Country Living - October 2015 UK

OCTOBER 2015 4.
10
DECORATING CRAFTS HOUSES GARDENS FOOD TRAVEL HEALTH
DREAM SCHEMES
HOW TO PLAN THE
PERFECT KITCHEN
BAKE ARTISAN BREAD
...AND MAKE MONEY
FROM KNITTING!
NEW
FROM OLD
CLEVER
UPCYCLING
IDEAS
Sarah Ravens
SUPERFOOD SUPPERS
FOR AUTUMN
THE BIG GARDEN TIDY
RESTORE ORDER TO THE BORDERS
98
October 2015 issue 358
26
111
13
Contents
Houses & gardens
13
26
71
118
130
136
144
152
EMPORIUM New ideas to add a touch

of country style to your home
KITCHENS WITH CHARACTER Whether
you prefer a pretty vintage look, modern-rustic
simplicity or traditional utilitarian style, we
show how to create your dream design
GARDEN NOTES Everything you need
to know to get the most from your plot
THE ART OF UPCYCLING Fresh, creative
ways for using fabric remnants, wrapping and
wallpaper off-cuts, and other household items
SECRETS OF A GLORIOUS GARDEN The
last part of our series on the gardens at Loseley
Park in Surrey, with plenty of practical tips
IN TUNE WITH NATURE A wooden cabin
near Denmarks north coast is an inspiring
mix of the traditional and the contemporary
ARTISTRY IN THE BORDERS Clever use of
colour and careful planting ensure beauty and
interest in a Kentish garden well into autumn
STYLE FOR SALE Twice a year, a beautiful
Arts and Crafts house in Surrey is transformed
countryliving.co.uk
into the perfect showcase for a covetable

collection of vintage finds, all available to buy
Features
75
80
86
93
98
107
A DOG FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE How to

choose the perfect canine companion to suit
you and your family. #2: dogs that love water
BUILDING A FUTURE An apprenticeship
scheme devised by HRH The Prince of Wales
is helping young people carve out a career
in traditional building skills
EXPLORE: THE MENDIPS With its gorges,
caverns and exhilarating views, this special
corner of Somerset has plenty to offer
TAKING ROOT Our campaign to protect
ancient trees can claim success across the UK
FRIENDS OF THE FEN Discover how a band
of volunteers in Cambridgeshire is supporting
a unique project to restore the fen landscape
ARE PHEASANT SHOOTS GOOD FOR
THE COUNTRYSIDE With sales of game
rising, there is clearly an appetite for healthy,
local, low-fat meat. But at what cost?
ON THE COVER
Plan the perfect
kitchen page 26 Bake
artisan bread page 44
Make money from
knitting page 111
New from old: clever
upcycling ideas page
118 Sarah Ravens
superfood suppers
page 160 The big
garden tidy page 130
OCTOBER 2015 4.10
DREAM SCHEMES
HOW TO PLAN THE
PERFECT KITCHEN
BAKE ARTISAN BREAD
...AND MAKE MONEY
FROM KNITTING!
NEW
FROM OLD
CLEVER
UPCYCLING
IDEAS
Sarah Ravens
SUPERFOOD SUPPERS
FOR AUTUMN
THE BIG GARDEN TIDY
OCTOBER 2015
07
Contents
144
168
52
179
October 2015 issue 358
111
179
LET YOUR TALENT SHINE Celebrating

home-grown skills, we meet women making
the most of their hobby. This month: the knitter
MEET THE URBAN ARTISANS Abigail
Booth and Max Bainbridge of Forest-and-Found
Food & drink

160
168
SARAH RAVENS SUPERFOODS The cook

and gardener picks the healthiest fresh produce
to eat in October: squash
SIMPLE DISHES FOR BUSY DAYS
Alison Walker showcases easy but delicious
recipes. This month: a selection of hearty game
favourites to enjoy during the autumn months
Fashion, health & beauty

52
183
08
TAKE TO THE ROAD! Team rich velvets and

colourful embroidered pieces with bold, quirky
accessories for a stylish, bohemian look
HEALTH NOTES Improve your wellbeing
the natural way with our round-up from
the world of health and beauty
OCTOBER 2015
185
NATURES PAINKILLERS Swap traditional

pain-relief pills for herbal teas and tinctures
to ease common aches and ailments
News & views

43
A MONTH IN THE COUNTRY What

to do, where to go, ideas to try and simple
pleasures to enjoy throughout October
190 WHERE TO BUY Stockist details
191 NEXT MONTH in Country Living
226 MY COUNTRYSIDE Roger Moore
Reader offers
25
67
110
126
176
195
SHOP AT OUR ONLINE STORE Find stylish

pieces at the Country Living General Store
COME TO OUR CHRISTMAS FAIR!
COUNTRY LIVING COLLECTION
A smart new look for our Gower sofa from DFS
SUBSCRIBE to Country Living
READER SURVEY Win 250 in vouchers!
COUNTRY LIVING READER OFFERS
Save on a great range of items and treats
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OUT A SUBSCRIPTION
TO CL THIS MONTH
See page 126 for details
COVER CREDITS
Photograph by Rachel
Whiting. Styling by Ben
Kendrick. Lamp, Loop
The Loop. Copper pan,
Jasper Conran at
Debenhams. Red linen
napkin, plates, colander,
wooden bowl, utensil
jar, ceramic jugs, red
striped tea towel, all The
Conran Shop. Vintage
linen cloth, Parna. Table,
cupboard and chairs,
all Lilly Loray. Blind in
Cloud Garden coral
linen, Rapture & Wright.
Sink curtain in Tickety
Boo cotton, Harlequin.
shop.countryliving.co.uk
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PHOTOGRAPHS BY CATHERINE GRATWICKE. *ANTIQUE SUITCASES FROM VERY VINTAGE AT SHOP.COUNTRYLIVING.CO.UK
Browsing for antiques

is one of my favourite pastimes, so I was intrigued to hear about Fiona Lawrensons house sales where all the
vintage furniture and accessories in her Surrey home are available to buy (see page 152). No sooner was I
through the door than several items caught my eye mostly small and easily accommodated, such as the hat
box, jar of buttons and old wine cellar book, shown above. But then there is the circular Victorian table, its
original mahogany now painted pale blue like a hastily purchased sale shoe, it doesnt fit, but Im determined
to keep trying to shoe-horn it in! Fionas ingenuity in turning her hobby into a business is inspiring, and
Sue Gleave in Suffolk (see page 111) is another good example. She dyes with plants grown in her own garden and
sells kits using wool from native British breeds but never dreamed she could make a living from knitting until
she took part in our Kitchen Table Talent Pop-Up Market at the CL Spring Fair in March. She appears in this
issue to mark Wool Week, an initiative by HRH Prince Charles now in its sixth year (see page 46). Finally, dont
miss the chance to win 250 of John Lewis vouchers by taking part in our Reader Survey on page 176.
Follow our boards on Pinterest for more

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Find more news, seasonal recipes, travel

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OCTOBER 2015
11
emporium
t
po yle
ck pat
et tern
s,
e
24, L d apron
illy Lo
ray
Reflect the change in season with rich

orange hues and coppery metallics, offset
with crafted woollen and wooden pieces
ished with a coloured stitched edge in c

pkins fin
harco
a
inen na coral, 42.50/set of four, Smith Handmade
l
l
a
r
u
t
at Suc l, sea
Na
nd
h&S
stard a
u
m
uch
,
foam
-s
tro
Re two
h
wit
This autumnal-hued maple-leaf

doormat is machine-washable and
comes in several sizes, 49.95
(60cm x 85cm), Turtle Mat
COMPILED BY ALAINA BINKS. PHOTOGRAPHS BY HEARST STUDIOS.

PRICES AND AVAILABILITY CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRESS
Handm
ade la
6 each, Sally Weatherill
v
e
n
x, 3
derd fo
fille
d badger an
countryliving.co.uk
Featuring Cath Kidstons new

colourful woodland print, these
stackable, wipe-clean chairs
are ideal for brightening up
a kitchen, 175 each
Keep warm this

winter with a
knitted bobble hat
by Suffolk-based
company Bob &
John Knitwear, 32,
Country Living
General Store
OCTOBER 2015
13
EMPORIUM
Angie Lewins new Birch Tree Sun linen-union is available in five colourways, 54/m, St Judes
Han
ve
d-fin
ith Lo
ished m
achine-knitted cushion cover, 140, From Brighton W
Hand-block-printed organic cotton sleepwear,

90 for this Blazer nightshirt, Eight Hour Studio
es, 17.50
handl
eac
upboard w porc
wl
h
e
h
t
i
l
o
,
a
i
n
A
nA
nge
l At My Table
Add
cha
ac
racter to
Fraser & Parsleys stylish

bespoke stationery features
hand-drawn illustrations and
can be personalised, 18/set
of ten Welly Boots mini notes
r
Ce
14
OCTOBER 2015
St
or
e
en
er
al
te
ng
usi
Framed* hand-cut paper birds in vintage matchboxes

by Andrew Malone, 365 (53cm x 53cm), Frank
*SHOWN UNFRAMED
s
am
ate
cre
icis
t Clare Gage
in
di
vid
ual
patt
erns
xt
G
ur
ng
ed
ivi
L
fab
try
rics,
26/cup, Coun
429, Dav
ey Lightin
g
Hex box la
ntern pen
dant in w
eathered
brass,
These
etched
copper
and brass
decorations are
handmade to order,
from 12 each,
Sharon McSwiney
a
Be
ut
lw
ifu et
e
sh
r
of e n
st bro
ee
o
l, ch c
u
32
, M t from a hand-printed
e la n
ie Tom
linson
Piddington Jams
traditionally
made preserves,
such as this
strawberry and
pepper jam, use
spices or herbs
for a delicious
added twist, 6,
Country Living
General Store
Hand-carved
walnut and
sweet chestnut
chopping
boards finished
with beeswax
salve, from 29,
Forest-andFound (see
this months
Meet the Urban
Artisans)
Fawn screen-printed linen cushion by

Sam Pickard exclusively for the National Trust, 60
FIND MORE
STYLISH HOMEWARE
AT SHOP.COUNTRYLIVING.CO.UK
16
OCTOBER 2015
This birch plywood wreath

by Anna Wiscombe is
inspired by Dorset
woodlands, 38 (D25cm),
The Original Pop Up Shop
For stockist details, see Where to Buy

Country Living Christmas Fair

Elegant lampshades hand-finished with polka-dot ribbons, 40 each (stand MF52; bay-design.co.uk)
LONDON
Discover a wide range of original

handmade pieces by individual
sellers 11-15 November 2015
ith a na
Personalis
e this pretty hand-embroidered cushion w
VG40; janconstantine.com)
A unique
cotton-canvas
and leatherhandled
shopper
hand-crafted
by Lottie Day in
her Norwich
studio (stand
MF18; madeby
lottieday.com)
Handdecorated
fine bone
china by
Julia Davey
and her small
team in Stoke
on Trent and
Bath. Somerset
meadow pint
jug, 22 (stand
MF40; shop.
countryliving.
co.uk)
Colourfully illustrated coaster, 4.50

(stand VG42; inkandfold.com)
Find all your gift-wrap essentials at

Jane Means (stand GL9; janemeans.com)
Beautiful
and functional
hand-thrown
speckled tableware
by London potter
Emily Doran, 20/
soup bowl (stand MF37;
shop.countryliving.co.uk)
For more information and to book tickets, visit countrylivingfair.com

18
OCTOBER 2015
COMPILED BY ALAINA BINKS. PRICES* AND AVAILABILITY CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRESS.
*PRICES ARE IN LINE WITH THOSE ON OFFER AT THE SHOW; PRICES ONLINE MAY DIFFER
me or word, 60 (stand
Phoebe
SherwoodMoores
woodland
jewellery range
features leaves
and acorns,
105 for
pendant
shown
(stand B12;
phoebe
jewellery.co.uk)
GLASGOW
in herrin
g
street in
king
bone tweed, 75 (stand E62;
Shetland
llen cushion
teriors.co.u
k)
woo
Find knitwear and accessories in rich tones

and textures from British makers, including
Scottish artisans 19-22 November 2015
Handwoven
in Scotland,
this soft scarf
by Prickly Thistle
is an exclusive
tartan design, 95
(stand C10; prickly
thistlescotland.co.uk)
Made by Scottish artisans, olive-green

