismissed as a “heathenish vanity” by the Puritans in 1644, the revelry has survived down the centuries, with many a village green still adorned with a maypole at this time of year. Among the most celebrated venues are Offenham in Worcestershire, home to one of only six 64-foot permanent poles (offenhamvillage.co.uk), Gawthorpe in West Yorkshire, which also features a fancy-dress procession (gawthorpemaypole.org.uk), and Wellow in Nottinghamshire, where festivities date back to the 1800s (visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk).

Feast on your FIRST SCOOP LITTLE LIFTS THE SPIRITS LIKE an early-bird ice cream in spring – a tantalising taste of what’s to come. Whether yours is a classic 99 or a tub of rum and raisin, it’s worth seeking out a superior parlour. Nardini’s in North Ayrshire sells Scottish tablet flavour as well as the famous Clyde Coast sundae (nardinis.co.uk), while Snugburys on Park Farm in Cheshire tempts tourists with hunks of homemade sloe gin and damson (snugburys.co.uk). For an immersive ice cream experience, visit Roskilly’s in Cornwall, where you can watch the journey from cow (milk comes from the organic farm’s herd of Jerseys) to cone (roskillys.co.uk).

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Behold the HOLLY BLUE EMERGING FROM ITS CHRYSALIS around now, the holly blue butterfly is one of the first to flutter into life in spring. Identifiable by its black-spotted, silvery-blue underside, the native Celastrina argiolus is part of a species success story, with numbers increasing significantly since the 1970s. Found throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland (though scarce in Scotland), the holly blue can be seen flitting through gardens, hedgerows, woodlands and churchyards. Holly is a favourite haunt as the plant is a good food source. To find out more, visit butterfly-conservation.org.

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Discover DRAGONFLIES IN PREHISTORIC TIMES, unearthed fossils demonstrate that dragonflies the size of eagles swooped across our skies. Their descendants may be considerably smaller (most are no bigger than a handspan) but they are no less impressive when their iridescent wings catch the spring sunlight. With many emerging this month, now’s the time to seek out one of the 36 species native to the UK. The common darter is found in wetlands and woodlands, while the broad-bodied chaser is the most likely visitor to your garden. But one of the best spots has to be the emperor (left) – with its regal, emerald-green abdomen (or sapphire blue if it’s male), it is seen darting around lakes and large ponds. To find out more, download the Wetland Spotter Sheet at wwt.org.uk.

Tune into the NIGHTINGALE FROM VIRGIL AND SHAKESPEARE to Shelley and Sherwin, generations of poets and musicians have been enraptured by the mellifluous melody of this shy brown bird. Audible at dawn and dusk, the chorus comprises a quick succession of high, low and rich notes, for a song that sets the species apart. Often suffering from stage fright, the songster hides behind dense bush and brush – but venture to strongholds in the south and you might just catch its call. Favourite habitats include Highham Woods in Gloucestershire, Paxton Pits in Cambridgeshire and Swillbrook Lakes in Wiltshire, where former gravel pits create a popular concert hall. To find a guided walk near you, visit rspb.org.uk.

Look for sprightly SPRING LAMBS EVERY YEAR, 16 MILLION EWES GIVE BIRTH, with many farmers opening their barn doors so the public can sneak a peek at the new arrivals. Visitors to Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park can meet five species of sheep including the rare-breed North Ronaldsay, a native of the Orkney Islands (cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk). If you want to get more hands-on, guests at Hicks Farm in Powys are encouraged to help bottle-feed any orphaned offspring (hicksfarmholidays.com), while at Aberhyddnant organic farm in the Brecon Beacons, a ‘lambing experience day’ entails everything from caring for expectant ewes to live lambing (sheeptrekking.co.uk). Or you could just head to the Lake District where you’ll find them gambolling on the hillsides. countryliving.com/uk

C E L E B R AT E S P R I N G

Watch a WELL-DRESSING A TRADITION WHOSE ORIGINS have been lost in the mists of time, well-dressing is an ancient form of ‘water worship’ practised in parts of the Peak District. Each year, communities come together to adorn water sources with elaborate floral decorations – celebrating their constancy through times of trouble. In the Derbyshire Dales, Tissington has been dressing its wells since 1348 – head there on Ascension Day (13 May), when its six decorative springs are revealed (tissingtonhall.co.uk). Over in Wirksworth, visitors can watch a local well get bedecked in petals (gowirksworth.com), while in Monyash, decorations are designed by schoolchildren and are formed with foraged finds including flowers, mosses, leaves and lichens (monyash.info).

Celebrate NO-MOW MAY

Go on a STAG DO ITS MONSTROUS MANDIBLES might suggest a formidable fighter, but in the battle for survival the stag beetle could use a helping hand. Categorised as ‘nationally scarce’ due to significant habitat loss, Britain’s biggest beetle likes to lodge in log piles. Now, the People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) is calling on citizen scientists to create beetle-bespoke log piles in their gardens, by gathering ash, beech or oak logs and siting them in a shady spot. Logs, which need to be at least as thick as an arm, should be partially submerged in soil to maintain moisture and allow vegetation to grow over. To help the PTES monitor beetle numbers, you can ‘Log a log pile’ at ptes.org.

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALAMY; BRENT DARBY; GETTY IMAGES; EVA NEMETH; ANDY SANDS/NATUREPL.COM. STYLING BY SIAN WILLIAMS. INFORMATION CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRESS BUT MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS SITUATION, SO PLEASE CALL IN ADVANCE TO CHECK DETAILS

WHILE GARDENERS MIGHT DESPAIR over dandelions and dead-nettles, these ‘weeds’, along with other undesirables, can be a boon for bees and butterflies – which is why Plantlife launches its annual No-mow May campaign this month. With research suggesting that lawns can be a haven for more than 200 species of flower – so being a valuable source of nectar for beleaguered pollinators – there’s never been a better time to forgo the mow. For more on why nature is sometimes best left to her own devices, visit plantlife.org.uk.

START-UP SUCCESS He taught himself embroidery from Victorian sewing guides and collects antique scissors, but Adam Pritchett’s creative genius gives this traditional craft a modern twist

Adam Pritchett Needleworks WORDS BY ANNA JURY PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANDREW MONTGOMERY

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FACT FILE OWNED BY Adam Pritchett LAUNCHED 2016 LOCATION Kendal, Cumbria BESTSELLERS Spiders and bees OTHER HIGHLIGHTS Popular designs are also drawn from old folklore and poetry books

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S TA R T- U P S U C C E S S

dam Pritchett works in “organised chaos” from his home on the edge of the Lake District. Scraps of fabric, fragments of thread and antique sewing scissors in embossed silver are strewn across the spare-room-cumstudio. In the corner sits a 1930s Singer sewing machine; on the shelf a row of antique books. It’s the room of a creative, someone who likes to have their materials and inspiration around them. In contrast, his embroidery work, which he has been selling through his website and Instagram for the past five years, is fastidiously tidy. Most of his finished pieces are of miniature insects or folklore figures that demand meticulous attention to detail – making him mesmerising to watch. Today, he is stitching a flower, measuring just millimetres across, passing the needle through the fabric, coiling the thread around its length and coaxing it down into a bullion knot. “I think that’s what it’s called,” he says, “or it might be a bullion stitch, depending on which book you read.”

ANCIENT THREADS Adam taught himself embroidery from Victorian sewing guides, topped up by YouTube, and learns as he goes along. He enjoys stitching textured designs on wool because it’s robust: it doesn’t stretch or warp like felt, and it can take layers of bullion and French knots that he likes to build up. It’s also easy to dye and doesn’t fray. Where he can, he uses old fabrics, a legacy from his early days when he would get thread from charity shops to find out which ones he liked best. Adam has always enjoyed crafting, but never planned to sell his work. As a child, he spent time over

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Adam’s CV Late 1990s-early 2000s Childhood Experiments with crafts with his grandmother, a keen knitter, during the summer holidays

2009-2013 The student years Enrols on a contemporary crafts degree at Coventry University, switching to fine arts after the course closes

2012 In the classroom Works at a school while he considers what he wants to do

2013-2015 One stitch at a time Finds a sampler in his degree portfolio and takes up embroidery, learning stitches from antique sewing books and YouTube

2016 Sew far, sew good Posts work on Instagram, where followers ask to buy it. At the end of the year, he appears on Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas on Channel 4

2016-2021 Commercial success As sales take off, Adam makes work for exhibitions, including the Rheged Centre near Penrith and the Light Grey Art Lab in Minneapolis, and runs embroidery workshops in the UK

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Adam now has such a strong online presence that businesses approach him for advice on building their brand the summer with his grandmother, a keen knitter who encouraged him to experiment with materials: “I think she was just trying to keep me and my brother busy, but she was a great crafter and it was good to have that creative influence in our lives.” He started a contemporary crafts degree at Coventry University, covering disciplines from ceramics to tapestry, but the course closed after a year, and he switched to fine arts. He made fabric sculptures, working with textiles as much as he could, but moved away from his crafting passion. “For six months after graduating in 2013, I was in a bit of a lull,” he says. “I had grand plans of working as a curator in a big art gallery, but that didn’t really pan out, so I took a job in a school office to pay the bills.” Yet he soon began to feel frustrated. “I realised it was because I wanted to make things. It wasn’t a pleasant feeling, but it showed me I needed something creative in my life.” For inspiration, he flicked through folders of his degree work stored in his parents’ loft. “I kept going back to this little sampler I’d made as an idea for a project. It became my jumping-off point.”

READY, STEADY, SEW With little knowledge of embroidery, Adam began with simple projects, gradually building up his range of stitches over the following year. By 2015, he was sharing pieces on Instagram, unprepared for the tens of thousands of fans he would soon attract: “It was surreal. People just kept finding my work.” He now has almost 50,000 followers and such a strong online presence that businesses approach him for advice on building their brand: “It’s hard to know what to say because, for me, it was organic. I consistently posted new work and chatted to other people about theirs.” Folklore and poetry from old books provide Adam with ideas, while the countryside around his home in Kendal gives them context. “My partner Matt and I have always loved rummaging through antique bookshops. Often the books are falling apart, but I have to buy them for the illustrations.” Adam has recently made a piece based on Christina Rossetti’s Goblin Market, an enchanting green tent in a clearing in a wood. Other designs include an image of the Ghillie Dhu, a male fairy from Scottish folklore, and Baba Yaga’s house from Slavic mythology. Even his insects, from a bee made of French ghiordes knots to bestselling spiders, are bright and intriguing. In early 2016, followers on social media started asking Adam if they could buy his work. “Initially, I was hesitant,” he says. “I didn’t know how to go about it or how much to charge.” It took him several countryliving.com/uk

S TA R T- U P S U C C E S S

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S TA R T- U P S U C C E S S

ADAM’S

top tips

FOR SUCCESS

NAIL THE BASICS Get to grips with the key technical skills – it makes it easier to find a creative direction. BE OPEN TO IDEAS Inspiration can be sparked by anything from a documentary to a chat with a friend, as long as you let it. PRICE IT RIGHT Value your worth. I sold my first piece without factoring in the cost of materials. I haven’t done that again. ENJOY THE JOURNEY You don’t have to know the destination. Experiment and your work or business will evolve. MAKE WHAT YOU LOVE I never thought about what would sell, I just created work I liked – fortunately, other people liked it, too.

months to understand what was needed to run a business – and he’s still learning. “Selling your artwork can feel like navigating a minefield. If you’re a creative person, the business side doesn’t always come naturally.” Adam wished he had picked up more about that at university, but he has learnt to embrace anything that doesn’t work the first time round, relying on Matt, an illustrator, for support and suggestions. “My advice is to learn through your mistakes. Once you’ve got something wrong a couple of times, you don’t forget it. If you’re passionate about something, you also tend to pick it up relatively quickly.” This approach has worked for Adam. Towards the end of 2016, he appeared on Channel 4’s Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas hosted by Kirstie Allsopp: “I’d always loved the show, so it was weird to be on set and even more bizarre to watch myself on TV.” There, he met Rosie Scott, co-founder of The New Craft House, which runs sewing workshops, who asked him to teach a two-day embroidery class, providing another outlet. “It was lots of fun and really flattering to meet people who had been fans of my work for a long time,” Adam says. He has also exhibited his work at a show in the US and in Penrith, Cumbria, and continues to craft as much as possible at home. Like many of us, he longs to spend more time outdoors: “Last year was difficult for a lot of people, but I hope this summer will be better. I will be reflecting that in my work with vibrant, sunshine colours.” Expect more figures from folklore and more bees and flowers – and, as with all of Adam’s work, the odd tale of the unexpected. FOR MORE INFORMATION visit apritchett.co.uk or follow him on Instagram @ajpritchett.

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FLORAL TRIBUTES

The hidden POWERS of FLOWERS Florist Claire Bowen decodes the secret language of flowers and helps you pick the blooms to match the mood or moment PHOTOGRAPHS BY EVA NEMETH

MAY 2021

QUINCE

for CALM

One of the first flowers to appear on trees at the end of winter, the coral hues of the quince signal the approach of spring and the end of long, dark nights. Originally from Asia and familiar in Japanese imagery, it’s used in natural medicine as an anti-inflammatory and is often applied to burns. It’s also popular as a soothing astringent to treat coughs – in Japan, quince cough sweets are commonly sold in pharmacies. These remedial properties make it the perfect flower for someone in need of calm or rest, perhaps when recovering from an illness or coming out of a turbulent time and seeking comfort. CARE Trim woody stems regularly and cut a ‘V’ shape into them so that they can soak up the maximum amount of water. Refresh water daily.

ANEMONES These delicate flowers were introduced to the rest of the world from Greece in the 16th century. Their meaning can be traced back to Greek mythology, to a story from Ovid’s Metamorphoses in which the goddess of love Aphrodite falls for the hunter Adonis. Their love was short-lived, as he was injured by a wild boar and died in Aphrodite’s arms – red anemones were said to have sprung up where droplets of his blood fell. Because of this, they are said to represent the fleeting nature of love, which makes them a fitting tribute to mark the loss of something, or someone, that was dear. CARE Their soft stems make them delicate, so handle with care. Trim ends regularly and refresh water daily. They continue to grow in the vase after cutting.

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FLORAL TRIBUTES

for SUCCESS FOXGLOVES This flower’s enchanting name originates in early English. An Anglo-Saxon legend tells how sympathetic fairies gave Reynard (the fox) foxglove blossoms to wear on his toes to muffle the sound of his approach to his prey. As they’re often surrounded by butterflies, moths and bees, foxgloves can be seen as a symbol of productivity and successful teamwork. This makes them the perfect present for anyone starting a new job or project, or simply to inspire positivity and productivity at home. CARE They are ideally presented as a large bouquet to sit in a big jug. Two colours can look particularly pretty. Trim the ends regularly and refresh water daily.

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FLORAL TRIBUTES

for JOY

RANUNCULUS With their lollipop shapes and candy colours, ranunculus are surely one of the most joyful blooms. When first cut, they’re wrapped tightly shut, revealing only the outer layers before slowly unfurling over the course of a week. Once fully open, they take on a different shape entirely as their petals relax and their colour is revealed, almost as if they have burst open with happiness. The pink ones have been likened to little ballerinas in their tutus, waiting in turn to pirouette across the stage. CARE The stems can start to smell quickly if left untended, so trim regularly and change the water daily. If there are smaller buds coming off the main stem, trim them off and place in water – they may well flower later.

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FLORAL TRIBUTES

for LOVE

BLUEBELLS

The bluebell is a symbol of gratitude, humility, constancy and everlasting love. There are countless tales and myths surrounding them. They’re often found in ancient woodlands and commonly associated with fairy enchantments. It’s said that if you turn a bluebell flower inside out without tearing it, you will win the heart of the one you love, and if you wear a wreath of bluebells, you will only be able to speak the truth. They have often been included in traditional bridal bouquets for this reason. A posy is the perfect expression of long-term love or constant friendship. CARE Both English and Spanish bluebells (pictured here) are small, delicate flowers, which sit well as a little bunch in a simple vase or jar. Keep stems trimmed regularly and refresh water daily.

EXTRACTED FROM The Healing Power of Flowers by Claire Bowen and Éva Németh (Ebury Press, £12.99).

“We put our faith IN FARMING”

FA R M I N G

In a quiet corner of Oxfordshire, we meet a Muslim family who quit their day jobs and started an organic farm from the ground up WORDS BY LAURA SILVERMAN PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANDREW MONTGOMERY

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FA R M I N G

t looks as if it has been standing for centuries, but the house at Willowbrook Farm is just six years old – the Radwan family created this cob house out of clay from their land. For 12 years, Lutfi, Ruby and their five children lived in two rundown caravans just yards away as they created their organic farm in Oxfordshire from scratch. Willowbrook Farm is the UK’s first halal and tayib farm. ‘Halal’ is Arabic for ‘lawful’, ‘tayib’ means ‘natural’. These ideas, say the Radwans, underlie Islamic farming: animals must be reared well. “Ideas of being wholesome and sustainable come into it,” Ruby says. “We should live in a way that is balanced and good and healthy.” Twenty years ago, Lutfi lectured in geography at Oxford, while Ruby taught psychology at a sixth-form college. They lived nearby in Bladon and wanted their four children, then aged two to 14, to appreciate the planet. As Muslims, they ate halal meat but began to have concerns over animal welfare. Eventually, they stopped eating meat altogether. They were uncomfortable, however, that intensive farming continued at all, holding to the Islamic concept of khalifa – that we are stewards of God’s creation. A year living in a rural community in Egypt, where Lutfi was researching

water management, made them rethink their lifestyle. “They were connected to the environment,” Ruby says, “and lived sustainably.”

MAGIC BEANS The Radwans decided to start a farm back in England, selling their house and buying a field. “Like Jack and the Beanstalk, we sold everything for a few beans,” Lutfi says. For years, the family would live in caravans while they waited for planning permission to build a house. “It was really cramped,” Ruby recalls. “Planning took so long that it made us depressed. I remember building our first barn [now the café]. It meant we had a flushing loo. It was such a luxury!” Planning battles, intensified by hostility from neighbours, plagued the family. “I think it was partly racism,” says Ruby, who is Pakistani-English, “and partly ‘Who do you think you are? You don’t have farming backgrounds.’” Yet the Radwans persevered THIS PAGE AND OPPOSITE Lutfi, Ruby and their family run the farm according to Islamic principles, with the ethos of creating a

more ethical and sustainable world. They built the cob house themselves. Produce is sold in the onsite shop and online

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“Diversification is key as things can go wrong”

because they felt it was the right thing to do. They tried to avoid borrowing, following the Islamic principle that money should change hands without interest, so they lived simply. Prayer helped them focus. “I knew the universe would take care of us,” Ruby says. “I’d say to God, ‘If this is good for us, please make it happen. If it is not good for us, then let us accept it.’” The couple read about farming and threw themselves into it. They planted a mix of 5,000 native, deciduous trees, including oak, birch and willow, producing wood for the biomass boiler that heats the buildings, and bought chickens, selling their eggs. “We knew that we eventually wanted a diverse, mixed farm,” Ruby says, “one that was good for the animals and for our children. We wanted to create a place where they could get involved in a meaningful life.” In the early days, Ruby would drive them to school in their Ford Fiesta, the boot full of eggs, dropping off one, then the other. After school, the children would collect more eggs. They worked “day and night, seven days a week” and almost went under. “We were stuck with whatever we could produce,” Lutfi says. “Some things were out of our hands – we threw ourselves on God.”

