THOUGHTS FROM THE FIELD

This is a delightful little smoke from the Dominican Republic and, although not a Cuban, the tobacco is still fantastic. The Davidoff brand is one of quality and consistency, and produces some beautiful cigars. This stick is the perfect smoke for a dog walk — at 4in

Pre-christian Britons called the autumn equinox ‘Mabon’, which was celebrated by a second harvest festival. Mabon festivities focused on the wild fruits that could be foraged from hedge, scrub and trees. Usually now would be the best time for harvesting bullace, rowanberry, blackberry, crab apple, rosehip, elderberries, sloe and hazelnuts – a bounty truly worthy of celebration.

However, due to the extraordinary heat experienced throughout July and August this year, many foragers have found that the fruit set earlier than usual and, as a result, many hedgerows are already bare. This is not only bad news for lovers of home-made preserves, pies and alcoholic concoctions, but also for the wildlife who rely on their own Mabon harvest to bulk up in preparation for the ravages of winter. It is expected, therefore, that supplementary feeding provided by practical conservationists this winter is going to be an even greater lifeline than usual. The best way of celebrating Mabon this year is to invest in a few more Perdix feeders.