Harris Tweed satchel, 89 (stand F21;
dunmorescotland.com)
So Cosys baby alpaca

wool throws come in
stylish neutral shades,
169, (stand D8; shop.
countryliving.co.uk)
Mens Fair-Isle
Yoke jumper
made in Scotland
from Shetland
wool, 98
(stand D34;
thecrofthouse.
com)
Appliqud
and
embroidered
wren fabric
pot, 26
(stand F4;
dear-emma.
com) made
with new and
old threads
and materials
Vintage-style necklace with

Liberty print, 18 (stand E15;
handmadebyhayley.co.uk)
Decorative, practical and

quirky pheasant doorstop, 32
(stand I7; sophieallport.com)

20
OCTOBER 2015
HARROGATE
Start shopping for Christmas gifts with
a unique and homespun charm
3-6 December 2015
ee.co.uk)
Hang this fun soft fox

head on a childs bedroom
wall, 50 (stand M52/a;
parmaviolet.co.uk)
47
/cus
hion (stand C
13; corkyb
Featuring Charlotte Maceys

countryside print, this day
bag is handmade in the
Cotswolds, 30 (stand C109;
shop.countryliving.co.uk)
piece
s; from
xt i l e
Cork
ff te
y Bee turns old fabrics into one-o
Waterproof womens
leather boots, 169
(stand M65;
welligogs.com)
Made-to-order appliqu iPad cover,

28 (stand B11; katiekid.com)
Decorative pottery with
countryside animals,
including hares and
pheasants (shown), 28/
large jug (stand M39; jane
hogbenterracotta.co.uk)
FIND MORE
STYLISH HOMEWARE
Made in the UK, natural plant wax scented candle set with
orange and jasmine essential oils, 26 (stand M14; beefayre.com)

22
OCTOBER 2015
GET THE
COUNTRY LIVING LOOK!
BUY NOW AT SHOP.COUNTRYLIVING.CO.UK
BOTANICAL JOURNAL, 12.95, RIFLE
PAPER CO/NORTHLIGHT DESIGN
COACH TANNERY SADDLE BAG,

65, ZATCHELS
PRICES AND AVAILABILITY CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRESS.
WOMENS WAX DENISON

JACKET (IN TAN), 170,
ORIGINAL MONTGOMERY
FELIX ARMCHAIR,
329, SWOON EDITIONS
PORCELAIN VESSEL
WITH LEATHER HANDLE,
FROM 80, BRITTANY
DELANY CERAMICS
KITCHENS
with
CHARACTER
Whether you prefer a pretty vintage look, modernrustic simplicity or traditional utilitarian style,
we show how to create your dream design
PRODUCED BY BEN KENDRICK
WORDS BY CAROLINE ATKINS
THE TRADITIONAL COUNTRY KITCHEN

has started to evolve in new directions over the
past couple of years. Amid the classic dressers,
plate racks, Agas and farmhouse tables, youll
find a sprinkling of steel-fronted cabinets and
zinc-topped tables. Theres still plenty of wood
around, but these days it ranges from rough,
salvaged, scaffold planks to neat paintwork in
muted colours and the furniture itself might
even have streamlined curves and smooth-asglass acrylic surfaces, rather than traditional
panelling and visible grain. Over the following
pages, weve identified three distinctive trends,
along with the elements you can put together to
create them. Many of these can be adapted
to more than one look, so be prepared to blur
the lines, selecting the features you like
and combining them to suit the design
you want and the way you live.
MODERN COUNTRY
The rugged serviceability of a more urban, industrial style has transferred effectively into
the country kitchen. Walls of warehouse-style raw plaster or exposed brickwork create the
perfect backdrop for a mixture of rough-hewn wood and smooth metal surfaces. Furniture
that is or appears to be freestanding, in a mix of materials and finishes, suits the look,
and should be purely functional, with no unnecessary decoration. Tables, units and
worktops can be built from salvaged timbers and scaffolding boards, while vintage fruit or
wine crates become shelves and wall racks. Supplement wooden cabinets with steel or zinc
cupboards, reminiscent of factory lockers, fit a sleek, catering-style steel range and use
heavy-duty wire trolleys to store vegetables and hold pans. Old brick or stone floors have an
ideal pared-back quality, while poured concrete gives a cleaner, contemporary finish.
KITCHEN SPECIAL
Stack vintage crates

to make a set of
shelves, or attach
wheels to the base
of a single box to
turn it into a trolley.
Use strips of
scaffold planking
as an alternative to
tongue-and-groove
for cabinet doors
and wall panelling.
Streamlined island
units can house
appliances and
sinks, as well as
providing a useful
extra surface. Keep
plain and minimal
for a laboratory
workbench effect
that will add an
industrial element.
Fit bulkhead wall
lights or large,
unshaded pendant
lightbulbs with
squirrel-cage
filaments though
vintage in style,
their utilitarian
show the workings
construction is ideal
for this look.
1 Antique-finish,
spring-arm wall
light, 299, Olive
& The Fox (olive
andthefox.co.uk)
Tiles, 9 each,
Bert & May (bert
andmay.com)
3 Copper pans, from

20-70 each,
Jasper Conran
at Debenhams
(debenhams.com)
3
2
OCTOBER 2015
29
Like the Modern Country look but less industrial, this style is all about unfussy
practicality with an emphasis on well-made cabinetry. Based on American Shaker styles
and traditional British scullery pieces, designs by companies such as DeVol and Plain
English feature plain panelling and minimal decoration, which lend themselves equally
well to roomy farmhouses and small cottage kitchens. The look is streamlined and neatly
fitted, with the occasional freestanding piece in the same style, and their hard-working
designs provide plenty of built-in benefits pantry and larder cupboards that come with
storage slots and shelves, and island units that create the effect of a traditional kitchen
table. Matt paintwork protects the woodwork while giving visual coherence.
KITCHEN SPECIAL
Include areas of
plain wood for
worktops, trims
and floors to
contrast with the
cabinet paintwork.
Add texture with
a few neat basket
drawers amid the
cabinets and fitted
into island units.
Install an Aga and
a solid, square-cut
sink either a deep
ceramic Belfast or
a shallower trough
in stone or slate.
Keep cupboard
details subdued
and understated:
knobs and drawer
pulls in dull pewter
or unlacquered
brass work well,
as do simple rustic
trimmings such as
leather handles.
1 Colworth storage
unit, 55, Garden

Trading at Country
Living General
Store (shop.country
living.co.uk)
Harrogate 170cm
rectangular table
in Blakeney Blue,
795, Neptune
(neptune.com)
Dove Street
Pottery Orkney
mug, 15,
John Lewis
(johnlewis.com)
32
OCTOBER 2015
BRENT DARBY/NARRATIVES; HENNY VAN BELKOM; CLAIRE RICHARDSON/NARRATIVES; LOUPE IMAGES; TON BOUWER/COCOFEATURES.COM; GAP INTERIORS; EWA STOCK; IDECORIMAGES.COM; NARRATIVES
The farmhouse look is endlessly adaptable, assembled from individual pieces that can
be added to over the years. A dresser makes a practical centrepiece, providing areas for
display and drawers for storage, and an informal mix of open shelves and glazed cabinets
keep china, glassware and favourite treasures on view and easily accessible. Areas of
patterned tiles, hanging pan rails, stoneware jugs filled with utensils, old enamelware
accessories and bold tea towels will all add variety and texture. If theres space for a table,
keep it comfortable with cushions on chairs and a jug of flowers for added colour.
KITCHEN SPECIAL
Keep a lookout for

vintage aluminium
or ceramic jelly
moulds and tin
cookie cutters with
interesting shapes
to put on show.
Supplement your
storage with racks
displaying plates
flat against the
wall or slotting
them sideways
to save space.
Use a traditional
wooden draining
rack (ideal with
Belfast sinks), and
collect handmade
chopping boards
that are practical
and decorative.
Mix mismatched
chairs and stools
some painted,
others plain. Tall
stools can be used
for occasional
storage surfaces,
as well as seating.
1 Perky Bench in
Verdure, 315,
Winters Moon
(wintersmoon.
co.uk).
Pudding basin,
24, Cornishware
(cornishware.
co.uk)
3 Vintage blue-andwhite stencilled

cockerel plate,
18, Pillo (pillo
london.com)
36
OCTOBER 2015
KITCHEN SPECIAL
B BRITISH STANDARD (020 7870
38
7688; britishstandard
cupboards.co.uk) Stylish,
understated designs for
kitchens, cabinets and
worktops in solid woods.
Made in Suffolk, reasonably
priced and supplied readyto-paint. Helpful website.
Prices from 8,000
CHAMBER FURNITURE (01959
532553; chamberfurniture.
co.uk) Sleek, simple and
contemporary bespoke
styles. Handmade in Kent
from quality hardwoods such
as oak, ash and walnut.
Prices from 45,000
CHRISTOPHER PETERS (01926
832511; christopherpeters.
com) Stylish bespoke
kitchens with a period feel
freestanding and fitted
with solid wood or painted
finishes. Warwickshire based.
Prices from 25,000
COTTESWOOD (01608 641858;
cotteswood.co.uk) Classic
and modern country styles
in painted and natural
woods. Made in Oxfordshire
using traditional methods.
Prices from 20,000
DEVOL (01509 261000;
devolkitchens.co.uk)
Classic styles combined
with quality and innovation,
including collaborations
with contemporary
craftsman Sebastian Cox.
Prices from 8,000
HARVEY JONES (0800 389
6938; harveyjones.com)
Three handbuilt classic
OCTOBER 2015
styles Original, Shaker

and Linear in a variety of
colours. Ten-year guarantee;
good environmental policies.
Prices from 18,000
HOWDENS (020 7535 1110;
howdens.com) Ten styles of
quality wooden kitchens but
only available to trade so
you need a professionally
affiliated builder or fitter to
purchase for you. Cabinetry
guaranteed for 25 years.
Comprehensive range of
appliances some exclusive.
Prices on application
IKEA (0845 358 3363; ikea.
com) Affordable, appealing
Scandi designs that you fit
yourself or use the instore
measuring, planning, delivery
and installation service.
Prices from 2,500
J JOHN LEWIS OF HUNGERFORD
(0700 278 4726; john-lewis.

co.uk) Country classics,
sleek, contemporary styles
and quirky, unique designs.
Also freestanding furniture
and a range of appliances.
Prices from 8,000
MAGNET (01325 744094;
magnet.co.uk) Fifty styles
of fitted kitchen, from
traditional to ultra-modern.
Many showrooms with builtin room settings. Virtual,
instore or home-planner
design service. Appliances.
Prices from 2,056
MARK WILKINSON (01380
850007; mwf.com)
Bespoke Wiltshire-made
kitchens with distinctive
designs. Complete service
from flooring and lighting
to appliances and fabrics.
Great installation, customer
service and aftercare.
Prices from 40,000
MARTIN MOORE & CO (0845 180
0015; martinmoore.com)
Well-made classic designs
with the latest technology.
Excellent reputation for
service and quality.
Prices from 35,000
APPLIANCES
AND ACCESSORIES
A AGA (0845 712 5207;
agaliving.com) Traditional
enamel range cookers, with
new programmable, energyefficient models and small
city versions. Also fridges
and wine-cooling systems.
BRITANNIA (01253 471001;
britannialiving.co.uk)
Stylish range cookers in
stainless steel and coloured
enamel finishes, plus hobs,
ovens and cooker hoods.
EVERHOT (01453 890018;
everhot.co.uk) Enamelled
electric range cookers with
traditional appearance. Small
sizes for compact spaces.
LEIBHERR (0844 4122655;
myliebherr.co.uk) Quality
Swiss fridges and freezers
freestanding, built-in,
counter-top or undercounter models, featuring
modern styling and storage.
LEISURE COOKERS (0845 600
4916; leisurecooker.co.uk)
Large range cookers in a
variety of finishes, with gas,
electric and dual-fuel options.
Also range of modern hoods.
NEFF (0844 892 8989; neff.
co.uk) Stylish ovens, hobs,
extractors, dishwashers and
fridge-freezers. Also built-in
compact appliances. Useful
website and spares line.
RANGEMASTER (0800 804
6261; rangemaster.co.uk)
Larger range cookers, with
the option of grills, griddles
and twin ovens. Also, taps
and sinks in stainless steel.
SAMSUNG (0844 545 6523;
samsung.com) Washing
machines, fridge-freezers,
hobs and ovens in modern
styles and compact built-in
appliances. Stainless steel
and black glass finishes.
SMEG (0844 557 9907;
smeguk.com) Design-led
kitchen appliances, in plain
and coloured finishes.
SUB ZERO & WOOLF (0845 250
0010; westye.co.uk) Highend quality fridge-freezers,
ranges, ovens, hobs and wine
coolers. Great service.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF NEPTUNE
CL directory
MCCARRON KITCHENS (01380