A REAL FARM Selling chicken was a hit, first among Muslims, then among others who admired their ethos. The Radwans now only sell the meat through a subscription service to guarantee that regulars get their share. Their birds are free-range, kept in countryliving.com/uk

by an electric fence powered by the family’s wind turbine, and organic, being fed powdered garlic, rather than antibiotics, to keep them healthy. Chickens live for 12 weeks, three times as long as those farmed intensively. The Radwans also bought sheep (they now have 150) and have recently added a handful of Anglo-Nubian and African pygmy goats, producing raw goats’ milk for the first time last year. They grow vegetables, too, both for their café and to use at home. “We’re self-sufficient for six months of the year,” Ruby says. “I think it’s best not to be too idealistic… We don’t have to be like the prophets; we just have to try.” Over the summer, the Radwans open the farm to visitors, organising apple-pressing, bread-making and knitting. They also run a campsite and hold a music festival. “Diversification is key because things can go wrong,” Ruby says. Last year, activities were obviously off-limits. The family, who live as sustainably as they can, are currently looking at harvesting rainwater on their 45-acre site – both to be resourceful and ensure they can have showers. “We can end up with no water in the house because we’re at the end of the line,” Ruby says. “The chickens get it, the barn gets it, the vegetables OPPOSITE Khalil with one of Willowbrook’s 150 Southdown sheep. The family have planted thousands of fruit and native

trees since moving to their farm THIS PAGE Raw milk is produced from the Anglo-Nubian and African pygmy goats MAY 2021

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get it, but then there’s nothing left for us.” The financial cost of improvements is balanced against environmental cost.

KEEPING THE FAITH The farm shuts down over Ramadan (this year 12 April12 May), demand easing from Muslim customers who fast during daylight hours. Most of the Radwans also fast, keeping to Mecca Time so they can start the fast a little later and still work. They fast to help them connect to God and the very nature of existence. “We become more aware of nature, as eating and fasting is determined by sunrise and sunset – natural phenomena. We also bond with each other over meals,” Ruby says. “Everything calms down. We resonate at a slower pace.” The family also becomes more aware of food waste. Demand resumes at the end of the month, Eid al-Fitr. Ten weeks later, orders among Muslims ramp up for Eid al-Adha, commemorating Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son, and God’s mercy, sparing Isaac for a ram. The family sells whole lamb, known as qurbani, although they keep numbers low. Killing an animal for Eid al-Adha is a tradition rather than an obligation, and the Radwans prioritise animal welfare. Today, Adam (30) and Khalil (27), who both help on the farm, live with their wives in separate houses on-site. Asilya (33) is travelling, Camilla (21) is studying languages in London, while Ali (16) is studying for his A-levels. Ruby feels “privileged” to have the family nearby and thankful that they are all still talking. “You have to accept that you won’t always get on,” she says. “If you say, ‘I’m going to hate you at some point, but we’re going to get on with it’, then you can cope.” Ruby and Lutfi are now trying to step back. Ruby is training to be a psychotherapist, a discipline she says is closely related to the family project: “Farming is about living with the land; psychotherapy reconnects us to it.” The Radwans try to live by the concept of ‘enoughness’: they want the farm to get better, not bigger. “It comes down to, ‘What do you actually desire out of life?’” Lutfi says. “People spend a lot of time amassing things, but they’re never satisfied… We are blessed. We didn’t have anything when we started, but now we’re finally doing proper farming and feel confident about it.” FOR MORE INFORMATION about visiting Willowbrook Farm, go to willowbrookfarm.co.uk.

THIS PAGE Neither Ruby nor Lutfi have a background in farming but they’ve turned their hands to rearing livestock and growing fruit

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and vegetables. Over the summer, the family welcome visitors for apple-pressing and bread-making OPPOSITE Ali feeds the chickens after school

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“We wanted a farm that was good for the animals and for our children”

Shop with us THIS SUMMER More than 800,000 new companies registered in 2020, as many who baked, crafted and designed their way through lockdown made the leap from the kitchen table to fully fledged businesses. Now, you can meet the new talent – and support old favourites – at our summer events

VISIT THE CL SHOPPING PAVILIONS

JOIN OUR VIRTUAL EVENTS

Meet our artisans and discover beautiful, unique products in the Country Living Pavilions*. For this summer, they have been redesigned to allow for social distancing, with wider aisles, more space between stands and open sides. You can find us at:

CL’s The Good Life events feature some of our favourite makers and producers, all offering discounts to registered shoppers. Plus, we will be running exclusive live craft workshops with Country Living experts. Look out for:

Hampton Court Palace RHS Garden Festival Hampton Court 6-11 July*

The Good Life Summer Weekend 13-16 August

Tatton Park Flower Show Cheshire 21-25 July*

The Good Life Christmas Weekend 5-8 November

Burghley Horse Trials Lincolnshire 2-5 September*

To find out more and register to shop, go to countryliving.com/uk/market. Follow @CLartisans on Instagram for all the latest news

MEET THE COUNTRY LIVING ARTISANS We’re proud to champion small businesses and the passionate, dedicated and talented people behind them at our summer events. Here are just a few…

Twig & Wild

Paddy’s Pantry

Noolibird

Ruth Holly

Emma Perring Fine Art

Jo Butcher

Mini-explorers will love the ‘pixie’ bonnets and capes created by designer Charlotte in her Yorkshire studio. Each one is handmade and many feature vintage-style prints with a lovely nostalgic feel. Recently, she’s also added a collection of homeware to her range, which is just as charming as her accessories. twigandwild.co.uk

Noolibird’s range of rubber stamps are handmade by textile artist and designer Nula Shearing, who takes her inspiration from nature and her love of folklore. The wide range includes botanicals, flowers, animals, borders and much more. Use them to create your own unique cards, invitations and gifts. noolibird.com

*THE PROGRAMME IS CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRESS. PLANS MAY CHANGE, SO PLEASE CHECK EVENT DETAILS BEFORE BOOKING TICKETS OR TRAVELLING. PHOTOGRAPHS BY HEIDI BURTON; BRENT DARBY

Oil-painter Emma works en plein air to capture scenes of quintessential British villages, towns and countryside. We particularly love her rich, still-life compositions of English country gardens. As well as vibrant pieces of original art, her work is also available on a range of greetings cards. emmaperring.com

The arrival of a new puppy (the eponymous Paddy) inspired the launch of Laila Bhatti’s dog-biscuit business. After baking handmade treats for her new pooch with flavours such as cheese and peanut butter, word spread and she is now a fully fledged online business. etsy.com/uk/shop/ PaddysPantryShop

Yorkshire-based print designer Ruth recreates the wonderfully varied and organic patterns of bark, lichen and other natural materials. Available as artwork, on stylish scarves and across a range of homeware (we love her placemats), her creations are all made with responsibly sourced materials. ruthholly.co.uk

Taking inspiration from the countryside, Jo fills scrapbooks with sketches, then turns them into delicately stitched artworks featuring gentle colours and simple needlework. If you feel like sewing your own creation, Jo now sells kits for all levels, as well as her popular framed pieces. jobutcher.co.uk

TWIG & WILD

EMMA PERRING FINE ART

RUTH HOLLY

NOOLIBIRD

PADDY’S PANTRY

JO BUTCHER

Makes and bakes inspired by the sweet scent, fragrant flavour and blowsy beauty of a summer garden favourite

Everything s ’ COMING

UP ROSES

WORDS AND PRODUCTION BY ALAINA BINKS RECIPES BY ALISON WALKER AND HEARST FOOD NETWORK

CRAFT

IN PRINT Decorate walls with illustrative botanical drawings, a collage of loose book pages (or bookplates) or individual prints. Alternatively, pick a wallpaper from an archival design. These make colourful backdrops with fascinating detail to study. For similar, try Stone & Sage (stoneandsage.co.uk).

SMALL POSY Display freshly cut or damaged blooms in the garden: hang them from trees, tie them to the front gate or attach them to wooden stakes lined along a garden path. Place in a glass jar (with hanging loop) decorated with hand-painted flowers using specialist glass paints. Perfect for an outdoors celebration.

PRETTY PLATES A single rose with a sprig of gypsophila, wrapped in a hemstitch linen napkin secured with a simple white ribbon, turns a plain white dinner plate into a romantic place setting. If your roses lack a scent, add a drop of rose essential oil into the centre of each one before encasing them inside the napkin.

FLOWER BOWL Display roses together with complementary blooms like those you would see side by side in a garden. This loose arrangement will show off your best homegrown flowers standing tall on a cake stand. Place chicken wire (in a large ball shape) inside a weighty serving bowl and fill with plenty of water. Put the cut roses, dahlias, cosmos, achillea, clary sage and hosta leaves (removing any leaves that sit below the water line) in the bowl, securing the stems through the gaps in the chicken wire.

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SUMMERHOUSE RULES Flowery prints on fabrics, especially oversized ones like these painterly roses and peonies, are well suited to outdoor spaces such as a conservatory, summerhouse or shed . Sewn into cushion covers, with coordinating trims and backs, they bring colour and pattern and are perfectly paired with other garden essentials such as zinc buckets and elegant metal furniture. For similar fabrics, try Designers Guild (designersguild.com) and Colefax and Fowler (colefax.com).

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CRAFT

ROSE PETAL & WHITE CHOCOLATE COOKIES Beat 200g softened unsalted butter and 300g golden caster sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in 1 large egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract, then stir in 325g self-raising flour and 1 tsp fine sea salt to form a dough. Mix through 100g roughly chopped white chocolate and the petals of 2 pink or red roses, then cover and chill for at least 2 hours (or up to 3 days). The flavours will deepen over time. Heat oven to 180°C (160°C fan oven) gas mark 4. Line a large baking sheet with baking parchment. Using an ice-cream scoop, form balls of cookie dough. Space 6 scoops out well to allow for spreading and bake for about 15 minutes until pale golden. Leave to firm up on the tray for a few minutes, then transfer to wire racks while you cook the next batch. Makes 18. MAY 2021

CRAFT

IT’S A WRAP This distinctive rose print is made using celery. Cut the head of celery a little up from the base, keeping the sticks (ribs) together by tying string around them tightly before you cut. Gently dab the cut edges of both sections with kitchen paper to remove excess moisture. You can print using the solid base or the gathered sticks, depending on which most resembles a flower. Dip the celery into paint and print onto brown wrapping paper.

SINGLE STEMS Capture the beauty of an early summer garden by selecting a few choice flowers to display indoors. Small tumbler glasses are perfect for this and, when set in a wire carrier, can make a simple but sweet gift for a neighbour or friend.

ROSE CREAMS Sift 450g icing sugar into a bowl with just a few drops of rose extract. Beat 2 medium egg whites until frothy. Add about two-thirds to the icing sugar and, using a fork, work in thoroughly. Don’t be tempted to add all of the egg white – it will come together within a minute or so. Once the mixture looks like large flakes, add a few dabs of rose or pink food-colouring paste using the end of a cocktail stick. Bring together with your hands and knead until smooth, very stiff and evenly coloured. If you add too much egg white, the dough will be sticky and harder to roll out. But if that happens, add a little more sifted icing sugar. Roll out to a thickness of 5-7mm. If you have a cake smoother, use this to smooth over the surface. With a 3-4cm cutter, stamp out circles. Re-knead and re-roll the cuttings. While the sweets are still tacky, press in a few crystallised rose petal pieces (find in supermarket baking aisles). Leave to dry for 24 hours on baking parchment in a cool place. Keep for up to a month in an airtight container. Makes 35-40.

BLOOMING BOOKS Floral papers and fabrics – from scraps of wallpaper to remnants of furnishing cottons (mid-weight) – make pretty covers for books. Cut each to size, then fold and stick down to the inside front and back of the cover, closing the book as you go so it has a snug fit over the spine. Use for decorative purposes to hide unsightly jackets on a bookshelf or to create an attractive cover for a notebook or journal. For similar fabric and wallpaper designs, try Sanderson (sandersondesigngroup.com).

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CROWNING GLORY For a special May Day or mid-summer flower crown, weave fresh blooms into a wreath. Use a circle of wire made loosely to the shape of your head and attach flowers and foliage, working in one direction on the wire using florist tape. Paper-based waxed tape is available from Oasis (oasisfloral.co.uk). These blooms are from (and arranged by) The Garden Gate Flower Company in Cornwall (thegardengateflowercompany.co.uk).

CRAFT

FLOWERS ON THE TABLE Brighten plain napkins using appliquéd flower shapes cut from patterned fabric secured using a simple running stitch around the edge. Make a collage of individually cut flowers grouped together or use a single section lifted straight from the patterned fabric*. Fold over the edges of the flowers and sew close to the edge. Alternatively, if the edges are too fiddly to fold, leave them as raw ones. They will fray over time, but it will add to the effect of the flowers. This is also a great way to update a cushion cover or table runner.

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ON THE CARDS Decorative postcards – especially vintage-style ones such as this – can make eye-catching place settings when fixed in simple stands. Scribble a name, or a menu, on the back and stand one at each place at the table for a special dinner with family or friends. Alternatively, leave a note on the back for a loved one.

FLOWER BULBS With a little fabric wrapped around the bulbs of LED battery-powered fairly lights, these climbing roses are not only pretty but useful, too. Ruffle a strip of fabric (a couple of times around) to create the look of layered petals (closed or more open) and tie with string to the base of the bulb. Find similar lights from Ikea (ikea.com). Fabrics, from a selection, Sanderson (sandersondesigngroup.com) and Cloth & Clover (clothandclover.com).

WELCOME WREATH Hand-pick the biggest and most fragrant of your roses to make into a wreath to hang on a gate or bring it inside to enjoy the scent around the house. Attach the stems to a sturdy wire wreath base using florist’s wire, leaving on some of the foliage as a background. Finish with lengths of lace ribbon. Spritz the flowers with water. English roses by David Austin (davidaustinroses.co.uk). Find wire wreath bases at Hobbycraft (hobbycraft.co.uk).

CUP OF CHEER Seek out china cups and saucers decorated with classic garden flowers or plants. They are not only perfect for a summer afternoon tea but can also be repurposed into candles or a thrifty bird feeder. You’ll find a selection of secondhand china in good condition at most charity shops and vintage fairs.

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*MAKE SURE THE PATTERNED FABRIC IS COLOURFAST – WASH FIRST TO BE SURE. PHOTOGRAPHS BY CAMERA PRESS; CHARLIE COLMER; LAURA EDWARDS; EWA STOCK/CHRISTINE ANN FÖLL; CATHERINE GRATWICKE; JASON INGRAM; EMMA LEE; LOUPE IMAGES/PATTI COLLISTER/CATHERINE GRATWICKE/DEBI TRELOAR; LISA LINDER; LIVING4MEDIA; RACHEL WHITING; CLARE WINFIELD. STYLING BY ALAINA BINKS; SELINA LAKE; HESTER PAGE; CAROLINE REEVES; WEI TANG; LAURA VINE

CRAFT

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Where the WILD THINGS ARE

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This year, the Knepp Estate in West Sussex celebrates two decades of rewilding. We meet the visionaries behind the pioneering experiment to find out what happens when nature is left to its own devices WORDS BY SARAH BARRATT

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“Seeing a cultural landscape morph into a wild one can be unnerving. People thought we’d turned something beautiful into a nightmare”

ven the cowpats thrum with life at Knepp. On one single splat, Sir Charlie Burrell – who owns the West Sussex estate with his wife Isabella Tree – once counted 23 species of beetle. These underrated invertebrates perform a vital function in the delicately balanced ecosystem, pulling organic matter down into the soil. They are also a favourite snack of the little owl, just one of hundreds of wildlife species flourishing here. This year marks two decades since Isabella and Charlie decided to hand the 3,500 acres surrounding their historic family home back to nature. It is late spring – and grunts and squeals ring out from behind a sallow bush. The resident Tamworth pigs are nudging up the earth with their snouts in search of roots, rhizomes and earthworms. This exposal of bare soil enables pioneer plants, such as sallow, to prosper – and in a few months’ time, the nearby bush will be peppered with purple emperor butterflies, laying their eggs in its shady shrubbery. Thanks in part to these greedy pigs, Knepp is home to the largest population of one of our rarest butterfly species. “Through grazing, trampling and tree-breaking, free-roaming herbivores create dynamic habitats that are like rocket fuel for wildlife,” says Isabella, which goes some way to explain why the couple’s rewilding experiment, the first in lowland Britain, is heralded as a conservation success story. Unmanaged by humans since 2001, the landscape is an ever-changing patchwork of grazed pasture and thorny scrub, speckled with groves and open grown trees. Rare red bartsia bees hum among wild flowers, marbled white butterflies flit in the bushes and multitudes of birds swoop and sing overhead. Listen carefully and you may even hear the call of the turtle dove, one of the UK’s rarest birds.

STARTING OUT Rewind 20 years, however, and there was little birdsong at Knepp. Charlie, who inherited the estate from his grandparents aged 23, had been raised to believe he’d “go to heaven if he made two blades of grass grow where one had grown before”. Heavy machinery ploughed the soil and sprayed crops of maize, wheat and barley, and high-yielding dairy cattle grazed monoculture pastures of Italian rye grass. But a combination of challenging clay soil and fluctuating milk and cereal prices meant that, by 2000, the farm was no longer financially viable. With a £1.5 million overdraft to clear, the couple sold their machinery and sent their herds to market. It was, Isabella writes in her book Wilding, “hard to shake off the funeral atmosphere”. Aware

11,677

dung beetles were counted during a survey (compared to 518 on a nearby farm) 106

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More than

1,800 invertebrate species have been recorded

singing male nightingales were heard during the latest count

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bryophytes – mosses, hornworts and liverworts – have been identified

OPPOSITE AND THIS PAGE Since inheriting Knepp Estate from his grandparents (shown middle), Charlie Burrell and his wife Isabella Tree have rewilded the land, allowing grazing mammals such as deer and longhorn cattle, to roam free and create their own habitats, which in turn attract other species. Last year, they even released a pair of beavers, although both managed to escape down the River Adur

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Returners to Knepp they needed to make a major change, Isabella and Charlie wondered what would happen if they worked with their land rather than against it. Experimenting with the idea of “taking their hands off the wheel”, they stopped all cultivation. The parkland surrounding Knepp Castle was returned to pasture and sown with local native grasses and wild flowers, and 150 fallow deer were brought in to graze it. What happened next was “a revelation”, Isabella says. Delicate blooms broke through the ground and the buzz of insects reverberated across the land. Their interest piqued, Charlie and Isabella set out to learn more about rewilding at the Oostvaardersplassen in the Netherlands. The nature reserve, which had seen the return of many rare species, owed much of its success to the theories of ecologist Frans Vera, who was using large herbivores as ecosystem creators. “We looked at the landscape and something clicked,” Isabella recalls. Charlie and Isabella returned to Knepp and set about introducing their own large herbivores. “We wanted species that were proxies for animals that would have been present in our landscape in huge numbers in the past,” Isabella explains. Tamworth pigs were chosen to represent wild boar, old English longhorn cattle were picked for their similarity to the now-extinct aurochs, while red and fallow deer and Exmoor ponies were introduced because, as Charlie puts it, “they’re as close as you’ll get to a wild animal”. Although contained within the boundaries of the estate, all five species live a wild life, with minimal human intervention. As Isabella says: “They choose where to go, what to eat and when to eat it.” In return for their free-roaming lifestyle, the animals kickstarted the ecosystem at Knepp. Their dung, free from pesticides or supplementary animal feed, dramatically boosted insect life, which led to a surge in the number of small birds that in turn drew larger birds of prey. By grazing and browsing, the animals stimulated different kinds of vegetation, creating habitats for wildlife on the brink of extinction.

