We love picnics. There is something to be said for relaxing on the floor-totally at one with nature, enjoying a shared meal with family and friends. Since joining the National Trust, we have packed a picnic at most visits and we always troupe off on the farm to eat al fresco. I recently bought an … [Read more…]
A beautiful artificial lawn seems like an obvious choice when you understand the advantages. It’s easy to care for, needs no mowing or watering, and is UV resistant so it stays looking good when living turf has withered in the summer sun. But there are some unexpected benefits to opting for artificial grass. Reduce stress … [Read more…]
For some outdoor workers, taking care of one’s appearance is not always top of the agenda, especially if working with machinery or animals, day-in, day-out. An outdoor lifestyle can contribute to a change in your appearance, including dry skin, and what you look like affects the way you feel. Your image is how you present … [Read more…]
I actually feel a tiny bit smug about my siblings post his month. Not because it is school holidays but because, for possibly the first time ever, I have got more than one photo of them all looking. I know. Go me. It is probably a fluke but I am going with it for this … [Read more…]
We love being outside. The younger two especially start climbing the walls (literally) if they are indoors too much. Obviously living on a farm helps but I think once the fresh air has entered the souls of children, it is hard to get out and, to be honest, I don’t think I would want to. … [Read more…]
We live in a society where germs, bad weather and dirt are almost a taboo subject. Children do not play outdoors as much as I did when I was a child and the advance in 24-hour children’s TV channels and video games mean it can be a chore rather than fun tog go outside. Play … [Read more…]
When you live on the farm, the farm is never far away. I know that probably sounds obvious but, for the children, even when the are in the house, there are tractors driving fast the window, chickens escaping into the garden or the drive and sheep bleating if the windows are open in summer. We … [Read more…]
A while ago, I wrote a piece called How to get Your Partner to Say Yes to Goats. It was a mounted campaign and I was very pleased with myself when Hubster eventually said yes. I now want a Labrador but Hubster is being a little more difficult to persuade than he was about the … [Read more…]
We love the outdoors here. I know most people wait for the summer but for us, it doesn’t really matter if its not hot, you will almost always find us outside-the kids especially. When it comes to filling my outdoor space, previously, it has been more plastic toys than glamorous seating arrangements but, having had … [Read more…]
Today marks the start of National Countryside week which is The Prince’s Countryside Fund’s annual awareness week. It goes on until Sunday 6th August and every year the campaign aims to raise awareness and celebrate the values of the countryside. In previous years activity has included Walk a Country Mile and encouraging members of the … [Read more…]