859299; mccarronandco.
com) Six traditional and
modern fitted styles. Oneoff design service with
high-quality cabinetry.
Prices from 40,000
NEPTUNE (01793 427300;
neptune.com) Traditionally
made painted timber
kitchens in simple, classic
styles with a New England
aesthetic. Own range of
paint colours from charcoal,
indigo blue and berry red
to off-whites and greys.
Prices from 10,000
PARLOUR FARM (01285
885336; parlourfarm.com)
Painted wooden kitchens
handmade in Cirencester.
Prices from 11,000
PLAIN ENGLISH (020 7486
2674; plainenglish) Classic
wooden designs, made in
Suffolk, with a Georgian
or Shaker appearance.
Prices from 40,000
RENCRAFT (01732 762682;
rencraft.co.uk) Quality
wooden kitchens crafted
on a farm in Kent. Country
styles in solid oak, maple or
walnut and waxed, oiled and
painted finishes. Offers a
bespoke design service.
Prices from 18,000
SMALLBONE OF DEVIZES (020
7589 5998; smallbone.co.uk)
Eight stylish designs from
cutting-edge contemporary
to Georgian-inspired or
country pine. Unusual
detailing, plus innovative
storage. Bespoke service.
Prices from 40,000
TOM HOWLEY (0161 848 1200;
tomhowley.co.uk)
High-quality fitted wooden
kitchens in traditional and
more contemporary styles.
Bespoke service, design
planning and installation.
Prices from 35,000
WREN KITCHENS (0345 127
7008; wrenkitchens.com)
Family business producing
fitted kitchens in a variety
of styles and price points.
Home measuring service.
Prices from 1,000
W H AT T O S E E October
DOWN ON THE FARM
Helen Browning reveals what
is taking place on her mixed
organic holding in Wiltshire
WITH WINTER FAST
APPROACHING, we
are drilling the majority
of our autumn-sown
arable crops, so long
hours are spent on
tractors getting the
seedbeds ready for
wheat, spelt and oats.
The livestock team are
preparing housing for
the cattle, cleaning and
bedding the barns to
keep less hardy beasts
cosy. Our yearling beef
crosses usually live

outside on turnips and
kale, but the younger
ones and the Friesians
all need to be indoors.
Ewes are being readied
for tupping with a trim
around their bottoms,
and an increasingly
calorific diet, which
means plenty of grass,
but no red clover (as it
may have oestrogenic
properties). And the
summers hard work
is marked by a harvest
supper at our local pub.
For information about
Helens farm, see helen
browningsorganic.co.uk.
IN NATURE
Naturalist Simon King offers
tips about the wild visitors
you will see in your garden
COMPILED BY ANNA JURY AND CHARLOTTE DEAR. *NEVER EAT WILD

MUSHROOMS WITHOUT FIRST IDENTIFYING THEM USING A RELIABLE
GUIDEBOOK. IF IN ANY DOUBT, DO NOT RISK CONSUMING THEM..
MAGIC MUSHROOMS
ts no surprise that wild fungi have been part
of fairytale lore in this country for hundreds
of years. Appearing seemingly overnight in
shadowy woodland or arranged in mysterious
circles, with their perfectly domed heads and soft
underside gills, they could easily have come from
another world. Indeed, one popular myth suggests
they are the gift of spirits, scattered over fields
during the night to provide food for the hungry.
Theres no denying that the sight of fresh
mushrooms clustered in a dewy meadow or hidden
among damp undergrowth on a misty autumn
morning is one of the pleasures of the season.
Edible species to keep an eye out for include the
shaggy inkcap (Coprinus comatus), shown above,
also known as lawyers wig, which favours lawns,
gravel roads and wasteland, and the giant puffball
(Calvatia gigantea), which thrives in forests
and fields and can grow to the size of a melon.*
countryliving.co.uk
THE SEASON OF
PLENTY IS IN FULL
SWING and small
creatures are making
good use of the wealth
of wild foods available.
Trees such as beech,
oak, chestnut and
hazel are shedding
their nuts, seeds and
acorns, creating a feast
for different species.
Squirrels, grey and red,
are planting trees well,
storing food but they
are often the architects
of new woodland when

they forget where nuts
are buried. Windfall
apples or pears will be
utilised by birds and
mini beasts, from late
wasps on a warm day
to mice and voles by
night. If you have a
surfeit of fruit, be it
apples or soft fruit, put
some in the freezer to
be cast onto the lawn
later in the winter.
This sweet resource
could be a life-saver
for visiting redwings,

thrushes and fieldfares.
To learn about Simons
work, see simonking
wildlife.com.
OCTOBER 2015
43
I D E A S T O T RY O c t o b e r
ENJOY A SLOW SUNDAY

Why not set aside one day a week to savour
the simple pleasures in life?
MAKE YOUR
OWN MUESLI
A SIMPLE MAKE
PUMPKIN
DECORATION
Recycle an old book with
this clever autumnal idea
1 Draw a pumpkin shape on a piece of
2
3
CARVE A
PUMPKIN
COLLECT SEEDS
heres something very satisfying about rows of brown paper
bags lined up in the shed, full of seeds harvested from your own
garden and full of promise for next years blooms. Choose a dry,
still day and snip whole, ready-to-burst seed heads into paper bags.
Leave them hanging in a shed or similar dry, airy place until the ripe
seeds fall from the pods, then sift out any debris and seal them in
a labelled envelope. Poppies, foxgloves, sunflowers, cosmos, lovein-a-mist and honesty are all easy to harvest, but dont be tempted
to strip the garden. Youll have more than enough from just a few
and, by leaving the rest, youll enjoy seeing their sculptural forms
on frosty autumn mornings, as well as the birds that come to feast
on them. Read: The Manual of Seed Saving by Andrea Heistinger
(Timber Press, 25)
While its tempting to

opt for the prize-winner
from your patch, the
biggest pumpkins dont
necessarily make good
lanterns thick, dense
walls are tricky to carve
and dont allow the
candle to glow through.
Mid-size specimens are
far more manageable
and the tiny varieties,
such as Wee B Little,
are perfect for children.
paper large enough to fill both sides

of your open book, then cut it out.
Remove the front and back covers of
the book and open it roughly halfway.
Place your pumpkin template
on top and trace onto the pages.
Using a pair of scissors or a craft
knife, cut out the shape of the
pumpkin, several pages at a time.
Brush or sponge some orange paint
onto the edges of the pages of the
cut-out shape.
When the paint is dry, open the
book so the first and last pages and
the spine are exposed and use a glue
gun to fix a cinnamon stick or twig
carefully along the spine of the
book. Then glue the first and last
pages together, sit the pumpkin
up straight and allow to dry.
Tie a piece of green ribbon to the
stem of the stick or twig and display
your centrepiece for all to enjoy.
1 Artisan Bread Weekend Fir Mount House, Kingswear, Devon Learn all the skills needed
3
COURSES... IN
BREAD MAKING
44
OCTOBER 2015
for delicious artisan bread, from the classic overnight white to more adventurous oat and apple.
17-18 October, 250 (01803 752943; mannafromdevon.com)
2 Real Bread Making for Beginners Merlin Park, Burscough, Lancashire Covers the basics
of fermenting, kneading, proving, shaping and baking for different types of loaf.
10 October, 95 (0845 860 2141; artisan-foodworks.co.uk)
3 Three Day Bread Course The Old Church, Muirkirk, Ayrshire Practise basic bread making
before moving on to specialist, European and enriched doughs on this course.
3-5, 16-18 October, 360 (01290 660045; lesleyskitchen.com)
SLOW SUNDAY WORDS BY KATE LANGRISH. PUMPKIN DECORATION CREATED AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY CLEMENTENE COATES (CLEMENTENECOATES.CO.UK).
ORANGE WATERCOLOUR PAINT, HOT-GLUE GUN AND RIBBON, FROM A SELECTION, HOBBYCRAFT (HOBBYCRAFT.CO.UK)
A glut of harvested
sunflower and pumpkin
seeds can make a
delicious breakfast. Mix
them with hazelnuts,
rolled oats and raisins,
and serve with milk and
a handful of the last of
the seasons berries.
T H I N G S T O K N OW O c t o b e r
MEET A
COUNTRY
CHARACTER
Eco tip
FROM YOUR
ARMCHAIR
Extraordinary
VILLAGES
NEWS YOU CAN USE

When was the last time you saw a flock of sheep grazing in central
London? To launch the sixth annual Wool Week, HRH The Prince
of Wales will be organising just such a spectacle in Londons Savile
Row. As patron of The Campaign for Wool, which was created to
raise awareness of the history, beauty and versatility of wool, he
is keen to encourage the British public to choose it as their winter
warmer: Not only does it leave a lighter footprint on the planet
than manmade alternatives, it is also a better product I hope
that over the coming years there will be ever more of you who are
proud to be just a little bit woolly, the Prince says. With numerous
events taking place from 5-11 October, this is a perfect time to join
a local knit-and-stitch group, or start one yourself and see what
you can produce for winter. Keep up to date with the latest news
and events during Wool Week at campaignforwool.org.
APPLE
FESTIVALS
WHATS IN A NAME?
Ducis
Latinised place-name
element meaning of
the duke. Usually
indicates that a manor
was once ducal property,
as at Collingbourne
Ducis in Wiltshire.*
46
OCTOBER 2015
3
For variety Tenbury Applefest,
Worcestershire, 3 October
Discover the skill of willow
weaving and enjoy Morris
dancing and live music
(tenburyapplefest.co.uk).
1
For families Brogdale
National Apple Festival,
Kent, 17-18 October Children
can enjoy exploring the farm on
a miniature train before trying to
hook an apple (visitkent.co.uk).
4
For history Ironbridge Apple
Day, Shropshire, 10 October
Wash down a hog roast and WI
baked treats with apple juice
fresh from a traditional press
(shropshireappletrust.co.uk).
Tony Francis
TV presenter and journalist
Broadcaster and
journalist Tony Francis
uncovers hidden
secrets and island
communities as he
explores the places
and people who
live in 50 of Britains
most remarkable
villages (Merlin Unwin
Books, 14.99)**
2
For growers Bere Apple Fest,
Devon, 3 October Bring your
own apples to be juiced and get
advice on grafting, pruning
and making the most of your
fruit trees (tavyapples.org.uk).
5
For fun and games Ely Apple
Festival, 17 October All the
fun of the fair with apple and
spoon races, an apple shy and
woodturning demonstrations
(visitely.eastcambs.gov.uk).
*TAKEN FROM THE BATSFORD COMPANION TO LOCAL HISTORY BY STEPHEN FRIAR (BATSFORD, 19.95).
**TO ORDER FOR THE SPECIAL PRICE OF 10 PLUS 3.50 P&P, CALL 01584 877546 AND QUOTE COUNTRY LIVING
The performance of equine

