countryside – Page 2

Does the Agriculture Bill actually mean anything?

Last week I visited Mark Hayward, a farmer in Suffolk who runs Dingley Dell Pork (watch this space for an upcoming podcast episode). I was particularly impressed by him and brother’s drive and determination to improve the abundance of wildlife on their farm in real terms; ie not just engaging with Natural England led schemes butContinueContinue reading “Does the Agriculture Bill actually mean anything?”

Music, Art, Creativity and the Countryside

Countless great pieces of music and art are influenced by the natural world and rural landscapes. The works of Ralph Vaughan Williams for example, or Beethoven’s 6th Symphony or Chopin’s Raindrop Prelude are all influenced by the outdoors. Elgar was influenced by his beloved Malvern Hills, Benjamin Britten by the Suffolk coast and Holst theContinueContinue reading “Music, Art, Creativity and the Countryside”

Making hay while the sun shines

Unless you have downloaded the Met Office app, set your alarm for 6.25pm to catch the evening weather forecast, own a weather station or simply keep one eye permanently fixed on the sky you cannot really call yourself a proper Brit. As a nation we are frankly obsessed with the weather. This is often calledContinueContinue reading “Making hay while the sun shines”

The Wood

Striding along the cow-parsley avenue my mind wanders, escaping the everyday. Jess the spaniel jumps among the sheaves of wheat in the field adjacent and I call her to my side. She initially ignores the demand, as usual, and then sprints towards me, overpassing on the path. I am sauntering towards the wood which liesContinueContinue reading “The Wood”

This week in farming, conservation and the countryside (9th March 2018)

This is the first post of a brand new section on thinkingcountry. Each Friday I will focus on a few of the events and things of interest that have happened during the previous week in farming, conservation and the countryside. It is something that I have been meaning to do for a while, but haven’tContinueContinue reading “This week in farming, conservation and the countryside (9th March 2018)”