COURTING CONTROVERSY Traditional conservation involves intensively managing a piece of land to benefit specific species, but rewilding requires deliberate inaction – even when clusters of ragwort start to invade pastures. ‘Yellow peril’ is a native weed much maligned by farmers because it’s poisonous to livestock – but, as Isabella points out, “Grazing livestock have lived with ragwort for millennia and know to avoid it”. Nevertheless,

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NIGHTINGALES A reduction in thorny scrub across the UK has seen populations of Knepp’s broad-tailed birds shrink by 90 per cent since 1970 but in the last count, 28 singing males were recorded.

PEREGRINE FALCONS A pair of these powerful birds of prey were discovered to be nesting in an on-site Scots pine – one of the UK’s few tree-breeding pairs.

BROWN HAIRSTREAK BUTTERFLIES Until 2017, not one of these elusive butterflies had been spotted at Knepp. Now, it most likely has the UK’s largest population.

HARVEST MICE The reeds around Knepp’s ponds have proved a haven for these lovable rodents, with 59 breeding nests and 29 shelter nests found during a five-hour survey.

BARBASTELLE BATS Thirteen of the UK’s 18 bat species are found at Knepp, including the endearing but very rare barbastelle, which roosts behind the loose bark of aged trees.

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LOOKING TO THE FUTURE Despite their delight at the triumphs of individual species, Charlie and Isabella take a more holistic approach in general – Knepp’s strategy is to create a landscape that can support an entire ecosystem. “With intensification of farming, we’ve seen a collapse in wildlife across the board,” Isabella says. She hopes for the development of a patchwork of rewilded land in the UK. “It would be amazing to see this kind of project on marginal land that’s not suitable for farming. If little pockets like that joined with areas of wilderness that exist, you’d give many species a greater chance of survival.” And, indeed, this is beginning to happen. With Charlie and Isabella having paved (or rather, unpaved) the way, similar schemes are springing up across the country. Rewilding Britain, the charity of which Charlie is a trustee, is calling for 300,000 hectares to be rewilded by 2030. “That’s the amount currently dedicated to golf courses,” Isabella says. “We need natural areas connected together, enabling species to move through the landscape.” In another 20 years, perhaps Knepp will no longer be an oasis in an agricultural desert, but a biodiverse thread within a tapestry interwoven with wilderness.

FOR MORE INFORMATION visit knepp.co.uk.

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KNEPP IMAGES BY CHARLIE BURRELL; KNEPP.CO.UK. OTHER IMAGES BY ALAMY; GETTY IMAGES

“Through grazing, trampling and tree-breaking, freeroaming herbivores create dynamic habitats that are like rocket fuel for wildlife”

neighbours were incensed. “Sir Charles has turned a well-farmed estate into a wasteland,” wrote one. “Your ex-arable land hurt my sensibilities,” said another. “Seeing a cultural landscape morph into a wild one can be unnerving,” Isabella explains. “People thought we’d turned something beautiful into a nightmare.” As Isabella and Charlie faced down their critics, their perseverance paid off. Today, Knepp draws more praise than censure. It’s considered a landmark example of conservation, supporting hundreds of species, many of them rare. Thirteen of the UK’s 18 species of bat can be found on the estate, including the barbastelle, one of the rarest mammals in the whole of Europe. All five of the UK’s owl species have been seen at Knepp and in 2018, 388 purple emperor butterflies were counted on a single day. Last May, the newest arrivals, a colony of storks, made national headlines when two pairs welcomed four chicks into their nests in a large oak tree. They were the first to raise chicks in the UK for more than 600 years. A pair of adult beavers, released last November, proved less inclined to start a family. Both escaped within three weeks of arrival, scampering off in opposite directions along the River Adur. “It may be because they weren’t bonded,” muses Isabella. “But the positive has been the public response: we were overwhelmed with messages saying how thrilling it was to see beavers in Sussex.” In another two decades, she hopes that bison could roam the Weald once more, creating wallows the size of golf bunkers for fungi and amphibians. It would be “another wonderful string to the bow”.

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WILDLIFE

Twitter TRENDS

To mark International Dawn Chorus Day this month, we ask: do urban birds sing from the same song sheet as their country cousins? WORDS BY STEVEN LOVATT

t the bottom of the alley that runs behind our terrace is a pathless, polleny wilderness of native weeds and garden exotics on the run. It’s impenetrable to human beings, though going by the flattened channel through the metrehigh nettles, and the giveaway pong, it’s clearly no barrier to foxes. Beyond the nettles, there’s a shapeless agglomeration of holly, crab apple, ivy and flowering currant, all growing against some dilapidated garages that they seem to be simultaneously supporting and wrestling to the ground. Somewhere within this thicket is Sparrow Central, the neighbourhood headquarters from which the birds quest in all directions for food. An incessant cheeping emerges from this tangled estate even when the birds are hunkered down in bad weather, but during April I noticed that if a sparrow had something particularly important to say, it would leave the vegetation and fly up to the guttering of one of the nearby houses. I soon realised that these birds were probably prospecting for nest sites, and it occurred to me that they flew up there so that their territorial boasts would be amplified by the plaster and brick of the house-fronts. So loud was some of the chirping in the trafficless street that it bounced back in an echo, which, having nowhere else to go, was funnelled up the terrace. The result was that a sparrow broadcasting from the guttering of no. 2 sounded almost as loud at no. 44.

TURNING UP THE VOLUME Keen interest breeds expertise, and birds are so invested in their singing that it makes sense for them to be highly attentive to their countryliving.com/uk

sonic environment. What is for us the niche interest of musicians and sound engineers is for songbirds a matter of life and death. But while sound engineers can control almost every aspect of the studio environment, birds must work with what they find. For thousands of years, birds’ sonic contexts must have altered very little, but that all changed in the past few centuries, as humans began transforming the natural environment into the built environment. A growing amount of research demonstrates that urban birds sing differently in response to the sonic properties of their man-made habitat. Partly this is to do with volume. Normally, this town, like any other, is dominated by motor traffic and other human noise – so the birds need to sing more loudly to be heard. A country robin receiving a visit from a townie cousin would probably find himself having to retreat a twig’s length so as not to be deafened. Some urban nightingales, too, apparently reach such a volume that they breach European Union directives on sound pollution. But it isn’t only traffic noise that obliges birds to change how they sing: pitch is also important. The rumble and drone of engines occupies the lower frequencies of the sound spectrum, effectively forcing birds to sing higher if they want their voices to carry. Perhaps one reason why wood pigeons are seldom found in city centres is that they can’t hear each other; so they restrict themselves to leafier suburbs where their smoky baritones are more effective. Feral pigeons coo at a slightly higher pitch, but they also tend to be more sociable than their woodland relatives, meaning that they can communicate within the flock without the need to project their voices very far. Pigeons are in any case fairly monotone, but species whose songs range across a variety of pitches are faced with the slightly MAY 2021

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the bird can come to know. This sonic environment may well provide another incentive for birds to sing at a higher pitch, since a higher note produces fewer echoes to impinge on the clarity of the succeeding one. All these factors might be at work in the mind of the sparrow at no. 2, and more besides. This house is on the street corner, so he is projecting his chirps in three directions at once. Not only that, but it also seems reasonable to assume that the guttering itself has an amplifying effect, for what is a gutter to a proprietorial sparrow if not a prodigious megaphone for the purpose of projecting his voice?

A COUNTRY ROBIN RECEIVING A VISIT FROM A TOWNIE COUSIN WOULD PROBABLY FIND HIMSELF HAVING TO RETREAT A TWIG’S LENGTH SO AS NOT TO BE DEAFENED different problem that only part of their repertoire might be properly audible, no matter how they exert themselves to sing louder. This issue is particularly acute for species such as the great tit, whose females seem to have a bit of a thing for deepvoiced males. What’s a male great tit to do, when his winning low notes are obscured by the revving of cars and buses? Clearly, some sort of compromise is required, and while it’s likely that the birds switch to higher registers in noisier parts of town in order to be heard at all, the females’ selective predilection for deeper voices may remain a decisive influence where traffic is lighter. But as in the case of our terrace sparrows, not only traffic but also the urban landscape itself plays a part in how and where birds sing. Compare a zone of urban space with an acre of woodland. A healthy woodland is a multistorey chaos of trunks, branches, twigs and leaves. These objects all absorb sound and, being of different shapes and densities, they also baffle, cushion and deflect it to variable degrees and in more or less unpredictable directions under the effects of natural growth and the action of the weather. In contrast, the city plot is dominated by straight lines and reflective surfaces from which birdsong redounds in ways that

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Years ago, when I lived in London, I would lie awake listening to a pair of robins that sang late into the night, long after the last of the other birds had turned in. The song-post of the closer robin was on the scabbed bough of a plane tree, a great brawling thing, like a docker’s arm, that was illuminated throughout the night by a cone of dirty yellowish light beamed down from a corner streetlamp. Meanwhile, his interlocutor sang from a sapling outside a takeaway whose neon sign lit up the upper branches strongly enough to throw a lattice of shadows down on to the trunk. Why were these birds up so late? Most songbirds are stimulated to sing by changes in the level of light, hence the famous ‘dawn chorus’. The presence of artificial light at their song-posts might have incited these robins to sing, but it doesn’t necessarily explain why they chose to carry on crooning instead of retiring to roost. However, if we subscribe to the thesis that most birdsong is territorial in intention, then it might certainly make sense for robins, and other songbirds such as nightingales, to sing at night. The air is often calmer after dark, enabling birdsong to travel further, and in built-up areas there’s less traffic, too. Town robins do continue singing later than their rural counterparts, and it may simply be that unmated urban robins, or those still to fix a territory, are unable to make themselves heard during the day, whether figuratively because of the competition they face from established males, or literally because their voices are lost in the traffic. These less fortunate birds may then sense that they need to continue singing after dark, but this surely comes at the cost of less time for sleeping and feeding. It may be that in the capitalist update of the nursery rhyme, cock robin is killed by the exhaustion of mandatory overtime. In the end, as with many aspects of birdsong, after considering local specifics and attending to the birds at first hand, the best we can probably do is rank our explanations in order of plausibility and then admit that we don’t yet know enough. The motivation of the neondoused robins that sang me to sleep in London has not yet been fully explained by science, and though more knowledge would no doubt be a good thing, more whimsical explanations may not be entirely worthless. EXTRACTED FROM Birdsong in a Time of Silence by Steven Lovatt, published by Penguin Press at £12.99. Copyright © Steven Lovatt 2021.

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY GETTY IMAGES; MIKE LANE/RSPB IMAGES

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HOME INSPIRATION

GENIUS Inn countryliving.com/uk

A converted medieval pub in Kent has been transformed into a family home full of bold colour and quirky character WORDS AND PRODUCTION BY SARA BIRD PHOTOGRAPHS BY DAN DUCHARS

OPPOSITE Owner Jessica Clifton THIS PAGE Treasures from the couple’s travels have been put on display in corners throughout the house

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THIS PAGE, LEFT The original character of the property has fortunately been retained MIDDLE LEFT Contemporary pieces are slotted in among the beams and panelling MIDDLE RIGHT Bright splashes of yellow unify the spaces and bring a sunny outlook BELOW AND OPPOSITE, TOP The dining area, mainly used as a family room, has been decorated with colourful finds OPPOSITE, BELOW The kitchen, with its spring-like pink marble worktops and new cabinets, is in the Georgian extension and has a warm farmhouse feel

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t was one of life’s tipping points that triggered the new home search for citydwellers Jessica and Darryl Clifton. “I had an all-consuming job as a broadcast agent and was on call the whole time. And we lived so close to the art college where Darryl is based that work was all we ever seemed to do,” Jessica explains. “Any break in business hours just blurred with normal everyday life.” The pair realised it would be hard to change their ways while living in London and it suddenly felt the right time to leave. They had recently finished renovating their Camberwell home and were ready for a new project: they just didn’t know what – or where – that might be. “So we did the usual drive around the M25,” Jessica says. “We weren’t drawn to any particular area, but we both had a feel for the sort of house we would like. We must have been looking for about a year and offers on two separate houses fell through. It was such a disheartening time but then my mother suggested Faversham.” It was an inspired suggestion. They liked the feel of this medieval market town and looked at several houses but again without much success. “It was Darryl who spotted this one,” Jessica says. “If I’m honest, it sounded like my idea of hell: low ceilings, dark beams, old pub – no, thank you! But when we walked through the door, we couldn’t believe it was this huge open space and could see how much potential a place like this could have.” The pub, formerly The Castle Inn and one of the oldest in Kent, had been converted to residential use by the previous owner in the 1970s. “There hadn’t been much done structurally other than remove the bar areas. All the beams were exposed and it was gloomy and dark,” Jessica recalls. “The kitchen was pretty basic and dated and, as far as I could tell, all that had been done to the bedrooms was carpeting and the adding of pine doors.” Overall, the property turned out to be structurally sound and just needed updating and rewiring. “We were happy to live with it for a while, but one thing that did need doing straightaway was the kitchen and that was our first job, six months after moving in,” Jessica says. The kitchen is in the Georgian extension and the couple wanted cabinetry that felt true to this part of the house. “We couldn’t afford a bespoke kitchen, but fortunately Darryl knows a cabinet-maker, so we worked on a design together,” Jessica says. The unusual pink marble worktops, however, were a bit of a surprise addition. “I went to a stonemason in countryliving.com/uk

“An open space like this can take things from different periods and still feel homely”

One large space on the ground floor has been divided into living areas, one each side of the front door, offering lots of room for the whole family countryliving.com/uk

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THIS PAGE, LEFT In one of the bedrooms, the tapestry throw was a gift from Jessica’s mother, the other was a great find in an odds and ends tub in a shop in the south of France BELOW “I got this unit as a baby changing table,” laughs Jessica. “It was probably the most impractical thing I have ever bought” OPPOSITE The colour for the master bedroom has yet to be decided, with painted swatches from a selection at Little Greene, Paint & Paper Library and Farrow & Ball. The throw on the bed came from Istanbul

Deal to look at slabs and had slate in mind,” she continues. “But the mason had just returned from Spain and had cleared an amazing villa. Suddenly, I was thinking, ‘Oooh, pink marble! Why not?’ It was such a lucky and unique find.” The rest of the home is, as Jessica would acknowledge, in a graceful state of gradual and gentle transformation. Paint colours are still in the process of being chosen, the well-used and inherited floor having regular updates with various rug layers, and furniture moves around the house as the family use it. There are lots of happy finds dotted throughout that reflect Jessica’s eclectic style. “I’ve got a lot of stuff and sometimes things get hidden away and I forget about them,” she admits. “I am constantly digging things out and moving them around – Darryl calls it ‘knick-knack Tetris’! And why not? Just because you’ve planned or designed something to look a certain way doesn’t mean you can’t change things around – that way, you fall back in love with them.” And it is this kind of everyday re-styling that keeps the home fresh and seasonally evocative or gives room to grow as the family does so. “Open-plan living can be messy and doesn’t necessarily work when you’re all trying to do your own thing,” Jessica admits. “But we’re fortunate to have such great spaces. One of us can be working at the desk, there can be someone lounging on the sofa reading a book, and there is the table if someone wants to do something else – there are always options.” Two of the living areas are either side of the entrance, plus there is a lower room that had been used as a dining room but which Jessica and Darryl use as a family room. “We spend quite a lot of downtime here and it’s really cosy when the fire is on,” she continues. Jessica doesn’t subscribe to one particular interiors style. “I tend to like what I like, whether it’s a mid-century sofa or an antique ebonized cabinet,” she says. “And what’s nice about an open space like this is it can take things from different periods and it still feels homely.” With the pub interior in constant design flux, it seems to somehow mirror its earlier reincarnation as a convivial place of constant comings and goings. The interior now has a warm and inviting atmosphere and has become a welcoming backdrop for this busy, creative family. JESSICA’S HOUSE is available to rent for photography at lovelocations.co.uk.

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Everyday re-styling keeps the home fresh and seasonally evocative

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The gardening year at WOODHILL MANOR In the final part of our seasonal series from this inspirational country garden, we celebrate the confectionery colours and sweet scents of spring WORDS BY PAULA MCWATERS PHOTOGRAPHS BY JASON INGRAM STYLING BY KATE HALLS AND LISA FIRTH

CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT The Gardeners’ Retreat; photobooks document Woodhill’s garden through the seasons; flower seedlings are transplanted in mid to late May; acers provide height in the coach house borders; pink tulips with Geum ‘Totally Tangerine’; an eggcup posy OPPOSITE Kate’s sewing box filled with lilac, hawthorn, bluebells and Narcissus ‘Petrel’

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THIS PAGE, TOP The coach house courtyard is filled with early colour ABOVE Head gardener Kate OPPOSITE Tulips are cut for the house

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hen head gardener Kate Halls and her assistant Lisa Firth talk about spring at Woodhill Manor, they can barely contain their excitement. “Everything is so verdant and full of promise and there are tulips everywhere,” Kate says. “You see all that new growth coming through and you’re torn between stopping to look at it and falling over yourself to get the jobs done.” It is a seasonal highlight in this two-acre garden: the culmination of many months of hard work – from the planting up of thousands of bulbs in the autumn to the long hours of seed sowing in the greenhouse in winter. “By the beginning of May, the benches are rammed,” Kate says. “We have to keep moving seed trays and modules around to make space for more.” There is a rigorous system in place to prevent them losing track of what they have sown. Every

single tray of seedlings is listed on a whiteboard in the greenhouse and is given a different colour label according to which area of the garden its contents are destined for. So there’s pink for the cutting garden, blue for the coach house beds, red for the perennial borders and so on. “We grow many thousands of flowers from seed, so this is an idea we introduced a few years ago,” Lisa says. “It helps us keep an eye on what stock we have and we can readily find what we need.” “Messing about with colour” is one of the things that Kate and Lisa, along with parttime assistants Sonia Dodridge and Victoria Menzies, relish. They pore over seed and plant catalogues and are forever tweaking their plans to arrive at the most pleasing combinations. Kate generously shares these plans online on Instagram and once these are in bloom, she will capture them in exquisite flat lays (arrangements of flowers photographed from countryliving.com/uk

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Cut flowers are always wanted for the house, so it’s helpful to have a mix of colours to hand

RUSTED IRON OBELISK BY LEANDERPLANTSUPPORTS.CO.UK

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“We have to keep moving seed trays and modules around to make space for more” OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Everything is closeplanted in the cutting beds so that it all grows up to support each other; flat lays are photographed to keep a record of the season’s delights; growth is lush and rapid in the herbaceous borders in spring THIS PAGE, FROM ABOVE LEFT The greenhouse is the powerhouse of the garden, where many hundreds of seedlings are raised; by May, the seedlings are ready to be moved outside into the various beds and borders

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above). It was this documenting that gave her the idea to produce an annual record of the gardens for Woodhill’s owners. In the courtyard outside the manor’s 19thcentury coach house is a garden dedicated to spring. The tulips here are what Kate describes as “a sweetie mix” – a stunning collection of cottage late varieties in confectionery colours (supplied as a ready-mix by jparkers.co.uk), to which they add their own picks, such as candy pink and white Tulipa ‘Ollioules’, tangerine ‘Dordogne’ and subtle ‘Violet Beauty’. They come up under a canopy of Japanese acers and white-stemmed birches, and around them is a beautiful collection of perennials – longlasting Geum ‘Totally Tangerine’, Tellima grandiflora, sanguisorba and sedums, and grasses such as Pennisetum ‘Dark Desire’ and P. ‘Red Buttons’ and Panicum ‘Northwind’. Cut flowers are always wanted for the house, so it is helpful to have a ready-made mixture of

colours to hand. Old enamel coffee pots, picked up at French brocantes, make ideal containers. Around the garden, Kate and her team enjoy putting together little posies of spring flowers in hanging glass vases or even a tiny eggcup. It is something they make time for, savouring each season’s bounty while it lasts. Another area from which they regularly pick armfuls of cow parsley and red campion at this time of year is the wild-flower meadow beside the main drive. It is tended by Kate’s partner Sean Bird, who manages the wider estate with his assistant Gabor Kamondi. In recent years, blue lupins have been introduced here and the team regularly distribute their seed to encourage them to spread. Biodiversity is important to everyone at Woodhill and this is one of the many areas where wildlife can thrive. Up at the top of the garden, on the sunny south-facing slope in front of the beautiful weather-boarded Gardeners’ Retreat, lie MAY 2021

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the cutting garden beds. These are one of the main areas where Kate and her team plant out their seedlings of cosmos, phlox, helichrysum and centaurea, scabious, calendula, rudbeckia and more, in mid to late May depending on the weather. By mixing up the varieties and planting them all tightly together, they end up with an exuberant, natural-looking flowerbed where all the plants support each other and nothing needs staking. What started out as an experiment has proved highly successful and Woodhill’s owners love the ultra-pretty cottage-garden effect it creates. When large enough to be transplanted, more seedlings need to go out in the

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herbaceous borders and coach house beds, and there are dahlias to plant and cuttings to take. Kate and her team must juggle all this with their ongoing maintenance tasks. Weeds, including an unfortunate outbreak of ground elder, grow as fast as the plants do, so hoeing and forking out these is a daily necessity. Edges are kept crisp with shears and a halfmoon edger, helping to ensure Woodhill always looks well-tended. “It can be slightly overwhelming at times,” Kate says, “but we are such a happy team and we feel lucky to be working together like this in a beautiful place. We absolutely love it.” THIS IS our last seasonal visit to Woodhill. You can find Kate’s Instagram account at @katesinthegarden.