stars is often as impressive as
that of the actors in TV series
such as Merlin or the films
War Horse and Robin Hood,
but have you ever heard of
the man responsible for
these charismatic creatures?
Gwynedd local Dylan Jones
virtually grew up in the saddle
and, like his father Aneuryn,
went on to become a film horse
specialist and stunt rider. But
realising that nobody in his
native Wales was training
horses professionally for its
fast-growing entertainment
industry, he set up Dolbadarn
Film Horses in the shadow of
Mount Snowdon. Known as a
horse whisperer for his ability
to motivate them to do almost
anything, Dylan has worked
with some of the biggest
names in the business (such
as Guy Ritchie on King Arthur)
but, throughout, has prided
himself on maintaining the
highest standard of care for the
animals he is passionate about.
For more information,
visit filmhorses.co.uk
Place old
or bent iron
nails around
plants the
rust is great
for varieties
that need
iron, such
as azaleas
P L AC ES T O G O O c t o b e r
FURTHER
AFIELD
CLOCKWISE, FROM LEFT Some

of the towns many antiques shops;
Hungerford Wharf on the Kennet
& Avon canal; the Crown & Garter
restaurant serves fine seasonal fare
Enjoy exploring the footpaths

that surround the Crown &
Garter but make time to visit
the other features of the area:
meander along the Kennet &
Avon Canal (canalrivertrust.
org.uk) and through wildlifehaven Hungerford Marsh
(bbowt.org.uk); see the last
working windmill in Wessex
(wiltonwindmill.co.uk); pay
court to the real Downton Abbey,
Highclere Castle (highclere
castle.co.uk open SundayThursday until 10 September),
above; or marvel at the ancient
oaks of Savernake Forest
(forestry.gov.uk/savernake).
A NIGHT AND A DAY IN HUNGERFORD
At the Crown & Garter, where

youre sure to sleep soundly in
one of the ten individually styled
rooms of this west Berkshire
pub. Housed in an old redbrick former farmstead, it has
a garden with beautiful views
over the countryside and a
dining room with an open fire
for cosy evenings in the winter.
Superking beds, a private
courtyard and complimentary
cake, made in the on-site
bakery, add indulgent touches.
Breakfast on a locally sourced
full English or oven-warm
pastries. Double B&B plus
dinner from 130 (01488
668325; crownandgarter.co.uk).
GET IN TOUCH
FACEBOOK.COM/
COUNTRYLIVING
TWITTER.COM/
COUNTRYLIVINGUK
COUNTRY.LIVING
@HEARST.CO.UK
48
OCTOBER 2015
Eat
Seasonal dishes such as roast

quail and wild mushrooms in
the Crown & Garters awardwinning restaurant, with ales
by the West Berkshire Brewery,
or at local favourite The Dundas
Arms, a Georgian Inn on the
Kennet & Avon Canal at
Kintbury. In Hungerford itself,
treat yourself to delicious
streusel muffins and cakes at
caf &Eliane, enjoy traditional
pub fare at ancient hostelry
The Bear; or picnic on the
common or by the River Dun,
which runs through this
market town, with Scotch eggs,
local cheeses and artisan bread
from nearby Cobbs Farm Shop.
Browse
The seemingly never-ending

shelves of Hungerford Arcade
just one of the many enticing
antiques and vintage emporia
along the high street, which
also include The Swedish
Room, Below Stairs and
Cooper & Cooper. If fashion
is more your taste, try Roxtons
for brands such as Noa Noa
and Dubarry, or Mistral,
on the other side of the
canal. Finally, dont miss
the ever-changing but
always stunning window
displays of the recently
opened Sarah Styles Florist
also a great place to pick up
home accessories and gifts.
Dont miss The Royal County of
Berkshire Show one of the UKs top

ten agricultural shows for livestock,
showjumping, local food and craft stalls
(19-20 September; berkshireshow.co.uk).
LOCAL LANDMARK
Combe Gibbet,
erected in 1676
on Inkpen Long
Barrow, near
Walbury Hill,
the highest
point in southeast England
WORDS BY EMMA PRITCHARD
Stay
DREAM HOME...
ARROW GRANGE,
HEREFORDSHIRE
STRUTT & PARKER,
950,000
Each month, we choose our favourite
country property currently on the market
FOR DETAILS OF THIS

AND OTHER RURAL
HOUSES FOR SALE
SEE COUNTRYLIVING.CO.UK
50
OCTOBER 2015
verlooking the historic Herefordshire market

town of Kington, on the Welsh border, is
Arrow Grange. A half-timbered house with
late-Jacobean origins, it was sensitively refurbished
and extended in the 1990s to create a careful mix of
traditional style and modern features.
With a flagstone floor and oak staircase, the entrance
hall showcases the sense of craftsmanship to be found
throughout. The kitchen looks onto the rear garden and
includes granite worktops, a Rayburn and stone floor. The
great hall has a full-height vaulted ceiling, open trusses,
exposed beams and a feature fireplace with log-burning
stove, while the grand dining room has a stone floor and
leaded windows. A galleried landing overlooks this room
and leads to the two-storeyed jettied porch, thought to be
designed by one of the architects of Hereford cathedral,
with magnificent views across the Welsh Marches.
Upstairs are two master bedroom suites, three further
bedrooms and two family bathrooms. A vaulted garden
room houses a swimming pool, while a separate coach
house provides a useful workshop and double garage,
with a self-contained apartment above.
The landscaped gardens, which have been divided
into rooms, feature sculpted yew hedging, a sunken
water-lily pond and an orchard of mixed fruit trees. The
paddock stretches down to the River Arrow, with fishing
rights and a decked seating area on the riverbank.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALAMY; GAP GARDENS; GETTY IMAGES; ANDREW MONTGOMERY; NATURE PL.
ILLUSTRATIONS BY JO BIRD; JAMES CAREY; JOANNA KERR
ES C A P E T O T H E C O U N T RY O c t o b e r
FA S H I O N
Knitted scarf (as

headband), 30,
Forever Amano.
Green Frisco jacket,
320; grey knitted
top, 280: both
Linda Dooley. Pink
cashmere scarf,
from a selection,
Liberty. Knitted
jewellery, from 18,
Jane Pennington
52
OCTOBER 2015
Go bohemian this autumn with layers of rich velvets in jewel hues

and colourful embroidered cottons combined with quirky felted
and faux fur accessories for an offbeat but stylish look
PHOTOGRAPHS BY CRAIG FORDHAM
STYLING BY EMMA FREEMANTLE
Knitted cardigan coat,

190, Forever Amano.
Metal-decorated belt,
from a selection,
Jessie Western. Printed
blue silk scarf, from
a selection, Damian
Clark. Blue/pink check
scarf, from a selection,
Liberty. Embroidered
beaded vintage dress,
480, Turkmen Gallery.
Ribbed leggings, 45,
TK Maxx. Wellingtons,
15, Dunlop at Blacks
54
OCTOBER 2015
FA S H I O N
Vintage hat, from a
selection, Worn With
Love. Silk scarf (tied
around head), from
45, Damian Clarke.
Velvet coat, 225,
Manijeh. Cardigan,
160, Forever Amano.
Red velvet-trim top,
35, Gabriella Knight.
Silver necklace, tassel
and bead embroidered
necklace and rings, all
from a selection, Joss
Graham and Turkmen
Gallery. Pink and white
silk scarf (as belt), from
a selection, Liberty.
Skirt, from a selection,
Worn With Love
FA S H I O N
Velvet coat, 225,

Manijeh. Stripy knitted
cardigan, 160,
Forever Amano. Pink
and white silk scarf (as
belt), from a selection,
Liberty. Skirt, from a
selection, Worn With
Love. Ribbed wool
leggings, 45, TK Maxx.
Wellingtons, 15,
Dunlop at Blacks
56
OCTOBER 2015
FA S H I O N
TOP LEFT Knitted

scarf (as headband),
30, Forever Amano.
Green Frisco jacket,
320; grey top, 280:
both Linda Dooley.
Knitted jewellery, from
18, Jane Pennington.
Scarf, from a selection,
Liberty. Embroidered
vintage skirt, from a
58
OCTOBER 2015
selection, Joss Graham

TOP CENTRE Vintage
hand-embroidered
headband, 35, Worn
With Love. Vintage
velvet jacket, from
a selection, Turkmen
Gallery. Velvet-trim
cardigan (just seen),
Wool scarf, from 29,
Forever Amano. Indian

embroidered skirt,
185; necklace and
ring, from a selection:
all Joss Graham
TOP RIGHT Indian
tassels (around head),
120 (pair); vintage
Afghan dress with
beaded cuffs, 300:
all Joss Graham.
Cardigan (just seen),

Rings, from a selection,
Turkmen Gallery
BOTTOM CENTRE Hat
with faux-fur pompom
ties, from a selection,
TK Maxx. Velvet-trimmed
paisley-pattern cape,
225, Indigo Boo.
Dress, from a selection,
John Lewis. Beaded

tassel necklaces, from
a selection, Turkmen
Gallery. Silver rings
and bracelets, from
a selection, Annakin
and Pat Chandler
BOTTOM RIGHT
Antique lantern, from
a selection, Josephine
Ryan Antiques
FA S H I O N
Green velvet jacket,

225; red silk jacket,
145: both Manijeh.
Velvet-trim cardigan,
Vintage embroidered
Indian skirt, 120;
rings and beads, from
a selection; vintage
mirrored hanging,
395: all Joss Graham.
Silver necklaces, from
a selection, Annakin.
Ribbed leggings, 45,
TK Maxx. Boots, 165,
Ash. Lantern, from a
selection, Josephine
Ryan Antiques
60
OCTOBER 2015
FA S H I O N
Red cashmere snood
and scarf, both 65,
Bird of Paradise.
Vintage embroidered
dress, 375; rings,
from a selection: all
Joss Graham. Semiprecious gemstone
bracelets, from a
selection, Turkmen
Gallery. Skirt, from
a selection, Worn
With Love
MODEL: CHANTAL AT STORM. HAIR AND MAKE-UP: LIZZIE COURT USING PAUL MITCHELL AND ESTE LAUDER PRODUCTS
For stockist
details, see
Where to Buy
62
OCTOBER 2015
Discover unique gifts, traditional foods and a

world of seasonal inspiration at our three festive
Fairs taking place in November and December
in London, Glasgow and Harrogate
CHRISTMAS IS A TIME FOR
CELEBRATION, and what better
way to start the festive season than
with a trip to a Country Living Fair?
Choosing presents for the whole
family couldnt be simpler and
our theatres and workshops will
bring you ideas and inspiration
on interior styling, decorating and
cookery, plus how to transform
your home to make it the perfect
place for friends and family to gather.
So come along to one of our Fairs
and soak up the atmosphere.
THOUGHTFUL GIFTS
We hand-pick our exhibitors, ensuring
were bringing you beautiful and
original products. Browse contemporary
ceramics and exclusive fashion and
jewellery collections, and finish the
look with a selection of pretty ribbons
and unique wrapping paper.
HAND-CRAFTED
D E C O R AT I O N S
Let the pages of the magazine come alive
and inspire you on how to create a stylish
festive effect. Choose from a variety of
items, from glittering glass decorations
and elegant tableware to scented
garlands and hand-crafted candles.
FINE FOOD & DRINK

Discover the best of British with
delicious sausages, gourmet cheeses,
homemade chutneys and a superb
selection of Christmas cakes, puddings
and chocolates. And, of course,

you can indulge in a fantastic range
of wines, spirits and liqueurs.
BE INSPIRED
AND GET CRAFTING
Whether your passion is knitting,
stitching or upcycling, we have a
fantastic range of items to help
you complete your festive projects.
And, whats more, many sellers
are experts in their fields, so
you can ask them for advice.
FINISHING
TOUCHES
Our Fairs are a
haven for discerning
shoppers, with
everything from scarves
to luxurious cashmere
and enchanting
jewellery collections.
COOK UP A FEAST
Ever wondered how to create an
effortless roast or like the idea
of making your own edible gifts?
Weve brought together some of
the countrys finest food producers
for you to meet and talk to. Sample
their wares and then watch experts
use the ingredients to make canaps,
presents and delicious puddings.
of cava, plus free tea and coffee and

a luxury goody bag our VIP tickets
are a fantastic opportunity to treat
yourself, a friend or a member of your
family to a memorable day out.
TA K E T I M E O U T
Catch up with friends over a glass of fizz in
the Champagne Lounge in Glasgow and
Harrogate, and Londons Codornu Bar.
G E T C R E AT I V E
SHOP IN STYLE
Head to our Craft & Create Room

in Glasgow and Harrogate to
make seasonal decorations
such as wreaths and more in
our complimentary workshops.
Take advantage of our late-night gala

shopping evening and browse the
stalls at your leisure while enjoying
a complimentary glass of fizz, exclusive
discounts and entertainment.
E N J OY S T R E S S -F R E E
SHOPPING
Fast-track entry to the Fair, access to a
private lounge, a complimentary glass
SHOP N DROP
We provide a free shopping drop-off
service, so you wont have to carry
your bags around all day.
ADVANCE TICKET PRICES*

