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.
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.