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PHOTOGRAPHS (TOP RIGHT, BOTTOM ROW LEFT AND RIGHT) BY KATE HALLS

ABOVE Vintage enamel French coffee pots make fine containers for cut tulips FAR LEFT Cercis ‘Forest Pansy’ catches the light in the courtyard garden RIGHT, TOP ROW A seat in the wild-flower meadow; Kate relaxes with a book at lunchtime with dogs Jack and Millie for company MIDDLE ROW A posy in a hanging glass vase in the cutting garden; Lisa’s seedsowing book; meadow flowers are gathered in old tin pails BOTTOM ROW Kate is kept busy in the greenhouse; a mixed border by the coach house; a spring posy

Tips for

SPRINGTIME SPARKLE

1 TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS of your tulip

4 KEEP ON TOP OF WEEDING by doing

combinations so that you can easily remember them when you come to order new bulbs in autumn.

it little and often – both with a hand fork and also with a long-handled claw hoe.

5 REPEAT SOW ANNUAL SEEDS such as

2 WASH THE GLASSHOUSE WINDOWS inside and out – clean glass makes a huge difference to light levels for your seed sowing.

cornflowers, cosmos and phlox every two weeks, as this will give you an extended flowering season.

3 TAKE SOFTWOOD CUTTINGS of salvias,

6 READ AND FOLLOW ADVICE on your

dahlias and pelargoniums to increase your stock of plants for free.

seed packets! It sounds obvious but it will help give you the best results for that variety.

HOME INSPIRATION

Cool, calm and COLLECTED

Muted, milky shades set off simple rustic furnishings and unique vintage finds in this serene Georgian house in East Sussex

WORDS BY JO LEEVERS PHOTOGRAPHS BY RACHAEL SMITH PRODUCED BY BEN KENDRICK

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OPPOSITE Antique coral, a vintage Swedish horse on wheels and newer ceramics work well together thanks to their similar, putty-pale colour THIS PAGE, FAR LEFT An antique Swedish sofa is layered with sheepskins LEFT A worn and scrapedback Italian cabinet in the dining room holds old and new ceramics BELOW In the dining area, a French vintage table is paired with chairs reupholstered in grainy linen and subtle gilt decorative elements

hen Minnie Craske moved to this Georgian home in Hurst Green, East Sussex, she set about the process of eradicating all traces of the colour orange. “I painted over or replaced bright pine boards with salvaged oak and ripped up lengths of sisal carpet,” she says. In place of these orange shades, she ushered in softer colours of clay, cream and stone and then added simple rustic furniture, gilt mirrors and scraped-back Swedish and French antiques. “The feeling now is far calmer and cohesive, cosier in some spaces and light and airy in others,” she adds. This is a house that reveals itself in stages, with downstairs rooms peeling off the central double dining space, which was knocked through years before Minnie and her family arrived. Facing the street is an intimate sitting room, while a family room, once an adjoining barn, is a more contemporary beamed space with a pitched roof. This leads out into the secluded courtyard garden, as does the dining room. “The rooms are almost arranged in a circle, which means that in the summer we can open all the doors and enjoy a surprisingly modern indoor-outdoor feel,” Minnie explains. Minnie lives here with her husband Pete and they have four children: James is 19; Harriet is 20 and at university, while Beth and Emily are both in their twenties and live away from home. The family also has two rescue dogs, Bella the beagle and Dee Dee, a Spanish Podenco, and are sometimes joined by temporary canine visitors, as Minnie fosters rescue dogs when they first arrive from abroad. “I’m always at the ready, but I never quite know what breed or size of dog will turn up on our doorstep,” she says. The family moved here from a Victorian home in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, and the house immediately felt right for Minnie, who is known for bringing together milky countryliving.com/uk

THIS PAGE A former barn is now an airy family room that has more contemporary furniture but is still strong on textures OPPOSITE Minnie has also incorporated her vintage style into the sunny courtyard

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THIS PAGE, RIGHT In their son James’s bedroom, steely greys and blues add definition to an antique-style bed frame. A vintage train luggage rack works as storage above the bed FAR RIGHT Floorboards on the landing have been stripped and painted white, while the bathroom panelling is in the earthier shade of Farrow & Ball’s Hardwick White OPPOSITE A guest bedroom mixes the woven textures of an oversized macramé pendant with chunky Moroccan throws – an antique Swedish chest of drawers is a favourite piece. Starburst mirrors are a mainstay of Minnie’s style

shades, interesting textures and elegant antique furniture. In fact, one reason she loved this home is because it came with a shop space, from where she now runs her business Decorative Antiques UK. “On quiet days, I can be getting on with things at my desk in the house, then, when the doorbell rings, I can just nip into the shop to meet my customer,” she smiles. A stable door divides the shop from their home and the interiors styles on both sides are pretty similar. “Some antiques dealers are more hard-headed and will buy things simply because they will sell well. But I’ve only ever been able to buy what I genuinely love, pieces that I’d happily have in my own home,” Minnie says. However, moving from a townhouse to more cottage-sized rooms did mean that Minnie had to whittle down some of her belongings: “It was a really valuable exercise in refining my style and working out which elements and shades work best together.” As a result, the family’s neatly proportioned rooms are home to the cream of her antiques and vintage crop. “I’m never going to be a minimalist – that would be a step too far,” she says, smiling. “But it feels as if the decorative elements add something to each room without overwhelming the Georgian mood.” So, carved vintage wooden furniture mixes easily with gilt-framed mirrors, while antique coral sits beside chunky handmade ceramics. Then there are shells from local beaches or feathers picked from the ground on country walks. After they moved here, Minnie deliberately kept an eye out for pieces of furniture with smaller and neater proportions, which is always popular with her customers, too. “Little rustic milking stools are a favourite,” she says. “Sometimes I’ll buy one for us and one for the shop.” Whether wood, fabric or ceramic, most things in Minnie’s home are cast in naturally muted shades: “I’ve found that using light colours helps to unite my designs and also make

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the rooms feel larger,” she explains. She loves to combine different textures, too. “I like a bit of bling in the form of an antique mirror or crystal chandelier, but I also love weathered and worn pieces,” she says. For Minnie, discovering an antique carved horse or a cabinet that has been scraped back so several layers of old paint still peep through is far more appealing than slathering layers of chalk paint onto a new item: “It feels as if you are getting a glimpse of the layers of time. That patina is what gives a piece true presence.” In the family room, there’s a more contemporary feel, with a modern sofa beneath a South African chandelier made from strings of hand-rolled clay beads. “The front living room is where we sit by the fire in winter, but this is a lovely big space that we can all relax in during spring and summer and make the most of the warmth,” Minnie says. At weekends, family mealtimes often spread out into the secluded courtyard, which is paved with bricks and is abundant with plants. “I don’t miss having a grass garden because we’ve got lovely countryside right on our doorstep,” Minnie says. “Before I open the shop in the morning, I’ll take the dogs out into the fields. Often we can walk for miles without seeing anyone.” Her East Sussex location is also well placed for buying trips, whether she’s heading to vintage fairs at Ardingly or Kempton, or travelling over the channel to French and Belgian brocantes. “Adapting to this Georgian home has refined my style, but I’m still open to new finds,” Minnie says. “That thrill of spotting something really beautiful in a market – a piece that really ‘sings’ to me – is something I’ll never be able to resist.” FOR MORE INFORMATION on Minnie’s business Decorative Antiques UK, visit decorativeantiquesuk.com; @decorativeantiquesuk.

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“Using light colours helps to unite my designs and also make the rooms feel larger”

Step into the STUMPERY At Arundel Castle, spring flowers sparkle among twisted tree roots in an enchanting garden created from the casualties of the great storm of 1987 WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY CAROLE DRAKE

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THE DETAILS STYLE Densely planted stumpery within a walled garden, which also features the Collector Earl’s Garden, a kitchen garden and a cut-flower garden SEASONS OF INTEREST All year round but most colourful in spring and early summer SIZE 500 square metres of the two-acre walled garden SOIL Alkaline, so lots of leaf mould is added every year to bring the pH down to neutral

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ivid and irresistible, the Stumpery at Arundel Castle in West Sussex erupts in May with purples, pinks, blues and acid greens, as flowers, tendrils, leaves and fronds weave themselves in and around a scaffold of upturned roots, as bleached and bony as the remains of horned beasts. Created in 2014 by visionary head gardener Martin Duncan and his talented team, using casualties of the great storm of 1987 collected from across the Arundel Estate, this is an intensely gardened corner of the walled garden, with the soaring Gothic revival traceries of the town’s cathedral as a spectacular backdrop. A stumpery is an arrangement of tree stumps and the plants that might grow among them on the woodland floor, and although Arundel’s is on a grand scale, a garden of any size can be sprinkled with a little bit of this sylvan magic. If stumps are in short supply, they can be supplemented with logs, driftwood and bark to create a similar effect, and although stumperies have traditionally been created for shady areas that mimic woodland conditions, there are other possibilities, as Arundel’s technicolour example so brilliantly shows. Shade-loving plants, including tree fern Dicksonia antarctica, are arranged against the wall here, but as the majority of Arundel’s Stumpery enjoys plentiful light, it is suitable for an eclectic mix of plants. Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii, or Mediterranean spurge, with its large, rounded heads of chartreuse ‘bracts’, rubs shoulders with sun-tolerant ferns such as Dryopteris wallichiana, the alpine wood fern, which has dark, scaly midribs. Alliums, including Allium hollandicum ‘Purple Sensation’, pop up among the super-sized, puckered blue-green leaves of Hosta sieboldiana var. elegans. “Visitors sometimes think the allium flowers belong to the hostas,” Martin says. “We’re trying to make something unusual and fun, a contemporary version of a traditional feature.” A Victorian invention, the first stumpery was created at Biddulph Grange in Staffordshire in 1856, described in

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The Gardeners’ Chronicle as ‘a rustic root garden’, where hundreds of stumps were packed closely together to a height of three metres each side of a woodland walk. The idea soon caught on but was short lived, although in recent times, Prince Charles’s theatrical version at Highgrove House, designed by Isabel and Julian Bannerman, has sparked a resurgence of interest. Dead and rotting wood provides an important habitat for many invertebrates and consequently draws the birds and small mammals that prey on them, including hedgehogs, so this is a great way of attracting wildlife to any garden. Arundel’s Stumpery is home to rare stag beetles that lay their eggs in decaying wood, so called because the male’s large jaws resemble antlers. “Although they will rot away eventually, the stumps are hardwood, mostly yew, sweet chestnut and oak, so they will last a lot longer than softwood species such as horse chestnut,” Martin explains. It took him four days to arrange the stumps, aided by a contractor with a mini-digger: “We turned all the big ones upside down and sank them about a metre into the ground. You have to bury enough of the stump to make it safe and look natural.” Three were interlocked on a mound of earth to create a three-metre-high centrepiece that echoes the traceries of the cathedral behind. Spaces between the roots were then packed with soil and masses of leaf mould. Bracken has made an appearance and Martin thinks that this may be because some roots still held onto soil and stones from their original locations. “I don’t mind. I quite like its structure and we just keep on top of it by regularly pulling bits out,” he says. Small plants such as wild strawberries and primroses seed themselves into cracks and fissures, and a colony of London Pride Saxifraga x urbium thrives in a shallow trough between silvery, countryliving.com/uk

OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP A thatched roundhouse encircled by Phacelia tanacetifolia and Dutch iris; edible chive flowers; Aquilegia ‘Nora Barlow’; funnel-shaped flowers of

Echium pininana; Allium ‘Purple Rain’ THIS PAGE, FROM ABOVE The path through the Stumpery is bounded on one side by a yew hedge; ferns, periwinkles, alliums and saxifrage cover the stumps

THIS PAGE, ABOVE The sculptural stumps make a striking display BELOW Phacelia tanacetifolia (known as

fiddleneck) complements the deep purple petals of Iris × hollandica OPPOSITE Curling fern fronds and upright alliums

pointed roots as if scooped up by a pair of lignified jaws. Martin likes to encourage colonisers by scattering seeds of field poppies and cornflowers into the stumps. They are well populated with mosses, lichen and fungi now, too – the fruiting bodies that pop out from time to time are a clue to the process going on inside. For early spring colour, Martin brings delicate species tulips on in pots and drops them into gaps, and in early summer, Dierama pulcherrima, or angels’ fishing rods, cast their arching stems of pink flowers into the mix among martagon lilies and lupins. So many plants are packed into the Stumpery that weeds are not much of a problem. Copious leaf mould is added every year and dead foliage and flowers are tidied up when necessary. In 2017, three liquidambar trees, Liquidambar styraciflua, were added to the Stumpery, part of a group that was used to decorate the Cathedral for the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk’s eldest son (Arundel Castle is the seat of the Dukes of Norfolk). They bring some dappled shade and wonderful autumn colour to the garden as their star-shaped leaves turn orange, crimson and purple before falling. “Children seem to like the Stumpery a lot. I’ve heard it called the Hobbit garden and the Harry Potter garden. I think it allows them to use their imaginations and disappear into another world,” says Martin, who likes this area of the garden best in winter when the stumps stand out in all their glory. Garden cats Tilly and Pippin enjoy it, too, sharpening their claws on the rough wood. Whether on two, four or even six legs, this dream-like garden has something for everyone. FOR MORE INFORMATION on the gardens at Arundel Castle in West Sussex, visit arundelcastle.org.

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GA R D E N I N G

HOW TO START A STUMPERY APPROACH LOCAL LANDOWNERS or tree surgeons to see if they have any spare stumps. They are not always easy to get hold of. Do not remove them from woodland without the owner’s permission. Some nurseries offer stumps and logs. TEST YOUR SOIL so you know whether it is acidic or alkaline or in between (neutral) and therefore which plants will enjoy your conditions. CLEAR THE SITE OF WEEDS, particularly perennial ones. CONSIDER WHERE and how to place your stumps to showcase their ‘best’ side. BURY PART OF EACH STUMP IN SOIL to help keep it moist and so it looks natural. INFILL AREAS BETWEEN ROOTS with a mix of topsoil and leafmould. Leafmould makes a great soil conditioner. PLANT A SHADY STUMPERY with ferns, hostas, epimediums, wood anemones and geraniums.

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Camassia flower spikes open from the bottom up, gradually revealing their stunning star-shaped blooms. Camassia cusickii ‘Zwanenburg’ is a beauty that likes moist conditions and some part-shade. Order bulbs now from National Collection holder Hare Spring Cottage Plants (hare springcottageplants. co.uk) to plant in the autumn.

A good read

Gardener’s notebook Gardening editor Paula McWaters shows how to get the best from your plot in May

ay is a mesmerising month in the garden – if I sat cross-legged on my lawn, I reckon

Dolly tubs and buckets bursting with flowers are crammed into Arthur Parkinson’s five-metre-deep front yard and in his book The Flower Yard (Kyle Books, £22), he demonstrates how a tiny space and a lack of open ground is no barrier to growing your own floral jungle. Arthur regards pots as living vases, which he can fill with flamboyant displays for spring and summer. Here, he takes us on an entertaining and informative romp around his own plot to show us how he does it.

To-do list Tie in climbers regularly

I could actually watch the flowers grow.

to give them support

The pace of growth is extraordinary, not

Keep down the weeds

only in the newly emerging blooms but also in the lush

by hoeing little and often

green leaves that unfurl. One of my favourite foliage plants

Plant up containers

is the hosta. Slugs plague our heavy clay garden, so I grow

at the end of the month

my hostas in pots and surround each pot with a line of slug-repelling copper tape. It’s worth going to a specialist for the plants: nurseries such as multiple medal-

Pot on seedlings when big enough to handle

winning Bowdens (bowdenhostas.com) offer amazing varieties. Take a look at the

Watch for vine weevils

miniatures, such as tiny-leaved ‘Cotillion’ and ‘Iced Lemon’, then contrast them with

– treat with nematodes

giants such as the handsome ‘Blue Hawaii’ and gold-edged ‘Snow Bunting’. But

Sow seeds outdoors

for sheer good looks – and glossy, pest-resistant leaves – it’s hard to beat ‘Devon

of half-hardy annual flowers

Green’. I have admired this many times at RHS Chelsea Flower Show and this

Take softwood cuttings

year I’ve put in an order. Follow Paula’s progress on Instagram @paulalifeandsoil. countryliving.com/uk

of herbs and shrubs MAY 2021

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Let it grow

Celebrate Garden Day

WATER WISE This apple-green powder-coated zinc watering can is both good looking and well designed. With a long narrow spout for precise watering and a well-balanced handle, it holds 0.9 litres and costs £9.99 from Hortology. hortology.co.uk

TWIGGY STICKS

Stem sell

I love these rusted-steel seed-head sculptures, designed and handmade by James Fox and his partner Catherine in their Devon garden workshop. Part of a large range of garden ornaments and panels, these pieces gently age and add interest to a border. They come in petite, medium and grande, at 1.2m high, from £28 each (01803 612370; mrfoxsgarden.com).

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Peas and tall annuals need some support to stop them flopping over. While bamboo canes are fine, you can greatly improve the look of your plot by using twiggy pea sticks. Some nurseries and garden centres stock them, or you can contact The Small Woods Association (coppice-products. co.uk) to find local coppice workers for supplies. Hazel bean poles are available from the same sources. countryliving.com/uk

PHOTOGRAPH BY ALAMY. ILLUSTRATION BY ALLIRA TEE

There’s no doubting the boost that gardening has given us over the past year. Three million new UK gardeners have sprung into action since the start of the pandemic, according to some reports, and it’s great to have an excuse to press pause and enjoy the fruits of our labours. So, mark Sunday 9 May in your diary: it’s Garden Day, a grassroots project that encourages friends, families and communities to come together – virtually if not in person – to celebrate all that’s good about gardening. Fashion yourself a flower crown, host a lunch, demolish a cream tea, raid your borders or play skittles. Just get outside and take time to smell the roses. For more details, see gardenday.co.uk.