LONDON GLASGOW HARROGATE
Adult
14
11
11
Subscriber
12.50 9.50
9.50
Thursday-night Gala
10
n/a
n/a
Gala and Sunday
18
n/a
n/a
VIP Ticket
55
55
55
VIP Subscriber
Ticket
53
53
53
Truckle Cheese
Gift Ticket
25
22
22
Amanda Mercer
Gift Ticket
n/a
n/a
22
Timea Sido Gift Ticket 25
22
n/a
Edinburgh Natural
Skincare Gift ticket
25
22
n/a
Child (5-16 years)
9
7.50
8
Under-5s
Free
Free
Free
To buy tickets for all of our Christmas Fairs, visit countrylivingfair.com or call
0844 848 0152. For the latest information, see @clfairs and facebook.com/clfairs
68
OCTOBER 2015
PLANT
POWER
Viburnum plicatum f.
tomentosum Kilimanjaro
Sunrise is a compact and
upright shrub that offers
almost year-round interest.
Pink-flushed lace-cap spring
blooms mature to white and
in summer it bears deep red
berries that turn glossy black.
This is followed by a second
light flowering before leaves
take on red and purple hues
in autumn. To order for 25,
visit burncoose.co.uk.
TASTE THE
DIFFERENCE
garden
notes
Everything you need
to know to get the
most from your
plot in October
*BOOK OFFER IS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY: PLEASE ALLOW SEVEN DAYS FOR DELIVERYC
WORDS BY STEPHANIE DONALDSON
Before planning next years

fruit and vegetable crops,
read James Wongs Grow for
Flavour (Mitchell Beazley,
20), which is full of advice
on the best varieties and how
to enhance the flavour of
what you grow. Its all a bit
mad professor, with aspirin
foliar feed and tomatoes
given a mineral boost with
molasses, but he explains
the research behind it. To buy
a copy for just 13 with free
p&p, call 01903 828503,
quoting Grow/MB623.*
WHAT TO DO
In the greenhouse
Bring half-hardy plants under cover.
Ripen squash on shelves.
Sow sweet peas and hardy annuals.
In the garden
THIS MONTH...
Ive become a great fan of Instagram as

a way of linking up with other gardeners,
sharing images of our plots, favourite
plants and anything that might be of
interest. When I dont have time to blog,
I take a photo on my phone of my
own garden or one of the many I visit,
an innovative plant combination or
inspiring idea and post it straightaway.
I love the fact it is quick and easy and,
unlike Twitter, you dont need to say
anything witty just add a name or
location and if you avoid the urge to
follow every other gardener on the site,
countryliving.co.uk
it wont be too time-consuming either.

I keep it purely horticultural so it also
means I have a very useful, easily
accessible record of my gardening life
through the year. Meanwhile, I will be
using my long-handled tree pruner (see
this months Buy Wisely overleaf) to
tidy up the trees before the autumn gales
wreak havoc. A bit of judicious pruning
now will save dropped or torn branches
later. Tree pruners will cut small
branches (35mm); anything larger
is better tackled from a safe
platform or tripod ladder,
or by a tree surgeon.
You can follow my blog at
theenduring gardener.com
and those who like a blend
of art and horticulture will
enjoy plantcurator.com.
Gather fallen leaves and compost

them in a wire-netting bin.
Remove saucers from underneath
plant pots and containers.
Buy new herbaceous perennials
now to establish over winter.
On the allotment
Plant garlic in a sunny spot.
Cut down dying foliage and remove
debris to reduce hiding places
for slugs and snails.
Spread last years
leaf mould
where root
vegetables
will be
grown
next year.
OCTOBER 2015
71
Nurture
with
nature
OUT & ABOUT
Although mainly mail order, Long Acre Plants in Wincanton, Somerset, is

definitely worth visiting to find inspiration for shade planting if you are in
the area. Specialist grower of perennials, ferns and bulbs for shade, it has
comprehensive collections of varieties that will do well in either dry or
damp conditions. It takes a bit of determination to visit the nursery is
tucked down a narrow side road off the B3081 and only open on Thursdays
and Fridays until the end of October, between 9am-4pm, and closed for
lunch. Fortunately, you can order direct from plantsforshade.co.uk.
Tip: get children to

jump up and down on
your leaf heap youll fit
more in and leaves rot
better when compacted
SylvaGrow is a range
of sustainable
wood-based potting
composts for amateur
gardeners (6.99/50
litres) that is also used
by professionals
(under a different
name). Ingredients are
sourced largely from
UK trees, are 100 per
cent peat-free and
contain no green
waste (which can
cause problems with

variability). Standard
and ericaceous mixes
are ideal for everything
from seed raising to
planting up containers.
See sylvagrow.co.uk
for local stockists.
PICK OF THE SHRUBS
Ceratostigma willmottianum
Forest Blue
WHY? As everything else starts to fade, this

low-growing and spreading shrub, also known
as Chinese plumbago, bears masses of vivid
cobalt-blue flowers that last into early winter,
accompanied by rich russet-red leaves.
WHERE? Plant in full sun in a sheltered spot,
ideally in light fertile soil that does not dry out
too quickly; position it at the front of the border
or to grow over a low wall.
BEWARE It is generally pest free but may suffer
from powdery mildew if allowed to dry out a
moisture-retaining mulch will help keep it at bay.
BUY WISELY
LONG Spear & Jacksons Razorsharp

Telescopic Tree Pruner and Saw Blade
4940TP extends to 2.3m and includes
a pruning saw as well as a lopper head
(64, spear-and-jackson.com).
LONGER Gardena Comfort Telescopic
Pruning Lopper StarCut 410BL has a
32mm maximum cut and 2.3m-4.1m
reach with a telescopic aluminium
handle (109.99, gardena.com).
LONGEST Fiskars Telescopic Garden
Cutter UP86 has a shaft that adjusts
from 2.4m-4m, giving a maximum
reach of 6m (97, fiskars.co.uk).
EVENT Dont miss the Garden Museum Literary Festival, Hatfield House,
Hatfield, Hertfordshire, from 3-4 October (gardenmuseum.org.uk)
ILLUSTRATIONS BY MARIANA.IO.
Tree pruners
Canine
P ET S
companion
If youre considering owning a dog, thinking about how you
will suit each other is the vital first step. In this series,
we help you find the right breed for your lifestyle
WORDS BY RACHAEL OAKDEN
# 2 D O G S T H AT L OV E WAT E R
he splash of a dog bellyflopping into water is a sound

that encapsulates sheer joy. Even people who feel agnostic
about dogs would be challenged not to smile at the spectacle
of a labrador launching itself from a boat jetty or a spaniel
paddling through the surf in pursuit of its ball.
Water-loving breeds were developed to work in water:
retrieving fowl, hauling fishing nets or hunting river-dwelling
prey. These animals are hardy and intelligent with bags of
stamina and enthusiastic temperaments but what they boast
in joie de vivre they sometimes lack in social skills. Youll soon
get used to apologising when your waterlogged dog shakes itself
dry over snoozing sunbathers and riverside picnickers. And,
as anyone whos ever been confined in a car with one will know,
a wet, salty dog is not a fragrant travelling companion.
Swimming is a great exercise for your dog, but only when the water
is clean and safe. Riptides, rapids, submerged debris and pollution
pose as many dangers to dogs as they do to wild-swimming humans.
Make sure yours is firmly and consistently trained to come back
when called. That way it will only take the plunge when youre
confident it is safe (and polite) enough for it to do so.
OCTOBER 2015
75
P ET S
THREE WATER-LOVING BRITISH BREEDS
OTTERHOUND
Everything about this striking, shaggy

beast is larger than life, from its exuberant
bark to its lanky gallop. In its scruffy coat,
its not the smartest pooch in the pack, but those
long ears and aristocratic eyes betray an ancient
pedigree. The otterhound was bred from English
hounds (although it probably has French ancestry,
too), thought to include the bloodhound. It would
spend whole days in freezing rivers in pursuit
of its prey, often completely submerged a job
for which its large webbed feet and insulating,
woolly undercoat equipped it perfectly.
Its role evolved when otters were vermin, but
the hunting ban in the 1970s could be one reason
the otterhounds popularity has diminished: just
22 puppies were registered by the Kennel Club in
2014, making this the most endangered native
breed in Britain. Granted, these are boisterous dogs
with big personalities that require owners and
homes to match. They need diligent training, too,
because they are superlative scent-sniffers and,
unless youve honed an impeccable recall, you
wont see them for dust if they catch a scent
of water or prey. But they dont need masses of
exercise, so if you have the time and space to take
one on, youll be rewarded with a loyal companion.
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
GREAT BRITAIN
ORIGINAL PURPOSE
RETRIEVING GAME
LIFE EXPECTANCY
12-14 YEARS
HEIGHT RANGE
56-61CM
BREED CLUB
FLATCOATEDRETRIEVER-SOCIETY.
ORG
THIS PAGE The

otterhound (top) and
flat-coated retriever
(right) are both
intelligent and
inquisitive breeds
76
OCTOBER 2015
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
GREAT BRITAIN
ORIGINAL PURPOSE
HUNTING OTTERS
LIFE EXPECTANCY
12 YEARS
HEIGHT RANGE
58-69CM
BREED CLUB
OTTERHOUND
CLUB.CO.UK
FLAT-COATED
RETRIEVER
The flat-coat has a reputation for being

slow-maturing. In other words, it acts
like a puppy for the first few years of its life, and
whether you think thats a good thing or a bad
thing will depend on how much stamina youve
got. One surefire way to burn off some of its energy
is to take it swimming. Descended from waterloving Newfoundland retrieving dogs imported
into Britain and crossed with setters, it is as
graceful and powerful in water as it is on land.
A people-pleaser with a cheerful temperament
and appetite for hard work, this slender-faced
gundog was prized by 19th-century gamekeepers,
having been bred to retrieve shot birds that
landed in water. It became almost extinct in
the mid-20th century, but is now a popular
working breed once more.
Like all water-loving dogs, flat-coated
retrievers are not an ideal choice for the houseproud. As well as shedding its medium-length
coat, it will carry a fair amount of mud and
debris indoors on its feathered legs and tail. But
it makes a gentle and affectionate family pet,
albeit one that thrives in energetic households
with large gardens and outdoor lifestyles.
P ET S
Regular dips
keep the water
spaniels coat
looking clean
and glossy
SWIMMING TIPS
IRISH WATER
SPANIEL
Owners of these curly-coated

gundogs must wish they had a
pound for every time a passer-by asks them
what sort of poodle they are walking. With
its tight ringlets and fluffy top-knot, the Irish
water spaniel does bear a fleeting resemblance
to a standard poodle which originated as a
European water-retrieving dog and it probably
does have some of that ancient breed in its
ancestry, although its exact origins are unclear.
What is known is that it was bred to hunt, flush
and retrieve wildfowl from the boggy marshes
and waterways of rural Ireland hence its
ancient nickname of Bog Dog. It looks and
acts more like a retriever than a spaniel and
is an especially gifted sniffer dog, whether it
is on the scent of shot game or illegal drugs.
Strong and stocky, this is an energetic breed
that loves rural life. It is good-natured, obedient
and sociable, making it a joyful companion on
long walks, especially if it gets a chance to take
a dip in a river or stream. Regular swims keep
its bouncy coat looking clean and glossy.
Although its insulating curls do require a bit
more attention than the short and flat coats
of other gundogs, this breed doesnt moult.
So it is even more surprising, given the current
popularity of non-shedding crossbreeds, that
this friendly, playful and intelligent dog isnt
more popular in the UK (fewer than a hundred
puppies were registered in 2014).
78
OCTOBER 2015
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
IRELAND
ORIGINAL PURPOSE
RETRIEVING
WATERFOWL
LIFE EXPECTANCY
12-14 YEARS
HEIGHT RANGE
51-58CM
BREED CLUB
IRISHWATER
SPANIELS.ORG.UK
THIS PAGE The

high-spirited Irish water
spaniel will take every
opportunity to jump
into rivers and streams
EAR HEALTH
Ear problems are the second most common
reason for canine visits to the vet, and wet,
warm ears are the perfect place for bacterial and
fungal infections to thrive. If your water-loving
dog is particularly sensitive, always dry their
ears after swimming and clean them regularly
with a specialist cleaner.
DOG-FRIENDLY BEACHES
While many beaches ban dogs between May
and September, there are still hundreds of
dog-friendly strands around the UK coastline.
See nearestbeach.co.uk.
BENEFITS OF SWIMMING
Swimming is gentle on the joints, which is why
hydrotherapy (usually in heated pools) is an
effective way to exercise injured dogs, but it also
gives your dog a vigorous cardiovascular workout:
according to the Canine Hydrotherapy Association,
a five-minute swim requires the same amount
of energy and stamina as a five-mile run. Bear
this in mind before you encourage your elderly
retriever to take to the water. If in doubt about
whether or not to allow your dog to swim in
cold sea, rivers or lakes, consult a vet.
Next month: dogs for young families

