There are many organisations doing important work in rural areas, bringing people together, providing support and improving the state of nature. 'Spotlight on...' profiles some of these. The Nature Friendly Farming Network is a farmer led, grass roots organisation which profiles a way of farming that puts nature and the environment at its heart. Very few … Continue reading Spotlight on…the Nature Friendly Farming Network
Episode 33 of the Meet the Farmers podcast features Guy and Emily French who run the innovative Foxes Farm business in north Essex. They grow for seasonal markets, focusing on Christmas Tree production as well as pumpkins which they sell wholesale to the Coop as well as selling direct to the public. They also run … Continue reading ‘Meet the Farmers’ – episode 33 – Guy and Emily French
Lauriston Farm is a 210 acre biodynamic farm on the Essex coast, not far from Maldon. Quite recently the farm's director, Spencer Christy, decided to reach out to the local community and make the farm community owned. Spencer has a background in environmental science and we spent a good deal of time talking about farming … Continue reading ‘Meet the Farmers’ – episode 32 – Spencer Christy
Gritty, honest, lump-in-throat-inducing, sobering. The Wild Remedy is one of the most powerful personal accounts of a struggle with depression that I have read, and a signal to all of us of the power and importance of the natural world in alleviating times of great personal struggle. Emma Mitchell’s words strike a chord that induces … Continue reading Book Review -The Wild Remedy by Emma Mitchell
It is relatively rare that you find yourself reading a book whilst actively doing the things contained within its pages. I am currently in the middle of the lambing period on our Essex coastal farm. A round the clock watch is kept on our ewes and lambs: feeding, watering, bedding up and assisting mothers. The … Continue reading Book Review – A Farmer’s Diary: A Year at High House Farm – by Sally Urwin
In this episode I talk to Andrew Dewing, a grain merchant from Norfolk who, through his 'Dewing Grain' podcast aims to demystify the grain trading process. Really enjoyed recording this one! Andrew is a great guy. Listen on... I strongly suggest that you listen to Andrew's podcast which is available here, or here. You can also … Continue reading ‘Meet the Farmers’ – episode 31 – Andrew Dewing
It's a pleasure as always to publish Tiffany's latest seasonal recipe. Enjoy it! ............................................................... Rhubarb is one of my favourite summer vegetables so I couldn’t resist sharing this ridiculously easy recipe now the sun is starting to shine and the mornings are full of birdsong. The beauty of the rhubarb season is that it’s divided … Continue reading Creamy Cashew, Rhubarb & Ginger Pots – Tiffany Francis
It might be springlike at the moment but winter has a habit of biting back with a vengeance - just think back to the Beast from the East in the UK last year! With this in mind, here's a short post about how to help wildlife in winter. ................................................................... Winter can be a hard time … Continue reading How to Help Wildlife in Your Garden This Winter – Guest post by NatureSpy
Last week I began something new on the ThinkingCountry facebook page as well as my twitter and instagram feeds. I must admit that I have been slightly late to the 'vlogging' scene but as they say it's better late than never and I now completely see the benefits both for me and for you dear … Continue reading Car Crash Ahead?
Whether you want to live a more self-sustaining lifestyle or just want to find ways to go green in the home, learning how to recycle and reuse items can kickstart more sustainable habits and protect the environment. Here’s a simple guide to greener living, complete with various ways to recycle and strategies to cut down … Continue reading Become a Recycler: A Simple Guide to Greener Living – guest post by Kay Carter