Lettuce ‘Bronze Beauty’ is one of the old heritage varieties championed by The Organic Gardening Catalogue. The attractive leaves are an unusual arrow shape and tinged with bronze. The flavour is mild and sweet and it’s a variety that is slow to bolt; £2.50 for 150 seeds (0344 967 0330; organiccatalogue.com).

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heritage shades – Aurora Green (top) and Thorpe Grey (all above) – chosen to look wonderfully natural and blend in seamlessly with the surroundings. There’s also a one-litre tin of top-up paint included for future maintenance, if needed. Each Country Living outdoor garden building is delivered and installed by trusted suppliers. They all come with a threeyear paint guarantee and up to 15-years’ anti-rot warranty as standard, so they’re sure to stand the test of time.

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Wellbeing F O R M I N D & B O DY

Stroll down MEMORY LANE Country walks and clean thinking could be your route to a more switched-on mind. Here’s how to hold that thought WORDS BY NICOLA DOWN

here was once a time when the mere act of agreeing to do something was enough to log it into my memory. Now, I rely on Alexa (even then, I’m not making a promise) and I have lost count of the number of times I’ve turned bottles of white wine into Slush Puppies when I’ve left them in the freezer to chill and forgotten about them. I’m not alone in noticing fuzzier thinking either. Friends talk about going blank when trying to remember their card PIN or forgetting where they’ve parked the car. But while these brain fogs and mild memory lapses are common as we get older (particularly during the perimenopause and menopausal years), they are not countryliving.com/uk

inevitable. What happens to our brains as we age is complex and varies from person to person but, broadly speaking, brain function can be split into two. There’s the mechanics (responsible for things like information processing and memory) that can gradually slow with age, and there’s the brain’s pragmatic functions (drawing upon accumulated knowledge and experience to make decisions), which actually improve with age. This new wisdom we’re clocking up with every birthday is one of the reasons why Dr Daniel Levitin, a leading neuroscientist and author of The Changing Mind, believes it’s possible to hold mental deterioration in check. “While memory, reasoning and speed can slightly slow with age, our mental vitality MAY 2021

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need not,” he says. In fact, it’s unlikely to be our minds tripping us up but our increasingly hectic lives, a culture of multitasking and a plugged-in society. “Busy is good for the brain, but overwhelmed is not,” Dr Levitin says. “When you’re at a high level of demand and are stretched thin, you may have a feeling of being less mentally sharp, but chances are you’re not losing your keys because of your memory, but because you weren’t paying attention to where you put them.” The problem is that we’re increasingly doing one thing while thinking of (or being distracted by) another. “With age, the prefrontal cortex changes in ways that make us more distractible – and distractibility is the enemy of memory encoding,” Dr Levitin says. “Short-term memory depends on you actively paying attention to something, but if you start thinking about something else, even momentarily, or are distracted by your phone pinging, this can disrupt your short-term memory. Our ability to automatically restore this memory declines slightly every decade after the age of 30.” The answer? Monotasking rather than multitasking and being more mindful of the distractions posed by smartphones and other tech. Dr Levitin suggests practising

good digital hygiene: only checking emails a few times a day at times you decide and switching off other tech alerts, so you stay engaged with the task at hand. “Many of us need to step back and think, ‘What can I do about distractions?’ rather than, ‘What can I do about memory?’” he says. We also need to get more involved in what we need to remember because, according to Dr Levitin, passively listening is a sure-fire way to forget something. “We tend to remember best the things that we pay the most attention to,” he says. “Actively using information, generating and regenerating it, engages more areas of the brain than merely listening. For example, if you forget names, saying, ‘Nice to meet you, Tom. Have you read any good books lately, Tom?’ could boost your recall by 50 per cent with very little effort. Writing things down and making lists are also useful, and there’s a growing body of research to suggest that drawing what you need to remember forces your brain into a deeper kind of processing, too.”

RESET YOUR INTERNAL CLOCK Looking after your chronobiology – the set of internal clocks that regulate various cycles of attention, energy, restoration

Busy is good for the brain, but overwhelmed is not. When you’re stretched thin, you may feel less mentally sharp 156

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WELLBEING

STRETCH YOUR MIND There’s a wave of research that suggests meditation can also help lift the brain fog. “It involves maintaining attention to your immediate experience in the moment, and away from distractions and mind wandering, and this can make your brain more efficient,” Dr Levitin says. “In research, long-term meditators show structural changes in the brain, but even brief meditation reduces fatigue and anxiety, and increases processing and working memory. In many cases, these benefits last even after meditation practice has stopped.” So, each day, take a few minutes to bring yourself back to the present, focus on your breathing and relax. Your mind will work better for it. Making time for relationships – for your partner, friends, family, and to extend your social circle with people both younger and older than you – is also important. “Studies have found that a bigger predictor than cholesterol level at age 50 for health at age 80 is the quality of your relationships, with those having people who they can count on in their time of need retaining sharper memories for longer,” Dr Levitin says. “Social interaction – being around others – activates nearly every part of our brains and uses relatively advanced cognitive operations.” So spend more time with others and you might find you’re less likely to forget their birthdays (and the bottle of wine you put in the freezer to help celebrate them).

READ ON The Changing Mind: A Neuroscientist’s Guide to Ageing Well by Daniel Levitin (Penguin Life, £18.99) is out now.

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALUN CALLENDER; CAMERA PRESS; LIVING4MEDIA. ARTWORK BY ANGIE LEWIN

and repair that our brains and bodies go through – is also key. “When these are not functioning properly, neurons degenerate, cell metabolism is compromised, and the body’s normal system of cellular repair is disrupted,” Dr Levitin says. The cornerstones of good chronobiology are diet, sleep and staying physically active. Exercising regularly improves blood flow to the brain, which keeps nerve cells healthy and supplied with oxygen. But while walking or running on a treadmill is good, taking a walk outside, particularly one in nature, is better. “Walking on an unpaved trail outdoors requires you to make hundreds of micro adjustments to foot pressure, angle and pace, and to adapt to new things, and this can make an enormous difference in fending off cognitive decline,” Dr Levitin says. A top tip to help with this? Before you’re about to learn something new, do something active – whether that’s going for a brisk walk or an energising yoga class: “When you get your heart rate up just before a mental task, you prime the brain with increased blood flow, which creates an enriched setting for mental activity.” A balanced, nutrient-rich diet is also vital for brain health, and there’s growing evidence that suggests gut microbiome may also play a role. “We already know that serotonin is important for mood, memory and anxiety, and it turns out that 90 per cent of the serotonin in the body resides in the gut,” Dr Levitin says. “Kefir, yogurt and other fermented milk products containing probiotics could have a positive effect on mood and the brain’s emotional centres.” Don’t underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep either. “It’s only recently that we’ve begun to fully appreciate the enormous amount of cognitive processing that happens when we’re asleep,” Dr Levitin says. “Consolidation of memories takes place, alongside problem solving and emotional processing.” Go to bed at the same time every night as much as possible and wake up at the same time every morning – even on weekends. “Even a slight change to your schedule can affect memory and alertness for days,” Dr Levitin continues.

Put roses in your cheeks Skincare with subtle, rose-tinted pigments is perfect for complexions that still need perking up after winter. It suits all skin tones and is particularly effective at giving a healthy glow to more mature complexions. Pixi Rose Radiance Perfector (£14, pixibeauty.co.uk) instantly reduces any dullness or sallowness. For extra brightening, brush Glow-y Powder in Rose Dew (£14) onto the apples of cheeks.

Wellbeing

F O R M I N D & B O DY Feelgood tips and advice from our health and beauty editor Kate Langrish

Had a makeup ‘fast’ over lockdown? Feast your eyes on Bobbi Brown Crushed Shine Jelly Stick (£25, bobbi brown.co.uk). It contains lip-plumping hyaluronic acid and apricot, cherry and papaya fruit oils to give a moisture boost as well as a hint of colour.

NEW ROUTE TO A BETTER BRAIN?

PHOTOGRAPHS BY GETTY IMAGES. *WILD GARLIC MAY BE CONFUSED WITH LILY OF THE VALLEY, SO RUB LEAVES BETWEEN FINGERS TO CHECK FOR A GARLIC SCENT. ALWAYS ENSURE YOU ARE CONFIDENT OF PLANT IDENTIFICATION, AND CHECK WITH LANDOWNER BEFORE FORAGING

For cartophiles like me, a sat-nav is no match for a paper map – and now research shows that unfolding an OS may be better for your brain than listening to directions on your phone. A study by University College London found that participants who were following sat-nav directions had less activity in the areas of the brain associated with memory, navigation and planning than those who had to find their own way. In other research, brain scans of London taxi drivers revealed that their hippocampus (associated with spatial awareness) had developed and adapted to store mental maps of the city. For me, traditional maps with their contour lines and symbols provide a connection to the landscape you simply don’t get with the narrow radius of a sat-nav.

Shelf help If you’d like to tap into the healing properties of essential oils but are unsure where to start, then Essential Oils – A Little Introduction to Their Uses and Health Benefits (Running Press, £4.99) by Cerridwen Greenleaf is just what you need. This pocket-sized book is packed with information about the 100 most popular essential oils, how best to use them and what they can do for you.

Forage for wild garlic! Many woodlands are carpeted with this pungent plant at this time of year. Gather it up to add to salads or blitz into a pesto. Some studies suggest that the leaves may help to lower blood pressure.* countryliving.com/uk

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Dish up the SUNSHINE The essence of early summer bursts forth from Moro chef Sam Clark’s deliciously light, meat-free dishes RECIPES BY SAM CLARK PHOTOGRAPHS BY LAURA EDWARDS FOOD DIRECTOR ALISON WALKER

pinch of paprika and saffron, or cinnamon and cumin, or perhaps allspice with caraway – these are the aromas of chef Sam Clark’s food. She is the co-head chef of Moro and Morito, two Moorish-inspired restaurants in London, with her husband, also called Sam. Neither of the chefs are vegetarian, but come spring they tend to eat this way. “The beauty of vegetarian food is in the endless array of ingredients – it’s zingy and light and leaves you really satisfied,” Sam says. “The vibrancy of veg just makes you feel good.”

FOOD & DRINK

ASPARAGUS WITH YOGURT, CARAMELISED BUTTER AND WALNUTS Nothing beats asparagus when it’s in season. Served simply, the true flavour is captured – this is just as good on its own as when served on the side. The combination of yogurt and caramelised butter is good with so many things, from green veg to fish. Preparation 10 minutes Cooking 3 minutes Serves 4 50G BUTTER 1KG GREEN ASPARAGUS 200G GREEK YOGURT 1 SMALL GARLIC CLOVE, CRUSHED TO A PASTE WITH ½ TSP SALT 1 TBSP LEMON JUICE 3 TBSP EXTRA-VIRGIN OLIVE OIL 1 TSP ALEPPO CHILLI FLAKES (ALSO CALLED PUL BIBER), HOT PAPRIKA OR CAYENNE 100G WALNUTS, TOASTED AND ROUGHLY CHOPPED

1 Melt the butter in a small saucepan over a medium heat. Once it has turned a golden brown, it has caramelised. Remove and stir well to lift the tiny golden nuggets stuck to the bottom of the pan. Keep warm. 2 Snap off and discard the woody ends from the asparagus. Rinse the remaining stalks with water and put in a colander. Mix the yogurt with the garlic paste and loosen with water if it is too thick – it should be a pouring consistency. 3 Bring a deep saucepan of salted water to the boil. Add the asparagus tips end up and put on the lid. Boil for 2-3 minutes or until tender, depending on the thickness. They shouldn’t be crunchy. Drain, then dress with the lemon juice, olive oil and salt and freshly ground black pepper. Arrange the asparagus on a warm plate, pour over the yogurt, spoon over the caramelised butter and sprinkle with the chilli flakes and walnuts.

COURGETTE SALAD WITH CHILLI AND LEMON Fresh, light and lemony, this salad goes well with a scattering of cooked prawns, too.

75G WHOLE BLANCHED ALMONDS, LIGHTLY TOASTED AND ROUGHLY CHOPPED

Preparation 10 minutes Serves 4

1 Slice the courgettes into very thin rounds, ideally with a mandoline. Put in a bowl and season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then add the lemon juice and olive oil. Toss well and spread over a large plate, arranging the courgettes decoratively in circles. 2 Scatter the lemon zest, chopped parsley, shredded mint, chilli and chopped almonds over the courgettes. Lightly season and eat immediately.

3-4 MEDIUM COURGETTES, TRIMMED ZEST OF ½ LEMON AND 1 TBSP LEMON JUICE 4 TBSP EXTRA-VIRGIN OLIVE OIL 1 TBSP FLAT-LEAF PARSLEY, ROUGHLY CHOPPED 1 TBSP FINELY SHREDDED MINT 1 TSP FRESH RED CHILLI, DESEEDED AND FINELY CHOPPED countryliving.com/uk

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ARTICHOKE VINAIGRETTE WITH TOMATOES, CUMIN, CHOPPED EGG AND CORIANDER This dish is light and delicious as part of a convivial, relaxed meal. Set a platter in the middle of the table for everyone to throw in the discarded leaves. Preparation 15 minutes Cooking 30-40 minutes Serves 4 4 LARGE GLOBE ARTICHOKES, WELL RINSED 6-8 RIPE TOMATOES 1 LEVEL TBSP DIJON MUSTARD 2 TSP CUMIN, ROUGHLY GROUND 1 SMALL GARLIC CLOVE ½ TBSP LEMON JUICE ½ TBSP RED WINE VINEGAR WITH A PINCH OF SUGAR 100ML EXTRA-VIRGIN OLIVE OIL 100ML SUNFLOWER OIL 4 EGGS, HARD BOILED AND CHOPPED 1 TBSP RED ONION, FINELY CHOPPED 2 TBSP CORIANDER, ROUGHLY CHOPPED

1 Set a large stainless-steel saucepan filled halfway with water over a high heat and bring to the boil. Snap off and discard the artichoke stalks, and level the base with a knife. Trim the tips of the leaves with scissors to neaten. When the water starts to boil, add the tomatoes and leave for 10 seconds. Scoop out and cool under running water. Drain in a colander, peel, seed and chop. 2 Bring the water back to the boil and add the artichokes. Cover with water and simmer for 30-40 minutes. To check if they are ready, pull out a leaf about halfway down – if it comes out easily, it is done. Drain upside down in a colander for 5-10 minutes. 3 For the dressing, transfer half the tomatoes, the mustard, cumin, garlic, lemon juice and vinegar to a food processor. Season, blitz until smooth, then slowly pour in the oils until incorporated and emulsified. Check the seasoning; set aside. When the artichokes are ready, stir the remaining tomatoes, eggs, onion and coriander into the dressing and transfer to separate serving bowls.

BEETROOT AND ALMOND DIP Enjoy this bright and delicious dip with crunchy green salad or as a side to fish. A similar purée made with green olives and almonds is also wonderful. Preparation 10 minutes Cooking 35-40 minutes Serves 4 2-3 RAW BEETROOT (AROUND 400G), UNPEELED 100G WHOLE BLANCHED ALMONDS ½ GARLIC CLOVE, PEELED AND CRUSHED TO A PASTE WITH SALT 3 TBSP EXTRA-VIRGIN OLIVE OIL 2 TBSP SHERRY VINEGAR OR A GOOD-QUALITY RED WINE

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VINEGAR WITH A PINCH OF SUGAR 2 TBSP FRESH DILL, CHOPPED (OPTIONAL)

1 Put the beetroot in a saucepan, cover with water and bring to the boil. Cook for 35-40 minutes or until just tender, topping up the water if necessary. Drain and leave to cool. 2 Meanwhile, grind the almonds in a food processor until fine. Gradually add around 150ml water and process until it forms a paste. When incorporated, add the garlic and olive oil. 3 Peel and roughly chop the beetroot and add to the almond paste along with the vinegar and dill, if using, and blitz until almost smooth. Transfer to a bowl and check the seasoning. The dip can be kept, covered, in the fridge for a couple of days. countryliving.com/uk

FOOD & DRINK

RAISIN AND SAFFRON PILAF WITH SPINACH AND TAHINI SAUCE This rice dish is scented with sweet spices, nuts and fruit, and given crunch by the crispy onions. Serve with a leafy green salad and tomatoes on the side. Preparation 35 minutes, plus soaking Cooking 30 minutes Serves 4 300G BASMATI RICE 1 PINCH SAFFRON 450ML VERY HOT VEGETABLE STOCK, PLUS 4 EXTRA TBSP 125G BUTTER 2 LARGE ONIONS, PEELED 300ML SUNFLOWER OIL 2 TBSP TAHINI 200G GREEK YOGURT JUICE OF ½ LEMON 2 TBSP EXTRA-VIRGIN OLIVE OIL 400G SPINACH 4CM CINNAMON STICK OR 1 TSP GROUND CINNAMON ½ TSP GROUND ALLSPICE 25G CURRANTS 75G WHOLE BLANCHED ALMONDS, TOASTED AND CHOPPED 1 TBSP CHOPPED FLAT-LEAF PARSLEY LEMON WEDGES, TO SERVE

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1 Start by soaking the rice in salted water for 30 minutes. Soak the saffron separately in 4 tbsp vegetable stock and 25g butter. 2 Slice the onions thinly, ideally with a mandoline. Heat the oil in a large, deep saucepan. When hot, add half the onions and cook over a medium heat, stirring until golden. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper. Repeat with remaining onions. 3 For the tahini yogurt, put the tahini, yogurt, lemon juice and olive oil in a bowl, season with salt and pepper and mix well. If the mixture is too thick, loosen it with a splash of water. Set aside. 4 Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil and blanch the spinach for a minute. Drain in a colander and refresh under cold water. Squeeze to get rid of excess, transfer to a bowl and set aside. 5 Heat the remaining butter in a medium saucepan with the cinnamon and allspice for 2-3 minutes, until the butter begins to foam. Add half the crispy onions, followed by the currants and the almonds, and stir well. Add the rice to the pan, stir for a minute or two, then pour over the remaining vegetable stock; stir well. Check the seasoning. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and cook over a high heat for 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for a final 5-10 minutes, until the rice is cooked. 6 Remove the lid, check for seasoning and stir in the spinach; drizzle with the buttery saffron water. Replace the lid and leave to rest, off the heat, for 5-10 minutes. Top with the onions and parsley. Serve the tahini sauce on the side with a lemon wedge.

FOOD & DRINK

FRIED AUBERGINES WITH GREEN APPLE, WHIPPED FETA AND DATE MOLASSES Serve as a light lunch or as one sharing bowl. You can find date molasses at Waitrose, or use half runny honey and half black treacle mixed together. Preparation 35 minutes, plus standing Cooking 10 minutes Serves 4 2 MEDIUM AUBERGINES, SLICED INTO CIRCLES ABOUT 1CM THICK 200G FETA CHEESE 150ML OLIVE OIL, PLUS 1 TBSP EXTRA 150ML SUNFLOWER OIL 8 TBSP CHICKPEA/GRAM FLOUR (OR PLAIN FLOUR) ON A PLATE 1-2 GRANNY SMITH APPLES, CORED AND CUT INTO MATCHSTICKS (PREPARE AT THE END OR THEY WILL DISCOLOUR) 4 TBSP DATE MOLASSES

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1 Put the aubergine slices in a colander and toss with a large pinch of fine sea salt, leaving to stand for 30 minutes to get rid of any excess water and bitterness. 2 Meanwhile, put the feta in a food processor with 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp water and blitz until smooth, light and soft. Transfer to a bowl and chill. 3 Dry the aubergine on kitchen paper. Heat both the oils in a wide, deep frying pan until hot but not smoking. Coat each aubergine slice in the flour, dusting off any excess, and carefully place enough slices to form a single layer in the pan. Fry in batches until golden brown and crisp on both sides. Transfer to kitchen paper to absorb any excess oil, sprinkle with salt and keep warm in a low oven while you fry the other slices. Serve immediately with the apple matchsticks and whipped feta drizzled with date molasses.