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALAMY; ANIMAL-PHOTOGRAPHY.COM; GETTY; SUPERSTOCK
BEWARE BLUE-GREEN BLOOMS

Blue-green algae or cyanobacteria occur naturally
in inland waters, estuaries and the sea. But in
certain conditions particularly during still,
warm weather they may grow excessively
and form blooms, some of which are known as
harmful algal blooms (HABs). These produce
toxins that can kill livestock and domestic pets
that swallow them (and can cause skin rashes
and sickness in humans). They can make the
waters surface appear green or blue-green
and may also cause scum to accumulate on the
shoreline. Information signs that warn of HABs in
lakes and tarns should be taken seriously. For more
information, see gov.uk/government/publications/
blue-green-algae-advice-for-the-public.
*Nielsen data based on value sales 2014/12. **Survey of flea infestation in dogs and cats in the UK during 2005. Bond et al. Vet Rec. 2007 Apr 14: 160(15):503-6. FRONTLINE Spot On contains fipronil. Legal category: NFA-VPS (UK).
Registered trademark. For further information refer to the datasheet or contact Merial Animal Health Ltd CM19 5TG. Merial Ltd 2015. All rights reserved. Use medicines responsibly.
CL PROMOTION
Creature comforts
Help to keep your pets protected with this easy
and effective flea-and-tick treatment
he benefits of owning a pet are well
recognised from lowering your
blood pressure and boosting immunity
to even improving your social life and,
for many of us, our cats and dogs are an
essential part of our lives. Help to keep
these treasured family members happy and
healthy with Frontline Spot On the UKs No.1
flea and tick protection*. Used monthly, this
effective and easy-to-use treatment provides your
furry friends with continuous protection from
fleas and ticks all year round. Plus, your cat or dog
can be bathed or go swimming just 48 hours after
application. Happy pets make for happy homes,
and yet one in five cats and one in ten dogs have
fleas**, which can cause them to suffer from itchy
and sore skin. These parasites can also carry
A cared-for,
comfortable
pet is a
content one
tapeworm, while ticks can transmit infectious
diseases, such as Lyme Disease, to humans and
animals. Frontline kills them and helps to
prevent the diseases they can transmit. Apply
Frontline Spot On to your cats and dogs each
month to help ensure they are protected from
fleas and ticks and make your home a happy
one for every member of the family.
Frontline Spot On
is available from
pharmacies, pet
stores, veterinary
clinics and
online. For more
information, visit
uk.frontline.com
BUILDING
A FUTURE
An apprenticeship scheme devised by

HRH The Prince of Wales is helping young people
carve out a career in traditional building skills.
We meet tutors and recruits on an Ayrshire estate
WORDS BY ALEX REECE
80
OCTOBER 2015
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANDREW MONTGOMERY
CRAFT
THIS PAGE All the Young Heritage

Apprentices can try their hand
at traditional building crafts,
such as lime plastering
and stonemasonry
ON A BREEZY AUTUMN DAY at Dumfries House estate in

Ayrshire, south-west Scotland, Johanna Welsh is mixing lime
plaster in order to teach the heritage skill of pargetting or
decorative plasterwork to her young students. Gathered outside
the estates bespoke craft workshops, Miriam Johnson, 18, and
Andrew Milton, 17, begin to smooth the wet plaster onto a board
with a trowel. They are then encouraged to mould and shape
a motif of their own design, using old farm tools appropriated
for the task. Some of the classmates try their hand at historic
emblems a Tudor rose, for example while others carve out
landscapes and insignia from their imagination. Johanna tells
the teenagers, most of whom are trying this for the first time, to
relax and enjoy the whole process: Its a chance to have a go at
something you usually wouldnt experience.
This hands-on exposure to a range of crafts among them
pargetting, stonemasonry, carpentry, thatching and lime plastering
is one of the things that appealed to students Miriam and Andrew
about the Young Heritage Apprentices programme. Launched
last year by the Princes Foundation for Building Community, it
aims to help 16- to 18-year-olds enter a career in the traditional
building sector. The educational charity, which has more than
two decades worth of experience (starting as the Prince of Waless
Institute of Architecture in 1992) devised the Heritage Lotteryfunded scheme largely in response to a skills shortage. According
to a 2012 survey, more than 32 per cent of people employed in the
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE
Pargetter Johanna Welsh holds
the tools of her trade; Johanna
and Andrew mix the traditional
lime plaster in a bucket; the
82
OCTOBER 2015
stone dovecote at Dumfries

House estate, completed in
2014, features the work of the
Heritage Craft Apprentices,
including Andrew and Miriam
CRAFT
heritage crafts sector are now over 50, and 77 per cent of those are
not engaged in imparting their expertise. Passing these skills along
is something I know the Prince of Wales feels strongly about, says
Simon Sadinsky, education manager for the Princes Foundation.
The course begins with a three-week summer school at
Dumfries House estate an 18th-century mansion furnished by
Chippendale, with 2,000 acres of grounds which the Prince of
Wales rescued in 2007. Here, the 12 apprentices undertake a series
of workshops before specialising in the craft that most interests them.
Miriam, from Bristol, who came across the Princes Foundations
programme at a careers fair while studying for her A-Levels, developed
a passion for stonemasonry through attending summer courses:
But I was keen to try out the different skills, just to confirm that.
Andrew, meanwhile, who lives near Dumfries House, heard about
the course through school. A taster day at the estate, hosted by the
Princes Foundation as part of the interview process, convinced him
to join the scheme: When Simon phoned to say Id got a place,
I was really excited. And it was a bonus to stay so close to home.
Learning from master craftspeople such as Johanna herself
a graduate of the charitys Building Craft Apprentices scheme for
more experienced artisans helps to give the apprentices a taste
of what life in the heritage building sector might be like. Despite
countryliving.co.uk
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT

A pargetting design; a project
completed in the vegetable
garden at Dumfries is now an
education centre; budding
stonemason Miriam Johnson
carves a pattern using a mallet

and chisel; traditional tools in
the workshop; Andrew Milton
restores a window from the
stable; horsehair is mixed into
the authentic lime plaster
excelling at pargetting, Miriam was convinced that stonemasonry

was the route for her. Time just seems to go more quickly when
Im carving stone, she says. Likewise, Andrew was inspired by the
larger scale of carpentry outside a school context and the chance
to work with hand tools that have been passed down for generations.
The apprentices who attend the course for free, and receive a
monthly bursary subsequently participate in a Live Build on site,
alongside older students and professionals, helping to create a new
structure from the ground up. Both Miriam and Andrew enjoyed
working on the stone dovecote (or doocot, as its known there), which
has a fairy-tale quality, and already looks like an integral part of
the estate. Standing back and admiring it, knowing that youve
helped to create this, is overwhelming, Andrew says.
The remainder of the course is composed of two short courses
(one on business skills) and a ten-month work placement. For
OCTOBER 2015
83
THIS PAGE, FROM LEFT

Miriam at Dumfries House
estate; a hand-carved door by
a former student; the dovecot
floor is decorated with designs
this, Andrew was delighted to stay on at the joinery workshop at

the Dumfries House estate, doing both repair and maintenance
of existing buildings and construction. A recent task, repairing
a water-damaged stable window, involved a week spent crafting
the replacement frame, honing the wood with chisels and planes
by hand, before re-glazing. Its more satisfying to use your own
skills rather than relying on a machine, he comments.
Andrews family are hugely proud of the fact he is working on a
royal estate in his home county. Indeed, part of the Prince of Waless
intention for Dumfries House was for it to become an employment
hub for the local area, which has suffered since the decline of the
mining industry. Andrews supervisor, workshop manager Darren
Johnstone, is pleased with his progress, both as a craftsman and
a person: For 17, Andrews quite a confident young guy, and hes
now reached the point where were giving him his own list of jobs
to do. If he could get himself into an apprenticeship, hell fly.
Miriam, meanwhile, has worked on a variety of placements,
starting with the restoration of a concert hall in Kilbirnie,
Ayrshire, with Laing Traditional Masonry. For this, she helped
to chisel away a heavy cement render on the exterior, replacing
it with lime harling a traditional and more breathable surface.
After a spell with Bristol Stone Masonry, working on smaller
projects, from mortar repairs to renovating Cotswold stone
buildings, she returned to Scotland to assist with the re-building
of the Botanic Cottage at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
This small yet significant property, designed by John Adam in
the 18th century for the then head gardener, was recently saved
from demolition and is now being re-constructed, stone by stone,
at the Royal Botanic Gardens current site (a mile away from where
it was in Georgian times). Miriams role has been dressing new
stones chiselling in lines and edges along with building and
84
OCTOBER 2015
by Princes Foundation alumna

Peace Townsend OPPOSITE
Andrew stands on a bridge built
by ex-apprentice Jonny Briggs,
who is now a professional joiner
pointing. The feedback from the stonemasons has been that shes
come on in leaps and bounds with her skills, says project manager
Gerry Gallagher. Shes got on fantastically with the team, too.
Johanna Welsh is proof that its possible to forge a fulfilling
and successful career in traditional building crafts. The third in
a line of pargetters based in Suffolk, she joined the Building Craft
Apprentices programme in 2012 in order to specialise in the decorative
aspect of her field. I felt that at that stage in my career Id benefit
from having an overview of how some of the other heritage crafts
interlock, she says, and Ive made contact with people I perhaps
wouldnt have had the opportunity to meet otherwise.
On completing the course, Johanna was given the prestigious
Hancocks Award, and has been invited back since to tutor at
the Foundations summer schools. This is her first year tutoring
the Young Heritage Apprentices an experience she has found
extremely rewarding. Its nice being able to impart a little bit
of what I know, and to encourage these young people. These are
crafts you can invest some time in and develop a real skill.
When the apprentices finish the year-long course, some will
join the Building Craft Apprentices programme, while others
might choose to start work or go to college. Miriam plans to learn
more about stone carving, and has applied to study in London. Id
like to work for a stonemasonry company possibly a cathedral
stonemasons yard and eventually maybe have my own business,
she says. Andrews goal is to secure an apprenticeship, before
undertaking a four-year college course in joinery: Then hopefully
I could get a full-time job at the estate, because I enjoy working here.
For her part, Johanna feels that there is a better future now
for pargetting, and heritage building crafts in general, as public
recognition of these valuable yet endangered skills is growing.
I think things are looking up, she says. There is an awareness
now that we need to hang on to these skilled trades. Well always
need to maintain our older buildings. And what more satisfying
career could there be for Miriam and Andrew than ensuring
such landmarks are sustained for the next generation?
For more information, see princes-foundation.org
and dumfries-house.org.uk.
CRAFT
explore...
THE MENDIPS
With its gorges, caverns and exhilarating views,
this special corner of Somerset has plenty to
offer, including a rich history stretching
all the way back to the Ice Age
WORDS BY BRIAN JACKMAN
T R AV E L
Ebbor Gorge
Peregrine falcon
he most dramatic approach to the Mendip

