Country Living UK April 2022

I cannot remember what it feels like to live in the city. I have been ensconced in the countryside for more than 20 years and (luckily) loved it from day one. Occasionally, I think about the inconvenience of not being able to walk to the local shop for a pint of milk and sometimes I yearn to pick up a takeaway coffee. On balance, however, I prefer living in the middle of nowhere. I feel more connected to nature and the changing seasons and, as I grow older, I cherish the seclusion. Albert Einstein said, “I lived in solitude in the country and noticed how the monotony of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind.” Wise words. Switching city for country dwelling has been a hot topic of discussion in the…

“Sweet April showers do spring May flowers.”A Hundred Good Points of Husbandry by Thomas Tusser TAKE YOUR TIME TO… map ancient trees The UK has more ancient trees than any other European country – some thousands of years old – and mapping them is crucial to protect our arboreal heritage. The Woodland Trust’s Ancient Tree Inventory has more than 180,000 trees listed and you can contribute your sightings to their map. Visit woodlandtrust.org.uk to find out how to age trees and whether any that you spot are candidates for their record. Keep a special eye out for veteran elders – estimates suggest there are thousands as yet unrecorded. 120 The number of fish a kingfisher can catch per day 5 OF THE BEST… walled kitchen gardens MOTTISFONT, HAMPSHIRE In the grounds of a historic priory,…

Editor’s choice “This handmade house is perfect for small garden birds like blue tits and would make a great gift for birdwatchers (like me). The wood will age beautifully over time, fading to soft grey, and the western red cedar wood is naturally resistant to rot and insects.” Follow @CLArtisans on Instagram to see more unique products from talented makers FOR STOCKISTS see Where to Buy PRICES AND AVAILABILITY CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRESS…

On our smallholding, we grow all sorts of herbs and, while some of them work better as culinary additions, many make a great cuppa. I’m always surprised by the sheer range of plants you can use like this. If I’ve overdone the caffeine, for example (which happens often while looking after my family and other animals), I’ll reach for spearmint to give me a buzz-free pick-meup. If I’m feeling anxious, then the slow process of bruising lemon balm leaves between my fingers (I’m convinced it helps to release the flavour), pouring water over them and sipping from the steaming mug never fails to calm me down. And at the end of a manic day, or if sleep is eluding me, lavender flowers do the trick. I think a lot of…

1 How did you become team tea? We both loved tea but had an inkling it could be a lot better than what we’d grown used to drinking. 2 What makes yours different? The key is using high-quality ingredients. Camellia sinensis, the plant traditional black tea is made from, is high in antioxidants, but by drinking the dusty offcuts of the tea production industry, we miss out on these. Whatever tea you’re drinking, fresh ingredients (homegrown are ideal) give you better health benefits and a superior taste. 3 Can herbal tea compete with caffeine? Sometimes only caffeine will do, but I find that herbal tea gives me a gentler, more sustainable energy boost. I like the combination of peppermint, sage and rosemary, which we use in our Clarity Blend. I drink it to blow away…

SPREAD The worm Calling all wannabe worm farmers: social enterprise The Urban Worm is giving away thousands of composting tiger worms. Go to theurbanworm.co.uk for simple instructions on how to create your own worm farm. Then upload a picture of your creation to claim your free pack of worms. The initiative aims to raise awareness of the important role they play in breaking down food waste that would otherwise go to landfill. You don’t need a garden to do it; the worms will be perfectly happy living under the kitchen sink and you’ll be rewarded with nitrogen-rich fertiliser. DID YOU KNOW… …Earth Day, which has taken place every 22 April since 1970, is credited with inspiring the modern environmental movement? It started in the US with 20 million people protesting against issues such…