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Italy These delicious bakes and sweet treats are perfect for an afternoon tea or will make a tempting dessert for a special supper RECIPES BY EMIKO DAVIES PHOTOGRAPHS BY LAUREN BAMFORD AND EMIKO DAVIES FOOD DIRECTOR ALISON WALKER

FOOD & DRINK

SWEET DEEP-FRIED PASTRY Alchermes, a Florentine liqueur, lends the pastry a slightly spiced perfume but you could substitute it for rum, vin santo or grappa. Preparation 25 minutes, plus resting Cooking about 10 minutes Makes about 25 240G PLAIN FLOUR 1 TBSP CASTER SUGAR 1½ TBSP OLIVE OIL, PLUS EXTRA FOR DEEP-FRYING 2 MEDIUM EGGS, BEATEN 1 TBSP ALCHERMES ZEST OF 1 LEMON ICING SUGAR, FOR DUSTING

1 Sift the flour, sugar and a pinch of salt into a bowl. Make a well in the centre and add 1½ tbsp oil, the eggs, Alchermes and lemon zest and beat with a fork, starting from the centre and moving out. Finish with your hands to make a compact ball of dough. Wrap it in clingfilm and leave to rest for at least 30 minutes. 2 Roll out the dough on a lightly floured worksurface to a 2-3mm thickness. With a frilled-edge pastry cutter, cut strips of dough about 2.5cm x 10cm in size. 3 Heat enough oil in a saucepan so that the dough will float. If you have a sugar thermometer, use it to determine when the oil reaches 150°C. The dough needs to fry evenly, not too fast and not too slow. You can test with small pieces of leftover pastry dough – the oil is ready to use when it starts to bubble immediately, surrounding the dough entirely with tiny bubbles. 4 Deep-fry the pastry in batches, twisting or knotting them as you carefully drop them in the hot oil. Cook for about 20-30 seconds per side until a golden caramel colour. Remove with a slotted spoon and leave to drain on kitchen paper. They should not be oily or greasy, but crisp and dry. Dust with plenty of icing sugar and serve warm or cold, with a small glass of vin santo.

APPLE CAKE If you don’t have Golden Delicious apples, use another good cooking apple, such as Pink Lady, Granny Smith or Bramley (the latter two are more tart, so apricot jam or a dusting of icing sugar would be welcome). Preparation 25 minutes Cooking about 1 hour Serves 8 125G UNSALTED BUTTER, SOFTENED, PLUS EXTRA FOR GREASING 2 LARGE GOLDEN DELICIOUS APPLES (OR OTHER GOOD COOKING APPLE), PEELED, CORED AND SLICED 1CM THICK JUICE AND ZEST OF 1 LEMON 180G WHITE GRANULATED SUGAR 3 MEDIUM EGGS

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150ML MILK 300G PLAIN FLOUR 1 TSP BAKING POWDER

1 Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan oven) gas mark 4. Grease and line a 23cm round cake tin. 2 Put the apple in a bowl with the lemon juice and 2 tbsp sugar. 3 Beat the remaining sugar with the butter until pale and creamy, add the eggs and beat well until you have a thick, pale mixture. Add the milk and the zest, then fold in the flour, baking powder, a pinch of salt and half of the apple slices, along with the lemon juice, to combine. 4 Pour into the tin and put the remaining apple slices all over the surface. Bake in the oven for 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and springy to the touch. MAY 2021

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FOOD & DRINK

CHOCOLATE AND AMARETTI FLAN You could also prepare this in a pudding mould or individual ovenproof ramekins. Preparation 20 minutes, plus chilling Cooking about 1 hour Serves 6-8 BUTTER, FOR GREASING 175G WHITE GRANULATED SUGAR 4 MEDIUM EGGS 375ML WHOLE MILK, WARMED 15G UNSWEETENED COCOA POWDER, SIFTED 35G AMARETTI (ABOUT 10 SMALL AMARETTI BISCUITS), CRUSHED, PLUS EXTRA FOR DECORATION SPLASH OF RUM OR GRAPPA (OPTIONAL)

1 Preheat the oven to 150°C (130°C fan oven) gas mark 2. Lightly grease a loaf tin, approximately 11cm x 25cm. 2 Put 100g sugar in a pan and shake or tap the pan so the sugar sits in a flat layer. Add 1 tbsp water and melt gently over a low-medium heat. Slowly, the sugar will melt and bubble,

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MAY 2021

appearing at first to look crystallised. Resist any temptation to stir it, but keep an eye on it until the sugar begins to turn liquid and then a pale amber colour. Now it will begin to change quite quickly; you can give the pan a swirl to make sure all the sugar crystals melt. As soon as it is completely liquid and the sugar is a deep amber colour, remove from the heat and pour it into the tin. This should take 5-7 minutes. 3 In a mixing bowl, gently whisk the eggs and the rest of the sugar by hand. Slowly add the warm milk, along with the sifted cocoa powder. Strain the mixture into another bowl, then add the crushed amaretti and the rum, if using. Pour into the tin, over the top of the caramel, then put the tin in a large, deep baking dish. Pour enough hot water into the baking dish to come halfway up the side of the tin and bake for 50 minutes, or until the top is set and springy. 4 Remove the flan from the oven and leave to cool completely before chilling in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. To serve, run a thin, sharp knife around the edges, then turn out onto a long, flat plate. Serve in slices with the caramel spooned over the top.

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HAZELNUT CAKE Rather than toasting the nuts or using shop-bought ground hazelnuts, I use raw hazelnuts that I blitz in a food processor just before baking for a moister cake. I like the nutty flavour with just a splash of espresso added to the batter, too. Preparation 25 minutes Cooking 35 minutes Serves 8 125G BUTTER, SOFTENED, PLUS EXTRA FOR GREASING 250G RAW, SHELLED HAZELNUTS 100G PLAIN FLOUR 1½ TSP BAKING POWDER 125G WHITE GRANULATED SUGAR 4 MEDIUM EGGS, SEPARATED 60ML FRESHLY BREWED ESPRESSO, COOLED 125ML WHOLE MILK

1 Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan oven) gas mark 4. Grease and line a round springform cake tin, which is approximately 23cm in diameter. 2 Blitz the hazelnuts in a food processor until fine, like the texture of sand. Put in a large bowl with the flour and baking powder. 3 Beat the butter and sugar together in another mixing bowl until it becomes pale and creamy. 4 Whisk the egg whites to stiff peaks. Add the yolks to the butter and sugar and mix. Next add the dry ingredients, then the cooled espresso and milk, and stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Finally, fold in the egg whites. 5 Gently pour the batter into the tin and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is springy and deep golden-brown – a skewer inserted into the middle of the cake should come out clean. Remove from the oven and leave to cool completely before removing from the tin. This cake keeps well for up to 3 days – store any leftovers in an airtight container in a cool place.

FOOD & DRINK

CHERRY FRITTERS These fritters should be fried rather slowly so that they cook all the way through – if the temperature is too high, they will brown too quickly and remain raw inside. It is a good idea to scoop out any little drops of batter that have fallen into the oil before they burn. Preparation 20 minutes Cooking about 15 minutes Makes about 24 200G PLAIN FLOUR 3 TSP BAKING POWDER 120G WHITE GRANULATED SUGAR ZEST OF 1 LEMON 1 MEDIUM EGG 180ML WHOLE MILK SPLASH OF ALCHERMES OR RUM (OPTIONAL) 200G FRESH CHERRIES, PITTED AND ROUGHLY CHOPPED VEGETABLE OIL, FOR FRYING

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MAY 2021

1 Put the flour, baking powder, 2 tbsp sugar, the lemon zest and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl. Stir together briefly, then add the egg and milk, whisking until you have a smooth batter, rather like pancake batter. Add a splash of Alchermes, if using, and stir through the cherries. 2 Put the rest of the sugar in a small bowl (preferably shallow). Pour enough oil into a small-medium saucepan so that the fritters can float. Heat over a medium heat to 160°C, or until a cube of white bread dropped into the oil turns golden brown in about 15 seconds. 3 Give the batter a stir in case the cherry pieces have fallen to the bottom, then drop 1 tbsp batter into the hot oil and fry evenly, turning to cover all sides, until deep golden brown, about 2½-3 minutes. They will puff-up into walnut-sized fritters. Aim to cook several at a time in batches. 4 Transfer the cooked fritters to a wire rack lined with paper towel to drain the excess oil for a moment before rolling them, still hot, in the sugar. These are best eaten warm straightaway. countryliving.com/uk

FOOD & DRINK

CHESTNUT FLOUR BUNDT CAKE This ring-shaped cake is also known as Ciambellone dell’Amiata, referring to the use of chestnut flour from the volcanic Mount Amiata in southern Tuscany. The rosemary icing is an addition to an otherwise traditional cake. Preparation 30 minutes Cooking 30 minutes Serves 10 FOR THE CAKE MELTED BUTTER OR OLIVE OIL, FOR GREASING 250G PLAIN FLOUR, PLUS EXTRA FOR DUSTING 150G BUTTER, AT ROOM TEMPERATURE 200G WHITE GRANULATED SUGAR ZEST OF 1 ORANGE 4 MEDIUM EGGS, AT ROOM TEMPERATURE 150G CHESTNUT FLOUR, SIFTED 1½ TSP BAKING POWDER 125ML MILK 2 TBSP RUM (OPTIONAL)

FOR THE ICING 1 TBSP ROSEMARY LEAVES 50G ICING SUGAR, SIFTED

1 Preheat the oven to 170°C (150°C fan oven) gas mark 3. Grease a 25cm bundt tin with melted butter or olive oil. Tip in some plain flour and tap the tin to distribute a very fine, even layer all over the inside. Set aside. 2 Use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar with the orange zest until pale and creamy. Add the eggs one by one, beating well after each addition. 3 Combine the flours and baking powder in a bowl and fold these dry ingredients into the batter carefully, alternating with the milk, until just combined. Add the rum (if using) and fold through. Pour the batter into the tin. 4 Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes, or until golden on top and a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the tin before turning out onto a plate. 5 Rub the rosemary into the icing sugar, then add about 2 tsp of warm water to make it quite runny. Drizzle over the cake.

EXTRACTED FROM Torta della Nonna by Emiko Davies (Hardie Grant, 16.99).

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SEE THE ISLANDS’ UNIQUE WILDLIFE FROM £ 1,499PP*

HOLIDAYS

Wander the sub-tropical gardens at Tresco’s Abbey

E XC LU S I V E TO U R

Discover the stunning with Will Wagstaff

Step back in time on these unspoilt islands and discover incredible wildlife and wonderful scenery with their leading nature expert MEET OUR EXPERT Will Wagstaff is the islands’ leading authority on birds, flowers and butterflies, and has led tours to destinations from the Isles of Scilly all the way to the Falkland Islands. He is also the local expert for the BBC’s Wild Britain, Three Men in a Boat and This Morning.

e are delighted to announce new dates for this ever-popular tour. The beautiful Isles of Scilly are only a short ferry ride from the coast of Cornwall, yet feel a million miles away. Just five of the islands are inhabited and only by 2,200 people, most of whom live on the largest, St Mary’s, where you’ll be based for five nights on this exclusive wildlife tour. You’ll visit in autumn this year or spring next year – among the best times to see migrating wildlife – and be joined by the islands’ leading expert, Will Wagstaff. He has been guiding tours there for more than 25 years and will give you a fascinating insight into their incredible habitat. You’ll visit Tresco’s stunning Abbey Gardens, home to 20,000 plants

Spot birds and wildlife on the islands

from more than 80 countries, the beaches of St Martin’s and the best of Bryher, as well as enjoying a seabird boat tour and guided walks with Will to see an array of wildlife and the coastal scenery that makes the Isles of Scilly so special.

YOUR TRIP INCLUDES Return ferry from Penzance (flights at a supplement) Five nights’ stay with breakfast and dinner at St Mary’s Hall Hotel Talk and introduction by Will Wagstaff Visit to Tresco and seabird-spotting boat trips with Will Wagstaff Entrance to Abbey Gardens, day excursion to Bryher and beaches of St Martin’s All transport and transfers and services of a Prestige Holidays tour manager

OUR TRAVEL PARTNER PRESTIGE HOLIDAYS has been arranging escorted tours to fabulous destinations for more than 30 years, providing guests with authentic local experiences.

YOUR ITINERARY

DAY 1 Arrive in St Mary’s; afternoon at leisure DAY 2 Tresco and the Abbey Gardens with Will Wagstaff and talk DAY 3 Seabird boat trip and guided walk on St Mary’s with Will Wagstaff DAY 4 Bryher Island with Will Wagstaff DAY 5 Eastern Isles cruise; St Martin’s DAY 6 Morning at leisure; return to UK mainland

WHAT’S INCLUDED Return ferry from Penzance on the Scillonian III; flights at a supplement Five nights’ stay with breakfast and three dinners at St Mary’s Hall Hotel Talk and introduction to the islands by Will Wagstaff Visit to Tresco with Will Wagstaff; entrance to Abbey Gardens Full-day excursion to Bryher Eastern Isles boat trip to look for the Atlantic grey seal colonies Boat excursion to spot seabirds with Will Wagstaff Visit to St Martin’s to see some of the world’s most unspoilt beaches All transport and transfers Services of a Prestige Holidays tour manager

THE PRICE From £1,499pp* DEPOSIT £150pp** THE DATES 24 September 2021; 8 & 22 April 2022 TO BOOK Call 01425 383618, quoting code COUNTRY LIVING IOS For more details and to see the full itinerary, go to countryliving.com/uk/ scillies

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*Price based on two sharing a room. Single supplement £250. It is also possible to fly to St Mary’s at a supplement. Timings of Will’s events subject to change and there may be slight alterations to the itinerary due to operational restrictions. **Trip is ATOL-protected. Deposit applies to new bookings only. Prestige Holidays is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Prestige, a company wholly independent of Hearst. Cancellation terms and conditions can be found at prestigeholidays.co.uk. This trip is exclusive to Hearst UK and may be promoted by other Hearst brands

ISLES OF SCILLY

Visit the 15th-century Blickling Hall

HOLIDAYS E XC LU S I V E TO U R MEET THE SUPERSTAR OF BRITISH COOKING!

Explore the area from the famous Broads to the delightful coastline, and enjoy a special culinary experience in the company of one of its most famous faces MEET OUR SPECIAL GUEST Delia has been teaching the country to cook for more than 50 years and has sold more than 21 million books. She was awarded the prestigious Order of the Companions of Honour in 2017, receiving the award from HM The Queen for her contribution to cooking and cookery education. Delia is joint majority shareholder at Norwich City Football Club.

DELIA CULINARY DAY

n this exclusive five-day tour, you will be hosted by Delia for a full day at her Food and Wine Workshop, where you will also be joined by chef Alex Mackay, cocktail expert Simon Atkinson and wine expert Jason Banner. You will also dine at Delia’s restaurant. Other highlights include rail and sail experiences and a visit to the majestic Blickling Hall.

Your Food and Wine Workshop includes morning coffee with homemade biscuits, an opportunity to browse the gift shop for books and equipment, a three-course lunch with wine, a cooking demo with Alex, wine tasting with Jason, a cocktail masterclass with Simon, Q&A session with the team, tea with homemade cake, a book signing with Delia and Alex and a goodie bag to take away.

REASONS TO BOOK

CLASSIC RAIL & SAIL TRIPS

DINE AT DELIA’S A dinner at Delia’s Restaurant offers meals to Delia’s high standard with a seasonal menu favouring locally sourced produce. Enjoy canapes on arrival, a three-course dinner, plus coffee and something sweet!

Ride on the Bure Valley Railway through unspoilt countryside and a scenic cruise on the Broads aboard the Southern Comfort Mississippi Paddle Boat. Relax as you follow the course of the River Bure, passing thatched cottages and windmills.

OUR TRAVEL PARTNER TS TOURS LTD, which specialises in bespoke and expert-led tours, is working in partnership with TRAVEL EDITIONS which was set up 26 years ago to offer a range of cultural short breaks and extended tours that would appeal to ‘travellers’ not ‘tourists’.

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Dine at Delia’s Restaurant and Bar

YOUR ITINERARY DAY 1 Welcome dinner in Norwich DAY 2 North Norfolk Coast and lunch in tavern DAY 3 Delia’s Food & Wine Workshop DAY 4 Norwich tour, Norfolk Broads cruise and exclusive three-course dinner at Delia’s Restaurant DAY 5 Blickling Hall, Bure Valley Railway and afternoon tea WHAT’S INCLUDED A full day’s focus on food and wine at Delia’s Food and Wine Workshop A special Q&A with Delia Dining at Delia’s Restaurant Tours of Blickling Hall, Norwich and North Norfolk Coast Sail on Norfolk Broads on the Southern Comfort Journey on the Bure Valley Railway ALSO INCLUDED Four nights’ accommodation at the four-star Maids Head Hotel in Norwich, welcome dinner, afternoon tea, lunch in the Norwich tavern, all transport and the services of tour manager

THE PRICE From £899pp* DEPOSIT £75pp THE DATES 15-19 Nov 2021; 28 March-1 April 2022 TO BOOK Call 020 8131 5059, quoting code CL NORFOLK DELIA MAY21 For more details and to see the full itinerary, go to countryliving.com/uk/ deliasmith

*From price based on two sharing. Subject to availability. Single room supplement: from £120pp. Trip is ATOL-protected (3525) and Travel Editions is ABTA-bonded (V3120). Cancellation information available at traveleditions.co.uk/terms-and-conditions. This promotion may be promoted by other selected media partners. Delia photograph ©DeliaOnline/AlbanPix

A taste of NORFOLK with DELIA SMITH

HOLIDAYS E XC LU S I V E WA L K I N G B R E A KS

stunning area of natural beauty, the Peak District national park offers the perfect setting for this brand-new rail/walking tour. During your five-day trip, you’ll explore the region’s best sights, including Bakewell and the magnificent Chatsworth Estate (above). You’ll walk along the River Dove and its valley on the boundary between Derbyshire and Staffordshire, stroll along the Monsal Trail, seeing stations, tunnels and the Monsal Viaduct, and walk from Chatsworth to Bakewell, passing the Duke of Devonshire’s home. Then there’s a trip on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway from Wirksworth to Duffield.