Hills is from the south on the road from
Glastonbury. Then you see the steep, southern
scarp, rising from the Somerset Levels like
an Atlantic breaker between Wells and
the Somerset coast. For more than 20 miles,
its whaleback summits dominate the horizon,
creating a limestone plateau whose highest point
is Beacon Batch at 325 metres above sea level.
Up here, you feel closer to the clouds. Ash
trees hiss in the crisp winds, scattering crows
across the sky as the landscape unfolds around
you, its sheep-nibbled pastures stippled with
prehistoric tumuli, its stone-walled drove roads
leading past lonely beech clumps to stunning
viewpoints. The finest is at Deer Leap near
Ebbor Gorge, a popular picnic spot from which
you can gaze across the Somerset Levels to the
distant Quantock Hills beyond.
Mendip is great walking country, too. The range
lies within the Mendip Area of Outstanding
Natural Beauty and its 198 sq km include not only
the hills and their limestone gorges, but also the
softer, leafier countryside around Chew Valley
Lake to the north. The greatest challenge is the
50-mile Mendip Way footpath from Westonsuper-Mare to Frome by way of Cheddar Gorge
and Wells (mendiphillsaonb.org.uk). Other
shorter walks abound, including one through
Burrington Combe, where you can see the Rock of
Ages that inspired the stirring 18th-century hymn.
Walkers at Ebbor Gorge
Fossil in limestone
Ubley Warren lead mine
ON TOP OF THE WORLD

If the Mendips have a soul, it is surely to be found
in Priddy, the village that sums up everything that
is most characteristic of these austerely beautiful
limestone hills. History goes back a long way in this
windswept parish, set 244 metres above the rest of
Somerset, where Priddy Nine Barrows stand on the
skyline. In one of these Bronze Age burial mounds,
legend has it, a golden coffin awaits discovery. A
couple of miles away, near the Castle of Comfort
inn, are the Priddy Circles four Neolithic
countryliving.co.uk
OCTOBER 2015
87
Swildons Hole
Wells cathedral
Sheep-hurdle structure,
Priddy village green
LIVING
LANDSCAPE
Cheddar pinks
henges and all around lies gruffy ground, a

local term for a landscape pockmarked by the pits
and spoil heaps left by lead miners. But greater
wonders lie underground, including Swildons
Hole, the longest cave system in the Mendips,
running under the hills for more than five miles.
The heart of Priddy is the village green, with
its unique thatched structure of sheep hurdles
a symbol of the ancient Mendip wool trade.
A famous annual sheep fair had been held on
this spot since 1348, until 2014 when rising costs
made it unsustainable. Luckily, the villages
other great event The Priddy Folk Festival
still takes place each July, and the aptly named
Priddy Good Farm Shop is open for business.
Run by the Simmons family at Townsend Farm,
its cuts of Mendip-reared beef and lamb are
second to none (priddygood.co.uk).
GOTHIC AND GLORIOUS

If you want a base for exploring, look no further
than Wells, renowned for its magnificent Gothic
cathedral (wellscathedral.org.uk). Marvel at its
west front, a medieval masterpiece with 300
kings, bishops, angels and apostles all carved
in stone. Then climb to the top of the tower for
a pigeons-eye view of Englands smallest city.
Below youll see The Bishops Palace, encircled
88
OCTOBER 2015
Statue of Victor Hugo
by a moat whose waters bubble up from the

pools that give the city its name and dont
miss the swans that have been trained to
ring the gatehouse bell rope for food.
SPOOKY HOLLOWS
Just up the road from Wells, the famous
Wookey Hole caves offer a fascinating glimpse
of the Mendips mysterious underworld, which
contains the largest subterranean river system
in Britain (wookey.co.uk).
Wookeys intricate cave system runs for at
least 4,000 metres beneath the hills. Descend
into the floodlit depths and you will find three
giant chambers with the River Axe flowing
through them, its clear pools reflecting the
glistening shapes of stalactites and stalagmites.
One of them, the celebrated Witch of Wookey, is
a stalagmite with an uncannily human shape.
The Witch herself is a figure of legend but truth
is sometimes stranger than fiction in 1912,
the skeleton of a 1,000-year-old woman was
uncovered here and can now be seen in the
small museum next to Wells Cathedral.
Far older inhabitants were the Ice Age
mammals the woolly rhinos, lions and hyenas,
and Stone Age hunters not just at Wookey but
at Ebbor Gorge and Burrington Combe.
Follow the B3135 west over

the Mendips and it becomes
one of the most spectacular
roads in Britain as you
enter Cheddar Gorge
(cheddargorge.co.uk). For
three miles, every bend
steers you between the
looming crags and dizzy
slopes of a limestone canyon
carved by glacial meltwaters
at the end of the last Ice Age.
Soaring 122 metres above
the road, its cliffs and spires
attract rock climbers from
far and wide. A more usual
way to the top is up Jacobs
Ladder 274 steep steps
lead to a tower with its
360-degree views. Look out
for peregrine falcons and
Cheddar pink flowers.
The greatest attractions are
Cheddars caves, revealing
a fascinating world of
illuminated caverns and
dripping stalactites.
Goughs Cave is the biggest,
running under the Mendips
for more than a mile, and
was once a refuge for Stone
Age hunters, proved by the
discovery of Britains oldest
complete human skeleton.
PLACES TO STAY
1 Burcott Mill Guest House,
Wookey Who could resist
the opportunity to stay in
one of the only two working
watermills in Somerset?
Housed in a Grade II-listed
building, this is a traditional
Victorian flour mill offering
Weston
-supe
r-Ma
re
Rock of Ages
Burrington Combe
Beacon Batch
Cheddar
a sumptuous breakfast
that includes bread
made from the mills own
stoneground flour. Double
B&B 80 (01749 673118;
burcottmill.com).
Gorge View Cottage,
Cheddar As its name
suggests, the main selling
point of this romantic,
creeper-clad, self-catering
EN
Goughs Cave
IP
unrivalled position opposite

the cathedrals famous
west front ask for one
of the rooms facing it.
The restaurant prides itself
on using locally sourced
produce. Double B&B
from 124 (01749 836300;
swanhotelwells.co.uk).
I
L
Jacobs Ladder
property for two people is

the uninterrupted views
of the Gorge itself. But the
cottage also comes well
equipped for cool October
nights, with underfloor
heating and a cosy log
stove. A three-night stay
in October costs 280,
dropping to 220 in
November (01934 744727;
gorgeviewcottage.co.uk).
The Swan Hotel, Wells This
comfortable 15th-century
coaching inn has an
Priddy
Deer Leap
Ebbor Gorge
Cheddar caves
Wookey
The Bishops
Palace
The Little Chapel
Frome
Wells
Shepton Mallett
Quantock
Hills
Glastonbury
Wookey Hole caves
PLACES TO EAT
1 The Old Spot, Wells Owner
Ian Bates and his team
have earned a reputation
for providing good, simple,
seasonal food with a French
provincial accent. Sensible
prices, too especially
the three-course lunch
90
OCTOBER 2015
for 15 (01749 689099;

theoldspot.co.uk).
The Pony & Trap, Chew
Magna Worth straying just
outside the Mendip AONB
to eat at this Michelinstarred gastropub in the
Chew Valley. Its the perfect
choice for a relaxed Sunday
lunch, with main courses
including organic roast pork
and all the trimmings (01275
332627; theponyandtrap.co.uk).
Martin An archetypal
country pub in the Chew
Valley, with log fires,
flagstone floors and old
leather armchairs. Daily
deliveries from local
suppliers guarantee that
pub food is at its most
flavoursome, washed
down with Butcombe
beers and Thatchers
cider. A 10 ploughmans
lunch of Cheddar cheese
and delicious crusty
bread from Chewton
Mendip is a feast in itself
(01761 221284; ringobells
comptonmartin.co.uk).
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALAMY; GETTY. ILLUSTRATION BY JOANNA KERR
3 The Ring OBells, Compton
C A M PA I G N
U P DAT E
TAKING
ROOT
Our campaign to protect ancient trees, in partnership with the

Woodland Trust, can claim success stories in every part of the UK.
Here, we report on our achievements, what more we can all do to
help, and how you can vote for the nations Tree of the Year
WORDS BY KITTY CORRIGAN
ountry Living readers are treehuggers and proud

of it. Twelve thousand nature-lovers have responded
to our campaign with the Woodland Trust to protect
ancient trees (an increase of 5,000 since May), and
there is tangible evidence that your voice is being
heard. We are well on the way to achieving what we set
out to do and all those who took part should feel really proud,
says Jill Butler, specialist in ancient trees at the Woodland Trust.
The goal of the V.I.Trees (Very Important Trees) initiative, launched
in the November 2014 issue of Country Living, is to create national
registers that will give special trees in England, Wales, Scotland and
Northern Ireland the recognition they deserve. It would be similar
to the listing of important heritage buildings and would help to
safeguard their future. The UK landscape is immensely rich in
V.I.Trees, Jill says. We want to generate renewed pride in the natural
wonders that provide us with oxygen, materials, wildlife and beauty.
WHAT WE DID
A Country Living and Woodland Trust meeting before the General
Election in May with the former minister responsible for forestry,
countryliving.co.uk
Lib Dem MP Dan Rogerson, was fruitful, and the next objective is to
meet with the new Conservative Parliamentary Under Secretary of
State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), Rory Stewart.
Despite the success of the campaign so far, it is important we dont
rest on our laurels. Currently, at least 13 ancient trees are in the path
of the proposed HS2 railway line, and five mature beech trees near
Accrington in Lancashire were recently deliberately poisoned,
suggesting that historic trees are still seriously undervalued.
Progress has, however, been made in all parts of the UK. In Wales,
a government taskforce has agreed to present Carl Sargeant, Minister
for Natural Resources, with a proposal for a register. In Scotland, a
working group of agencies and charities has met and in Northern
Ireland, a meeting took place with the Assemblys Committee for
the Environment. Belvoir Park Forest in County Down has been
awarded an ASSI (Area of Special Scientific Interest) and, as if by
way of thanks, the famous great oak there is now producing a rare
mushroom, oak polypore (Piptoporus quercinus), on its 500-yearold bark, the first time it has been recorded in the whole of Ireland.
The Country Living Magazine Debate at this years Hay Festival
brought together the Woodland Trusts Jill Butler, Rob Penn,
OCTOBER 2015
93
C A M PA I G N
U P DAT E
LEFT Over the past year, the
campaign has highlighted
that ancient trees, such as
this Savernake oak in Wiltshire,

should be recognised as
nationally significant
patron of the Small Woods Association and author of The Man

Who Made Things Out of Trees*, and Justin Albert, National
Trust director for Wales. While Butler acknowledged that the
National Trust does admirable work within its estates, she also
pointed out that many trees go unnoticed and unprotected.
It is the trees in open fields, hedgerows and parkland that are
the most vulnerable. We have two thousand ancient yews in the
UK; there are only ten in the rest of Europe. There are 116 ancient
oaks with a girth greater than nine metres in England alone, and
86 in total throughout other parts of Europe. Yet Germany, Poland
and Norway have their registers enshrined in law. We have not.
Rob Penn gave an impassioned plea to cherish our beleaguered
ancient woods. We have a strange relationship with woodland
on this island. We like to think of ourselves as a heavily wooded
country, yet the UK is one of the least wooded parts of Europe.
We have only around 13 per cent of cover well below the
European average of 44 per cent.
I fully support the campaign for V.I.Trees, and for a national
register of all trees of special interest across the UK. This raises
awareness of trees, and hopefully will catch the will of the
population to protect them better. He believes we cant rely
on government or on national institutions. We need to make
our woods relevant by managing them sustainably and one
way to encourage that is to demand British wood, in the same
way that we have revived a market for local food.
VOTE FOR THE TREE OF THE YEAR

