Dear Readers . . .

As summer fast approaches, our new Special is packed with relaxing stories and inspiring features to help you make the most of the long sunny days, with a gripping eight-page murder mystery by Liz Filleul and 14 sparkling short stories by favourite authors.

Polly Pullar is by the coast, looking at Britain’s beautiful native seals, while Richard Webber enjoys a fine day out at historic Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire. Willie Shand revels in the atmosphere of a traditional Highland Games, Gilly Pickup falls for the charms of the Czech Republic and Janey Swanson finds out about the farm that’s giving disadvantaged children a taste of the countryside.

We’ve deliciously healthy watercress recipes to try and some cute little toy aliens to knit, too.