YOU’LL GET THE CHANCE TO… Walk for 3.5 to 4.5 hours at an easy to moderate pace on three walking days Ride on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Explore Chatsworth, the market town of Bakewell and beautiful Dovedale Spend four nights’ half-board at the four-star Breadsall Priory Marriott Hotel & Country Club Enjoy a packed lunch on the walking days ALSO INCLUDED Coach transfers for our excursions, services of local walking guides and a tour manager

Savour a slice of the local Bakewell tart

PEAK DISTRICT THE PRICE From £595pp* DEPOSIT £150pp THE DATES 6-10 Sept 2021; 25-29 April and 5-9 Sept 2022 TO BOOK Call 01858 588713, quoting code TSCLPD countryliving.com/uk/ peakdistrict

Ride the heritage Keighley railway

YORKSHIRE DALES BY RAIL AND FOOT

n this five-day trip, you’ll visit the home of the Brontë sisters, ride on steam trains, traverse the Pennine Bridleway on foot and explore the charming market town of Skipton – your base throughout your stay. Be transported back in time on the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Railway (including Oakworth of The Railway Children fame), before spotting wildlife on a walk along the Bolton Abbey River Loop. Explore the world of Wuthering Heights at Haworth and on a Brontë-themed walk across Yorkshire’s wild moors. Ride the Heritage

Keighley and Worth Valley Railway and Settle Carlisle Line and enjoy a Pennine Bridleway walk. YOU’LL GET THE CHANCE TO… Walk for about 3.5 hours at a moderate pace on three of the days and eat a packed lunch Ride three wonderful railways Spend four nights’ half-board at the Rendezvous Hotel Explore villages and bridleways ALSO INCLUDED Coach transfers for our excursions, services of local walking guides and a tour manager

OUR TRAVEL PARTNER ARENA RAIL HOLIDAYS With its portfolio of top experts, the company is one of the UK’s leading rail holiday operators. Its team will look after you from start to finish.

YORKSHIRE DALES THE PRICE From £549pp* DEPOSIT £150pp THE DATES 23-27 Aug and 10-14 Oct 2021; 11-15 April, 22-26 Aug and 3-7 Oct 2022 TO BOOK Call 01858 589876, quoting code TSCLYD countryliving.com/uk/ yorkshiredales

*Price based on two sharing a room, subject to availability and the booking conditions of Arena Rail Holidays. For full deposit and cancellation terms, visit arenatravel. com/travel-information/booking-conditions. Promotion is exclusive to Hearst UK and may be promoted by other Hearst UK brands

EXPLORE THE PEAK DISTRICT’S WALKS AND RAILWAYS

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HOLIDAYS

PREMIUM SOLO TOUR. EARLY BOOKING ADVISED

U LT I M AT E WA L K I N G B R E A K

YOUR ITINERARY

A WONDERFUL

Cornwall

WALKING TOUR FOR

solo travellers

DAY 1 Arrive at Rose in Vale DAY 2 Sennen Cove – Porthcurno – Mousehole DAY 3 Perranporth – Wheal Coates – Chapel Coates – Chapel Porth – Portreath DAY 4 The Lost Gardens of Heligan – Mevagissey – Caerhays Castle DAY 5 Church Cove – Halzephron Cove – Mullion Cove – Kynance Cove – Lizard Point DAY 6 Depart from Rose in Vale Your charming superior room at Rose in Vale

Take this chance to enjoy the county’s rugged beauty, dramatic coastlines, historic villages, quaint harbours, secret coves and glorious beaches

n this exclusive small group tour, every day will be different as you set off with your guide on a series of walks that take in the best of Cornwall, including sections of the dramatic South West Coastal Path. As well as seeing natural wonders, you will be taken round The Lost Gardens of Heligan by an expert gardener, enjoy a guided tour of Caerhays Castle capped off by a traditional Cornish cream tea, as well as a special musical evening of Cornish sea shanties by renowned Falmouth group The Oggymen. Lunch will vary from picnic to pub to café and every evening you will be whisked back to the comfort of your lovely country house hotel, the Rose in Vale. Set on the north Cornwall coast, this peaceful hotel is an adult-only retreat within beautiful gardens. It offers well-appointed rooms, a restaurant serving locally sourced produce (breakfast and dinner is included), and a solar-heated pool. And as this trip is designed for solo travellers, there are no supplements to pay.

THE HIGHLIGHTS AMAZING GUIDED WALKS These hand-picked walks take in the best of the coastline – hidden bays, cultural treasures and natural wonders. Days vary from gentle walks and cultural visits to more strenuous hikes – all in the company of your expert guide. There will be picnics and pub lunches, cream teas and café pitstops.

EVERYTHING IS INCLUDED All meals, transport, excursions, entries and guides are included in the price – from guided tours of The Lost Gardens of Heligan with an expert gardener and Caerhays Castle to a fun evening of Cornish shanties with The Oggymen.

SMALL GROUP AND LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE On this small private group tour (eight to 12 people), you’ll be with like-minded Country Living readers. What’s more, there are no single supplements to pay, with every guest enjoying their own Superior Room.

OUR TRAVEL PARTNER TS TOURS specialise in creating bespoke journeys in the company of experts. They are acting as agent for Untold Story, which creates bespoke luxury journeys.

WHAT’S INCLUDED Five nights at Rose in Vale in a Superior Room for sole occupancy Daily breakfast and evening meals Entrance and gardener-guided tour of The Lost Gardens of Heligan Guided tour at Caerhays Castle Estate finishing with a beautiful Cornish cream tea A musical evening at Rose in Vale Services of a guide All coach transfers Three days of walks Picnic lunch on Day 2 and cafe or pub lunches on Day 3 and Day 5

THE PRICE From £2,495pp DEPOSIT 25% THE DATES 20-25 June, 11-16 July, 5-10 Sept, 3-8 Oct 2021 TO BOOK Call 020 8131 9181, quoting code CL Cornwall May 21 For more details and to see the full itinerary, go to countryliving.com/uk/ cornwallsolo *Price based on one person in their own Superior Room. Additional nights on a dinner, B&B basis from £240pp per night. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Untold Story, a company wholly independent of Hearst

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HOLIDAYS

EXPLORE THE SPECTACULAR AVON VALLEY BY SMALL RAILWAY

ourney through the magical West Country countryside on heritage railways and explore the charming market towns of the Cotswolds on this five-day tour. You’ll experience the perfect blend of history and spectacular scenery in the Avon Valley on what is sure to be a memorable experience. The Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Railway uses part of the former Great Western Railway’s mainline and will transport you from Cheltenham to Broadway with majestic views of the

Malvern Hills. You will also enjoy a ride on the Avon Valley Railway, including a traditional cream tea served at your seat, and discover the unique collection of steam engines at Didcot Railway Centre. And, in what is sure to be an unforgettable trip, you’ll visit Bristol Docks for a boat ride on the Bristol Packet Boat. Your base for your holiday is the four-star Blunsdon House Hotel, set in 30 acres of beautiful countryside, with two restaurants, three bars and an indoor heated swimming pool.

Enjoy a trip on a heritage train. The colourful Bristol Docks (left)

AVON VALLEY & THE COTSWOLDS THE PRICE From £489pp* DEPOSIT £150pp** THE DATES 12-16 Aug 2021; 12-16 May, 11-15 August, 22-26 September 2022 TO BOOK Call 01858 589549, quoting code TSCLAV For more details and to see the full itinerary, go to countryliving.com/uk/ avonvalley

*Price based on two sharing a room, subject to availability and the booking conditions of Arena Rail Holidays. Single supplement £140. **For full deposit and cancellation terms, visit arenatravel.com/travel-information/ booking-conditions. Promotion is exclusive to Hearst UK and may be promoted by other Hearst UK brands

E XC LU S I V E R A I L B R E A KS

DISCOVER THE HISTORIC HOMES OF KENT & CANTERBURY

tep back in time to explore the city of Canterbury and the medieval Leeds Castle, and enjoy scenic rail journeys on some of Kent and East Sussex’s railways on this five-day break in the south-east. Your trip begins among the half-timbered houses of Canterbury, home of the famous cathedral, where you’ll stay in the comfortable Victoria Hotel, a short walk from the centre of the historic city. After an introductory tour of the sights of Canterbury, including Palace Street,

King’s Bridge and the Old Weavers House, you’ll have time to explore independently. You’ll also visit the Tudor coastal fortress of Walmer Castle, which was built during the time of Henry VIII and was home to Queen Victoria as well as the Queen Mother from 1978 to 2002. There will also be a trip to Henry VIII’s Leeds Castle as well as taking in the scenery on journeys on the Canterbury & East Kent Railway, Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway and the Kent & East Sussex Railway.

OUR TRAVEL PARTNER ARENA RAIL HOLIDAYS With its portfolio of top experts, the company is one of the UK’s leading rail holiday operators. Its team will look after you from start to finish.

Step back in time travelling on East Sussex and Kent’s railways

KENT & CANTERBURY THE PRICE From £569pp* DEPOSIT £150pp THE DATES 21-25 June, 31 Aug to 4 Sept, 27 Sept to 1 Oct 2021 TO BOOK Call 01858 408072, quoting code TSCLKC For more details and to see the full itinerary, go to countryliving.com/uk/kentrail

*Price based on two sharing a room, subject to availability and the booking conditions of Arena Rail Holidays. For full deposit and cancellation terms, visit arenatravel.com/travel-information/booking-conditions. Promotion is exclusive to Hearst UK and may be promoted by other Hearst UK brands

Discover more than 900 years of history at Leeds Castle

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Take part in a cheese-tasting

HOLIDAYS BUCKET LIST R AIL BREAK

ONCE-INA-DECADE EXPERIENCE FOR 2022

Ride a cable car over the Floriade park

YOUR ITINERARY DAY 1 London-Amsterdam DAY 2 Floriade DAY 3 Zaanse Shans, Volendam & Marken DAY 4 Amsterdam DAY 5 Amsterdam-London

Experience the FLORIADE EXPO and the best of HOLLAND

WHAT’S INCLUDED A visit to the world’s greatest floral spectacle at Floriade Visits to the beautiful towns of Zaanse Schans, Volendam & Marken Sampling of traditional cheese in Volendam Canal cruise in Amsterdam Special farewell dinner at the Grand Café in Amsterdam Staying in a four-star hotel in Amsterdam with breakfast and dinner Return travel by Eurostar and all transfers

Travel by Eurostar to the Netherlands to experience the once-in-a-decade Floriade Expo, the wonderful city of Amsterdam and some of Holland’s most beautiful traditional towns

eld in the Dutch town of Almere, the world-famous floral spectacle that is the Floriade Expo will next year have the important theme of ‘growing green cities’ as guests will be treated to the sights and smells of some 3,000 trees, shrubs, perennials, creepers, hydrophytes and flower bulbs at this truly unique exhibition. This rail holiday will also take you to Holland’s most beautiful Zaanse Schans,

THE PRICE From £695pp* DEPOSIT £150pp THE DATES 22 May, 12 June, 26 June, 10 July, 24 July, 7 August, 21 August, 18 Sept, 2 October – all 2022 TO BOOK Call 01858 589803, quoting code TSCLFL For more details and to see the full itinerary, go to countryliving.com/uk/ floriade

with its windmills and iconic green wooden houses and artisan workshops; Volendam, where you will enjoy a special cheese tasting and wander along the lovely harbour lined with seafood vendors and old fishing boats; and Marken, set on the wonderful Markermeer Lake. You will stay in Amsterdam and enjoy a full day exploring the delights, sights and sounds of the capital city, including a cruise through the city’s canals as well as a special farewell dinner.

OUR TRAVEL PARTNER ARENA RAIL HOLIDAYS With its portfolio of top experts, the company is one of the UK’s leading rail holiday operators; its team will look after you from start to finish.

*From price is per person, based on two sharing. Single supplement on request. Subject to availability. Your trip is operated by Arena Rail Holidays. Arena is a company wholly independent of Hearst UK.

summer and autumn at countrylivingholidays.com

where to buy Stockists in the magazine this month

A A FLAME WITH DESIRE aflamewithdesire. B C J L M

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SANDRA JORDAN

co.uk ANGELA HARDING angelaharding.co.uk ANGUS ROSS angusross.co.uk ARIAT ariat.com/gb/en BONFIELD BLOCK-PRINTERS bonfieldblockprinters.com THE CAMBRIDGE SATCHEL COMPANY 0800 0855 811; cambridgesatchel.com JEFF JOSEPHINE DESIGNS jeffjosephinedesigns.co.uk LABOUR AND WAIT labourandwait.co.uk LOVE HEARTWOOD loveheartwood.co.uk MAIA LONDON maia-london.com

MODO modocreative.com MORRIS & CO sandersondesigngroup.com/morris&co

N NATIONAL TRUST SHOP shop.nationaltrust. P S

V W

org.uk NETTLE + TANSY nettleandtansy.co.uk PENTREATH & HALL pentreath-hall.com THE SHOP FLOOR PROJECT theshopfloorproject.com SILVER AND BIRCH silverandbirch.com STARSMEAD BOOKS starsmeadbookbinding.co.uk SUSIE HETHERINGTON susiehetherington.co.uk VOAK voakyork.co.uk WATERSTONES waterstones.com WILLOW WITH ROOTS willowwithroots.co.uk

OUR JUNE ISSUE IS ON SALE FROM 28 APRIL

next month... A romantic garden overflowing with old-fashioned roses Modern-meets-rustic barn conversion in Suffolk A simple but sumptuous menu for alfresco entertaining NEVER MISS AN ISSUE TURN TO PAGE 118 TO SEE OUR LATEST SUBSCRIPTION OR RENEWAL OFFER

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CRAFT WORKS GALLERY OF CORBRIDGE CLASSIC AND ELEGANT CUTLERY DESIGNED FOR MODERN LIVING This delightful range is Old English mirror finish stainless steel with dishwasher safe cream handled knives. Exclusive price – Set for six people at £330, this includes six seven-piece place settings (as shown) and two table spoons. A set for four people costs £240. Prices include VAT and UK delivery. www.glazebrook.com Tel: 020 7731 7135.

We are delighted to stock this range of pretty silverplated hand enamelled jewellery. Prices start at £9.50 for earrings (plus p&p). We are always updating our website, showcasing silverplate and Sterling silver jewellery, faux leather and Italian leather bags, scarves, wraps and pashminas, eco friendly cosmetics, fun things for the garden, and homeware. Come and have a look and you will find a fantastic range of gifts for you, your home, and your loved ones. www.craftworksgallery.co.uk 01434 634500

CHARLOTTE COT BLANKETS Welcome a new baby into the world with this luxurious personalised cashmere blanket. Each blanket is individually handmade especially for you and personalised with baby’s names and date of birth. Knitted in top quality cashmere. A very special gift. Call 01603 627 448 or order online at www.charlottecotblankets.com

Lifestyle essentials Treat yourself

CLEAN UP FOR THE PINK RIBBON FOUNDATION

LOOK YOUNGER LONGER REGENTIV SPECIALIST SERUM (WITH RETINOL) This delicate and oh so effective serum for lines, wrinkles, crepey eyes and neck, vertical lip lines, sun damage and much more. Unique formulation of retinol palmitate, aloe vera, vitamin E, SPF, moisturiser – perfect to use twice daily. 35ml £29.95, 50ml £44.95, 105ml £79.95, 200ml £149. To receive exclusive 15% reader discount apply code CL15 when ordering. www.regentiv.com or call 01923 212555 for advice or to order. Please see website for full range and special offers.

WILVERLEY The Absolute King of Swing! Made for the British summer, the Idler Swingseat from Wilverley is a traditionally upholstered swinging garden sofa. Choice of colours, washable marine canvas (all loose covers), spring cushions and a 100% stainless steel foldable frame, so no tools required. The Idler isn’t just a fairweather friend! £2200. One week delivery. Call 01843603462 or visit www.wilverley.com Worldwide shipping.

SEBO is proud to be supporting the amazing Pink Ribbon Foundation with another beautiful floral design; the Felix Peony. 25% of profit on each vacuum sold goes direct to the charity supporting those affected by breast cancer. Attractive and high quality, this German made machine is part of the award-winning Felix range of upright vacuum cleaners. Fiveyear parts and labour guarantee. British Allergy Foundation Seal of Approval. For further details and stockists visit www.sebo.co.uk pinkribbonfoundation.org.uk

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NO MORE SUMMER CHAFING Embrace the heat of the season without the discomfort of burning thighs. The Big Bloomers Company’s Anti Chafing Slip Shorts are the ultimate summer solution. Designed in Britain and made in Italy using seamless technology, they’re extremely soft, lightweight and breathable – so much so, you’ll barely know you’ve got them on. Sizes UK 8 – 36+ Call 01326 373268 or order securely online at www.thebigbloomerscompany.co.uk

A TOAST TO THE PAST

CUSHIONS & FREE CARDS

An eclectic mix of antiques and curios from a bygone era. 15% off with coupon: 15TOAST15 Matthew John Cook Tel / Text: 07584 320401 Email: atoasttothepast@hotmail.com www.etsy.com/shop/atoasttothepast

Get five free art cards on any cushion order from Susan Entwistle until May 31st. Her luxury, velvet cushions come in 42cm and 56cm square sizes with fibre or feather fillings. Also check out Susan’s website for her beautiful original paintings, prints and cards. www.susanentwistle.com Tel: 0115 9375705.

Lifestyle essentials Treat yourself

STYLISH WIDE FITTING SHOES

FINE FASHION – MADE IN ENGLAND

Wider Fit Shoes Ltd offers stylish, affordable shoes to fit you perfectly – whatever your width. Today, they are the leading supplier of wide-fitting shoes in the UK, offering footwear from EE through to 8E fittings. Their entire range of shoes and slippers are adjustable, durable, lightweight and flexible and every purchase is backed by their no quibble guarantee. No wonder they’re recommended by foot health professionals nationwide. For a free, colour catalogue or more information please call 01933 311077 or order securely online at www.widerfitshoes.co.uk Please quote CLX2113M for 10% off your first order.

We all want to look and feel fabulous, and it’s never been easier to achieve, thanks to David Nieper’s new collection of elegant womenswear and luxury knitwear. Each piece is lovingly made in their Derbyshire studios from the finest quality fabrics and yarns. Expert designers and seamstresses create styles to fit all sizes, each finished with the greatest of care for comfort, quality and style. Every Occasion Dress, style 7503. Shop online at davidnieper.co.uk or call 01773 83 6000 for a catalogue. Quote code CL21.

BUTTON DOLLS Magical handcrafted fairy dolls sewn with love in beautiful rural West Sussex. Made from tea-dyed calico, dressed with beautiful fabric and embellished with trinkets and trims vintage and new, our dolls make special gifts for daughters, mothers and friends. www.buttondolls.com 01903 893266

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TRAILBACK, BOOTS MADE FOR WALKING THE OAK GLASSHOUSE COMPANY When a dog walker in Cornwall couldn’t find comfy footwear to keep her feet warm and dry, she designed her own. Sandy Wallis spent two years developing Trailback, a beautiful, handcrafted, fully waterproof, rugged rigger boot re-designed for the walker. “Since day one, the drive has been to produce a boot of quality, one that keeps going, works hard and will stay with you for a long time”. Plus, the more you wear it, the better it looks. Visit trailback.co.uk or follow on Instagram: @trailbackboots

The Oak Glasshouse Company design and build bespoke oak framed buildings, the company’s specialist area being glazed elevations. Extensions, kitchen extensions, sunrooms, garden rooms, orangeries and garden offices. Each building is designed following discussions with the client to reach the final design. For more information call 01233 690293. Visit: www.theoakglasshouse.co.uk or Email: info@theoakglasshouse.co.uk

Lifestyle essentials Treat yourself

BOUTIQUE RETREATS From raising the flag on your own private island and sailing a boat to your cottage, to watching the stars over the sea from your hot tub, Boutique Retreats specialise in unique, stylish properties across the UK that celebrate their surrounds whilst embracing luxurious living. Whether you’re after something large and luxurious or beautifully bijou, a long weekend or a two-week summer holiday, our carefully selected properties will take your breath away. We know how good getaways should be. 01872 553 491 | enquiries@boutique-retreats.co.uk boutique-retreats.co.uk

JAMES & CO FRAGRANCE – THE LUXURY OF DORSET An elegant and sophisticated family run home fragrance company situated within the heart of Dorset. With a newly launched collection of luxurious 100ml and 300ml fragranced reed diffusers, scented jar candles and diffuser refills in 15 beautiful fragrances to suit all senses and homes! Offering a modern and contemporary décor, with flourishing roots of a Dorset leading brand. www.jamesandcofragrance.co.uk hello@jamesandcofragrance.co.uk Tel: 01258 471700.

SPRING COLLECTION

CHINASEARCH

POTTER AND MOOCH

CATS OR DOGS?

Whether you’re looking to replace a broken cup or extend your existing dinner set, Chinasearch specialises in discontinued china with over 300,000 items in stock. Search online or call 01926 512402. www.chinasearch.co.uk

Ear Wings climbers for a single piercing due to the small wire bar that runs up the back of the lobe. Made in England on Sterling Silver, 14ct Yellow or Rose Gold wires. SWAROVSKI Elements. The perfect gift. From £22 a pair. Hypo-allergenic. Nickel-free. Online or mail order. Code COUNTRY15 for 15% off. Expires 31.05.21 www.potterandmooch.co.uk

Which are you?! Step out of lockdown with a smile in a pair of Mandarina’s charming pumps featuring your favourite furry friends. View the full range of colourful shoes and boots online at www.mandarinashoes.com or call 01307 819488 for more information.

HONEST – AFFORDABLE – CLEAN

SUZY HAMILTON

Sintra Naturals is a clean ethical beauty brand making natural skincare essentials affordable to all. We are a zero waste enthusiastic brand with 100% plastic free packaging. Bar soaps. Lush body butters and lotion bars. Ethical plastic free gift sets. Vegan shampoo and conditioner bars. www.sintranaturals.com

We specialise in dresses and complete outfits designed and made in the UK using fabrics of the highest quality including silks, linens, brocades and cotton. Many of our frocks give more than a nod to the spectacular and glamorous styling of the 1950s and 60s. Visit our boutiques in Holt and Harrogate. www.suzyhamilton.co.uk

HANDMADE CHOCOLATES BY TRWFFL An exclusive gift, perfect for any occasion. Discover an array of flavours at our family business on Milford Waterfront, Wales. Milk or Dark chocolate selections. Vegan and Gluten free options also available. Order online at www.trwffl.co.uk or telephone 01646 697096

TILLYBELLA TEXTILES

ORKNEY STOREHOUSE

MARTHA HILL HAND & FOOT CARE DUO

Based on the Wirral, Liz works from your photograph using hand painted fabrics and free machine embroidery stitch to create your pet as a beautiful textile work of art. They measure 10” x 12” and come mounted on a padded board ready to hang. tillybellatextiles@gmail.com Instagram: @tillybellatextiles

Based in the beautiful Orkney Islands, online retail store Orkney Storehouse has recently launched its Natural Orkney Collection. The collection features six delightful Orkney wildlife illustrations, across a range of quality British-made fine bone china and coordinating homeware accessories. See the full range at www.orkneystorehouse.com

These two wonderfully rich and moisturising creams will help combat hard cracked skin on hands and feet. Rich in skin soothing oils and herbal extracts to help maintain supple skin. Special offer price of £10 (saving £9 of rrp £19) plus free delivery. To order this special offer phone 01780 470802 or order online at beautynaturals.com/cl

FOR DETAILS OF CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING PLEASE TELEPHONE 020 3728 6260 OR VISIT WWW.HEARSTMAGAZINESDIRECT.CO.UK

MAY 2021

189

COUNTRY DIRECTORY House & Garden

Agatha 3 seater sofa WAS £939 NOW £699

Spring Sale Now On www.sofasofa.co.uk

sofasofa

Great British Sofas direct from the manufacturer Free brochure tel. 01495244226 ORIGINAL PRINTS

Keep your home beautiful with our stylish range of wipeable tablecloths Huge choice of designs and patterns Custom cut to size

www.wipeeasytablecloths.com 01606 833886 www.etsy.com/uk/shop/CarlJLatter

TREAT YOURSELF TO A MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION TODAY! 190

MAY 2021

SHOP SECURELY ONLINE TODAY AT

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hearstmagazines.co.uk OR CALL 01858 438838 Phone lines are open weekdays Mon-Fri, 8am-9:30pm and Saturdays, 8am-4pm.

FOR DETAILS OF CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING PLEASE TELEPHONE 020 3728 6260 OR VISIT WWW.HEARSTMAGAZINESDIRECT.CO.UK

T H E S O U T H WO L D COLLECTION D I N I N G TA B L E S A N D C H A I R S C O F F E E TA B L E S E T S BISTRO SETS • BENCHES

Wrought Iron and Brass Bed Co. Handmade in Norfolk | Guaranteed to last a lifetime

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01485 542516 view our full range at

www.wroughtironandbrassbed.co.uk

01509 234000- www.floorsofstone.com enquiries@floorsofstone.com

0333 400 1500 LOCAL RATE 10% OFF QUOTE: harrodhorticultural.com TNADCL2 FOR DETAILS OF CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING PLEASE TELEPHONE 020 3728 6260 OR VISIT WWW.HEARSTMAGAZINESDIRECT.CO.UK

MAY 2021

191

British made ironwork privacy trellis

window boxes

steel planters

Order your free fabric samples at

thefootstoolworkshop.co.uk 01443 831 981

catalogue available Beautiful. Practical. Customisable.

192

MAY 2021

01225 851577

www.garden-requisites.co.uk FOR DETAILS OF CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING PLEASE TELEPHONE 020 3728 6260 OR VISIT WWW.HEARSTMAGAZINESDIRECT.CO.UK

Experts in steel windows. We design, manufacture and install bespoke frames throughout the world.

Visit us at: www.fabcosanctuary.com

FOR DETAILS OF CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING PLEASE TELEPHONE 020 3728 6260 OR VISIT WWW.HEARSTMAGAZINESDIRECT.CO.UK

01903 718808 enquiries@fabcosanctuary.com

MAY 2021

193

OWN A BESPOKE NATIONWIDE VERANDA TODAY R E E OU IV N E S LI SE TEN ON EX NGE RA

GET UP TO

OFF

TO CELEBRATE

OVER 30 YEARS OF HOME INNOVATIONS

www.theheadboardworkshop.co.uk or call us on 01291 628216

Custom made to suit your property Built to the highest quality :LGH UDQJH RI VW\OHV DQG ͤ QLVKHVb Huge choice of colours FREE design consultation OVER 50,000 VDWLVͤ HG FXVWRPHUV Full installation service 5 Year Guarantee on all products 5DQJH RI ͤ QDQFH RSWLRQV DYDLODEOH FCA approved

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or visit us online at www.nationwideltd.co.uk

Headboards & Beds | Ottomans & Stools | Sofa Beds & Chairs

Classic Verandas

Sun & Rain Awnings

HOME INNOVATIONS

24 MONTHS INTEREST FREE CREDIT AVAILABLE* *Credit is subject to status and affordability. Representative Example: Cash price £4,500.00, 30% deposit of £1,350.00, amount of credit £3,150.00, annual rate of interest 0% p.a ﬁxed, 0% APR Representative, 24 monthly repayments of £131.25, total amount payable £4,500.00 (including deposit).

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MAY 2021

FOR DETAILS OF CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING PLEASE TELEPHONE 020 3728 6260 OR VISIT WWW.HEARSTMAGAZINESDIRECT.CO.UK

Made to order planters suitable for indoor or outdoor use. Get in touch to request your FREE brochure or visit our website to view the full range.

02394 006 100 sales@uniqueplanters.co.uk www.uniqueplanters.co.uk

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Why have a stairlift when you can have a real lift? A Stiltz Homelift will help you continue living in the home you love. ^d /Z>/&d͍ EK d, E<^͊ A Stiltz Homelift is an ideal and affordable alternative to a stairlift. You can now safely travel between the floors in your home while keeping your stairs the way they have always been. E d Θ /^ Z d A Stiltz Homelift can be installed into almost any room in your home. A Stiltz is uniquely compact with the smallest model taking up just over half a square metre – now that IS discreet. The homelift plugs directly into a standard domestic socket and uses less power than boiling a kettle. The homelifts run on selfsupporting rails so there is no need to drill into walls and the

motor is fully self-contained within the lift car. Neat. zKhZ &KZ s Z ,KD While some Stiltz customers have an immediate need for a homelift, others are looking to future-proof their existing home for when the stairs do eventually become a challenge: “We’ve had our lift for 2 years and were so impressed with how it was fitted from our hallway to our landing in what at first appeared to be an impossible space. And in such a short time.” Mr. Eames Don’t go through the unnecessary expense and emotional upheaval of moving house or the disruption of adapting your home for

downstairs living. Save money instead; live comfortably and independently in the home you love for as long as you want, with a Stiltz Homelift.

can choose a Stiltz Homelift with complete peace of mind, knowing you and your home are in a safe pair of hands.

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Stiltz are proud to hold the highly-regarded Which? Trusted Trader status meaning they are a reputable, established and trustworthy company. Stiltz customers love them too, rating them ‘Great’ on Trustpilot. “Excellent product installed by polite and very competent tradesmen. Fits perfectly into my home. Made a huge difference to my ability to live independently”. Mark via Trustpilot

A Stiltz Homelifts Consultant can visit your property to help you plan the best location for your homelift.

They use their own teams of expert installers, so you

They can also answer any questions you might have, as can any of the friendly, UKbased phone team.

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Rated ‘Excellent’

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dŚĞ h<͛Ɛ EƵŵďĞƌ ϭ ,ŽŵĞůŝŌ • Urgent install service ͻ ZĞĂĚǇ ƚŽ ƚĂŬĞ ǇŽƵƌ call now • ŽƐƚͲĞīĞĐƟǀĞ • &ƌĞĞƐƚĂŶĚŝŶŐ ĚĞƐŝŐŶ Ͳ ŶŽ ǁĂůů ŶĞĞĚĞĚ

• ^ŵĂůů ĨŽŽƚƉƌŝŶƚ • tŚĞĞůĐŚĂŝƌ ŵŽĚĞů available • DĂŶƵĨĂĐƚƵƌĞĚ͕ ŝŶƐƚĂůůĞĚ ĂŶĚ ĨƵůůǇ ŐƵĂƌĂŶƚĞĞĚ ďǇ ^Ɵůƚǌ • ϯͲŇŽŽƌ ƚƌĂǀĞů ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ

&Žƌ Ă &Z ďƌŽĐŚƵƌĞ Žƌ ŶŽ ŽďůŝŐĂƟŽŶ survey or visit ǁǁǁ͘ƐƟůƚǌ͘ĐŽ͘ƵŬ MAY 2021

195

Complete Patio Potato Kit NO Digging! NO Effort! NO Garden Required! Harvest in JUST 10 WEEKS From Planting! YOUR COMPLETE KIT INCLUDES:

SAVE £20!

• 18 Seed Potato ‘Turbo Tubers’ (6 x 3 varieties) Normally £5.99 each

HOW TO PLANT, GROW AND ENJOY IN 3 SIMPLE STEPS! Swift (Early)

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Desiree (Maincrop)

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STEP 2 As your potato plants establish and grow, just keep topping up the compost

Charlotte (Salad)

All-time-favourite variety! Perfect as a new potato in salads or for boiling.

• 3 Heavy Duty 30L Pots Normally £14.99 • 1kg Organic Potato Fertiliser Normally £4.99

COMPLETE PATIO POTATO KIT

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Harvest up to 30lbs of simply delicious potatoes within weeks of planting! SAVE £20.00 when you buy the Complete Kit for just £17.95! Imagine growing the freshest, tastiest crops of delicious home-grown potatoes – all from your own patio, with no backbreaking digging whatsoever! Simply add compost and water and enjoy the unbeatable flavour of the freshest new potatoes just 10 weeks from planting! Plant now and pick your first crops as soon as May! The freshest, tastiest, most delicious ‘tates’ you’ve ever tasted! 6 ‘Turbo Tubers’ each of 3 varieties selected for a range of harvest dates 3 durable and reusable 30L pots AND organic fertiliser included! Harvest in succession for 4 months from May.

COMPLETE PATIO POTATO KIT STEP 3 Feed and water (don’t soak) for a heavy crop of delicious, tasty new potatoes

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Peach ‘Redhaven’ Tree You can now grow deliciously sweet peaches here in the UK! ‘Red Haven’ is an August fruiting variety with lusciously sweet yellow ﬂesh that melts in your mouth when you bite into it.Self-fertile, like the majority of our fruit varieties, it will crop reliably for you and needs no other tree to produce fruit.’Red Haven’ also makes a lovely potted specimen for your patio, which will allow you to position it favourably when necessary.Suppied as a 1.2m tall bare-root, multi-branched tree. Offer available while stocks last. © YouGarden Ltd 2021

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MAY 2021

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or by post using coupon below to: Offer CLIV102 YouGarden, PO Box 1468, Peterborough, PE1 9XL

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£9.99 save £5

PLEASE SEND TO: Offer CLIV102, YouGarden, PO Box 1468, YOUR PAYMENT DETAILS I enclose a cheque/Postal Order payable to YouGarden (name & address on back) for £ YOUR ORDER DETAILS Peterborough, PE1 9XL Or charge my Visa / Mastercard / Maestro card: ITEM DESCRIPTION PRICE QTY SUBTOTAL Card Issue No. No. Complete Patio Potato Kit SAVE £20.00! 350007 6 ‘Turbo Tubers’ each of 3 seed potato varieties £17.95 Start Exp Date Date 3 Heavy Duty 30L Pots and 1Kg Potato Fertiliser. DELIVERY DETAILS Peach ‘Redhaven’ Tree 300010 SAVE £5.00! £9.99 Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss Initial Surname Address EXTRA BONUS OFFER - 4 HEAVY DUTY GROWING POTS Postcode £14.99 130011 4 Heavy Duty Pots - 30 litre capacity 2 Email grab handles drainage slot SAVE £6.00! If you do not wish to receive catalogues & offers JOIN THE YOUGARDEN CLUB - Get £20.00 FREE vouchers & SAVE 10% on EVERY ITEM you order! Tel 820005 Renewal Subscription Membership*: SAVE £15.00!

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DON’T FORGET: Deduct 10% (10p in every £1) if you joined the YouGarden Club: *We’ll automatically renew your membership every year, so you can keep saving - AND the price will NEVER go up... GUARANAdd PP&I TEED! Full details at YouGarden.com/Club. Offer subject to availability and in the event that this offer is oversubscribed, we reserve the right to send suitable substitutes. Delivery to UK only and a £6.00 surcharge will apply to the following postcode areas: AB, BT, DD8-11, GY, HS, IM, IV, JE, KA27-28, KW, PA20-80, PH19-50, TR21-25 & ZE. Following Brexit there are a number of changes that prevent us from trading in N. Ireland. For further details please visit www.yougarden.com for full terms & conditions..

TOTAL ORDER VALUE

My DOUBLE GUARANTEE to you!

£6.99

1 If you’re not totally happy with your order, return it within 30 days and we’ll replace or refund in full. 2 Should any hardy plants fail to thrive thereafter, we’ll replace free of charge.You just pay the P&P. Peter McDermott, Head Gardener

from us, please tick here [ ]. We think you’d enjoy some of the latest products and selected offers by post from other trusted retailers, charities, ﬁnance, travel, FMCG and utility companies. If you do not wish to receive these, please tick here [ ]. Full details at YouGarden.com/Privacy. © YouGarden 2021.

AD CODE

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FOR DETAILS OF CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING PLEASE TELEPHONE 020 3728 6260 OR VISIT WWW.HEARSTMAGAZINESDIRECT.CO.UK

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THE ORIGINAL

Aspen 3 seater sofa £1299

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Fashion

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FOR DETAILS OF CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING PLEASE TELEPHONE 020 3728 6260 OR VISIT WWW.HEARSTMAGAZINESDIRECT.CO.UK

MAY 2021

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BEIGE

FULLY ADJUSTABLE LEATHER SANDAL RED ITEM: 307 446 Upper: Leather, Lining: Leather Sole: Other, Heel Height: 4cm

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Another great sandal from Fly Flot. Very comfortable, lovely summer colour and good price. Anne

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ADJUSTABLE ANATOMIC RED MULE SANDAL ITEM: 317 786 Upper: Leather, Lining: Leather Sole: Other, Heel Height: 4cm

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A month in the life of…

A MAVERICK MORRIS DANCER

I got into Morris dancing by accident. Several years ago, living in London, I saw an advert for a class at Cecil Sharp House, the home of the English Folk Dance and Song Society. I had a go and loved it. When I moved back to Gloucestershire in 2015, my sister wanted to learn. We now have a troupe of 12 called Boss Morris. I’m the oldest at 41; most are in their 30s. We perform locally and at festivals. It has taken over our lives. It started as a once-a-week practice, but now everyone is so into it that it can take up much more time. It’s such a good workout – better than a fitness class. When we have a gig coming up, we rehearse up to four times a week. During lockdown, I danced alone in my garden and now all the neighbours know my secret! When restrictions lifted last summer, we danced in a car park, using the bays to maintain social distancing. It’s easy to stay apart during jigs because they’re solo dances, but harder in sets, where you whizz around each other. We dance mostly in the Cotswolds Morris style with hankies, wooden sticks and bells. Steve Rowley, a local expert, helped us learn lots of the moves, but we also use books and YouTube. My work as an artist is solitary and still, so practice provides a lively antidote. It feels like we’re a cheerleading team. We make the costumes ourselves and don’t stick to a style. Most of the group are artists like me – a few of us met while working as

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Glastonbury 2019 was our biggest gig. We performed with the band Hot Chip during their Saturday night headline act and had an audience of tens of thousands of people. It was bonkers. Our biggest honour was being invited on tour with the queen of English folk music, Shirley Collins. May Day is a big celebration. We rise at dawn and head for Painswick Beacon, north of Stroud, to dance with the Gloucestershire Morris Men, Stroud Morris and Miserden Morris sides. This isn’t a public performance, which makes it all the more magical. Afterwards, we wash our faces in the morning dew: it’s said to keep you youthful. Last year, we danced on the Summer Solstice (June 21 this year). It was our first gathering in months. We dyed our hankies with turmeric to mimic the sun and danced on Rodborough Common, south of Stroud, until dusk. We love our local traditions and hope this will become a new one of our own. With festivals cancelled again this year, we will develop more rituals that have meaning for us and that connect us to nature and the turning of the seasons. Some people thought we were a gimmick at first, but we’re now quite established. It feels like there are more women than men taking up Morris dancing and everyone has been so welcoming. Our outfits might be out there, but our dances are pretty customary. Morris is a living tradition and we’re developing our own style. We hope that in 200 years, people remember the Boss Morris way. FIND OUT MORE at bossmorris.com.

countryliving.com/uk

INTERVIEW BY SARAH BARRATT. PHOTOGRAPHS BY GARETH IWAN JONES/EYEVINE; KATIE-JANE WATSON

In May, it’s hankies at dawn for Alex Merry and her all-female dancing troupe

assistants for Damien Hirst, so we’re a creative bunch. We’re inspired by 15th-century Morris dancers, who wore bells around their knees and silks adorned with spangles. In the run-up to a gig, we tend to have a production line in one of our studios, making headdresses or mythical beasts from papier-mâché. Our sheep Ewegenie joined us on stage when we danced at the Royal Albert Hall.