As you take to the woods on an autumn walk, is there a tree that
gives you particular pleasure? The Tree of the Year shortlist is
open to public vote and the winning choices from England,
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will go forward to be
judged in the European Tree of the Year finals. If one of the
British nominations wins overall, that will further strengthen
our campaign for a national register of ancient trees. To vote,
go to woodlandtrust.org.uk and follow the link.
94
OCTOBER 2015
A CAMPAIGN TO
RECOGNISE THE
IMPORTANCE OF THE
LIVING MONUMENTS
FROM
*PARTICULAR BOOKS, 16.99. PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALAMY; NATIONAL TRUST PICTURE LIBRARY; NATURE PICTURE
LIBRARY/SIMON COLMER; NATURE PICTURE LIBRARY/GEORGE MCCARTHY; LESLEY PEGRUM
WHAT YOU CAN DO

Careless or inappropriate management can wipe out centuries
of history, culture and ecology, often for reasons of tidiness
or health and safety, Jill Butler warns. The campaign is not
criticising landowners quite the opposite. It is hoped that if
a formal register were created, financial help and advice on
conservation would be available to the owner.
Last year the great oak at Erwood in Powys was at risk of
being felled because some of its branches hung over the road.
Media coverage and community action commuted its death
sentence to pruning, which reduced the overall size of the
crown but saved the tree. In Shropshire, a farmer discovered
that the ten-metre-girth oak on his land was 1,000 years old,
and he is now taking measures to protect it, by leaving a wide
radius around it free from the plough.
The difference that 12,000 of your signatures has made is
substantial, and underlines the importance of public support
you can still add yours at woodlandtrust.org/vitrees. In addition
to this, if you think youve found a special tree in your area,
check to see whether it is on the Woodland Trusts database
at ancient-tree-hunt.org.uk. If it isnt there, let them know.
Since the campaign started, new old trees have been turning
up every two or three months, most recently in Cheshire and
Suffolk. Finally, dont forget to vote for your Tree of the Year
(see left) from a shortlist compiled by a panel including
Country Living editor-in-chief Susy Smith.
Beside
the
Bring a touch of retro
chic to your wardrobe
this autumn with bold
prints and beautiful
pieces from White Stuff s
stylish new collection
THIS PAGE Dance the

Night Away dress, 59.95;
Mini Pom scarf, 27.50;
Patty plain tights, 12.50.
OPPOSITE, BOTTOM
LEFT Spin Me Round
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Anna tassel snood, 25;

Abigail straight-leg jeans,
49.95 TOP RIGHT
Dancing dress, 59.95;
Anna snood, 25; Patty
plain tights, 12.50; Sadie
mid ruled boots, 99.95
CL PROMOTION
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WHITE STUFF OUTLET SHOPS AND CONCESSIONS. OFFER APPLIES TO FULL-PRICE ITEMS ONLY. CANNOT BE USED TO BUY GIFT CARDS AND CHARITY ITEMS.
un, floral dresses and

pretty collared shirts,
well-cut jeans and pleated
midi skirts are complemented
by cosy cardigans, warm
scarves and snug snoods in the
new Jitterbug collection from
White Stuff s autumn/winter 2015
collection. Taking the fabulous Fifties as
inspiration, these stylish pieces have been
given a casual contemporary twist, making
them wonderfully versatile and easy to
wear. Whether worn alone for a distinctive
statement look or mixed and matched to
create eye-catching, original outfits, these
items will introduce a bright and beautiful
element to your wardrobe. And choose
from an exciting range of quirky, colourful
accessories to add the perfect finishing
touch. Whatever your look, White Stuff
has all you need for a stylish new season.
READER
EVENT
White Stuff is hosting a
special shopping evening to
give readers a preview of its
new collection on Thursday
15 October from 6-9pm at
18 selected branches: Bath,
Belfast, Bluewater, Bristol,
Cambridge, Cardiff,
Cheltenham, Edinburgh,
Exeter, Guildford, Kingston,
Meadowhall, Milton Keynes,
Norwich, Nottingham,
Southampton, Stratford and
York. Guests will receive a
complimentary beauty
treatment and goody bag,
as well as drinks, nibbles
and 15% off purchases. Visit
whitestuff.com/countryliving
to sign up for a ticket and
find a list of participating
White Stuff shops.
White Stuff is
offering CL readers
15% off *. Take this
page to your local
White Stuff shop or
visit whitestuff.
com/countryliving
for an online offer
code to use at
the checkout
98
OCTOBER 2015
Friends
fen
of the
Discover how a band of volunteers

in Cambridgeshire is supporting a
unique project to restore the fen
landscape enlarging the wetland
area for wildlife and benefitting the
local community in the process
WORDS BY KATY DUNN
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANDREW MONTGOMERY
OCTOBER 2015
99
C O N S E RVAT I O N
The colour is fading from the head-high reeds of Woodwalton
Fen, near Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire. Like a grey-brown
sea, it undulates as the feathery grasses wave in the breeze. In
contrast, the willows and birches fringing the area are flaming
orange in the low autumn light. Walk the grid-like network of
paths and you might just see otters, water voles, kingfishers,
common cranes or the great grey shrike. Wildlife numbers are
on the rise here, thanks to a special restoration scheme.
The 50-year Great Fen project launched in 2001 aims
to recreate 3,700 hectares of fen landscape around its two
100
OCTOBER 2015
remaining fragments, Woodwalton Fen and Holme Fen. This will

link the nature reserves and enlarge the wetlands for wildlife,
providing a vast learning and recreation area for people to visit.
In the 16th century, this was an extensive landscape of
reedbeds, wet meadows, open water and wet woodland. People
lived off the land, eating wildfowl and fish, clothing themselves in
beaver pelt and cutting the reeds for thatch. Eels were so plentiful,
they were used as payments for rent. In the 17th century, the land
was drained by wealthy landowners to access the nutrient-rich peat
beneath, which is ideal crop-growing soil. Though they encountered
fierce opposition from local villagers the Fen Tigers tore down
dykes, ditches and sluices the landowners won out. From the early
1800s, agriculture thrived and the natural fauna and flora declined,
accelerated by the draining of Whittlesea Mere in the 1850s.
The Great Fen restoration project was started by a partnership of
organisations, including The Wildlife Trusts, Environment Agency,
Huntingdonshire District Council, Middle Level Commissioners

and Natural England. To date, some 55.5 per cent of the required
land has been acquired. Ditches are being re-profiled, grasses
planted and reedbeds renovated to create a patchwork of
different habitats and a home for waterfowl and wading birds.
The Great Fen today has thriving Education & Community
and Restoration teams led by agency staff, but manned by a
large and enthusiastic network of local volunteers. Workers like
these are essential we couldnt do it without them, says Lauren
Stonebridge, Great Fen interpretation and community officer.
They often toil away unseen, but theyre definitely appreciated.
Here, some of them reveal what the project means to them.
You feel better

about the world
Andrew Cuthbert, commercial manager
They usually call me when a hole needs digging, says Andrew
Cuthbert, a regular conservation and maintenance volunteer.
Its not very glamorous, but its all good fun. It must be, because
when he was recently offered a new job, he negotiated part-time
hours so that he could continue his work at Great Fen. Its good to
get outdoors, he says. You feel better about the world, especially
when youre in such beautiful surroundings.
After going to an open day in 2010, he got so wrapped up
in what he heard that he put his name down as a volunteer there
and then. They threw him in at the deep end with his first task.
I was in waders and a life jacket, up to my waist in water, clearing
reeds from pond-dipping ponds, Andrew remembers. Hes
battling reeds again today with a long-handled scythe, named,
rather alarmingly, a slasher.
The reeds have to be reduced regularly, as they encroach
on drains and ponds, subsequently choking the flow. Cutting
back in autumn and winter allows them to regenerate and
remain the dominant species, rather than reverting to scrub.
Andrew also clears trees, builds log stores and makes cattle
pens. Volunteeringisnt a one-way street, though: Theres
great enjoyment in giving something back to a project that
really benefits the local community.
THIS PAGE, FROM LEFT
Barbara loves being able to
help young people learn about
wildlife; Trundle Mere lookout
at Holme Fen; managing
dykes, ditches and drains is
a major part of the project
The children get

so excited
Barbara Cracknell, retired teaching assistant
After her husband, Richard, died in 2007, Barbara Cracknell
was drawn to Woodwalton Fen because it was a special place
to us. Even though they had always lived close by, they hadnt
even known it existed until they saw a display at the East of
England show when the Great Fen project started. The first time
we went there, it blew me away it was so beautiful, she says.
In January 2008, Barbara retired from her job as a teaching
assistant in a secondary school and began volunteering for
Natural England at Woodwalton Fen. The thought of Richard
inspired me, she explains, and it totally changed my life.
Barbara began as a conservation volunteer, cutting back
trees and clearing ponds. Meeting so many lovely people
helped her beyond measure, and her involvement escalated
naturally. As she had years of experience working in schools
and playgroups, she was asked to help with school visits and
the Great Fen Wildlife Watch Group, a junior branch of the
Wildlife Trust for children aged eight to 12. They meet once
a month at Woodwalton Fen and have fun pond-dipping,
log rolling or simply looking for bugs.
Its so encouraging to see the children get excited when
they find an earwig or a spider, Barbara says. Its a good
reminder that the smaller things in nature are important, too.
102
OCTOBER 2015
Now I want to study ecology

Andrew Urquhart, masonry manager,
and Calum Urquhart, student
Father and son Andrew and Calum Urquhart are volunteer rangers,
roving the Great Fen sites every other Saturday to check the terrain
and chat to visitors about the ongoing restoration. This includes the
Rothschild bungalow (pictured) built by Charles Rothschild, the
nature conservation pioneer who bought Woodwalton Fen before
donating it to the organisation that became The Wildlife Trusts. The
bungalow is on stilts that appear to grow year on year as the peat
dehydrates, shrinks and blows away. Seeding the peat with grass
helps to bind the fine soil before it is re-wetted to recreate fenland.
The pair became involved with Great Fen on the suggestion of
Calums mother, who works for Huntingdon Council, a partner in
the project. Calum was just 14 when he and Andrew helped to build
a straw-bale bird hide on the Holme Fen site: Then later that year
we were invited to help run family mini-beast hunts. Now 17 and a
keen naturalist, he participates regularly in surveys and monitoring.
One of his proudest moments is recording the first sighting of a rare
centipede in East Anglia. Its all good experience, he says, particularly
as he wants to study ecology and make a career in conservation.
It would be great if I could come back and work here.
For more information about the project and to find out
about autumn events, visit greatfen.org.uk.
D E BAT E
Are pheasant shoots

good for the countryside?
With sales of game rising by ten per cent in the past year*, there is
clearly an appetite for healthy, local, low-fat meat. But at what cost?
*MINTEL RESEARCH BASED ON SALES OF PHEASANT, VENISON AND RABBIT, 2013-14
WORDS BY KERRY FOWLER
magine if there were a proposal to introduce 45 million

non-native birds into the British countryside. It would be
unthinkable. However, this is the number of Phasianus
colchicus, originally from Asia, that are released each year to
supply pheasant shoots on farms, estates and private land in
the UK. From one vantage point, this enables a sport through
which you can steep yourself in the past as you watch these
distinctive birds fly into the air, with traditional gamekeepers in
plus-fours and gundogs retrieving those shot down. From another,
you see the sky fill with pheasants and then hear the thud-thud of
guns as hundreds fall dead to the ground. Whatever your view, theres
a question to be asked: without managed pheasant shoots, would
the countryside be better or worse off in terms of biodiversity,
woodland maintenance and conservation?
In March this year, Martin Harper, conservation director for
the RSPB, sparked fierce debate when he blogged on the charitys
website: the contribution progressive shoots [those that manage
their land in a sensitive way] can make to supporting threatened
wildlife is significant, and we are delighted to help them further.
Defending his view, he continued: We simply do whatever nature
needs and will work with anyone that wants to help wildlife.
When debating the question, its useful to get an idea of what
a 21st-century shoot looks like. Each open season (October to
February), these events can range from informal days out to
progressive commercial ones on farmland and estates, where
conservation and wildlife is part of the overall philosophy. More
recently, when pheasant numbers surged in the 1980s as the
City was booming, we have also seen corporate, industrial-scale
shoots, involving the release of thousands of birds into woodlands
countryliving.co.uk
in late summer. The progressive shoots that Harper talks about

mainly entail woodland sky-lighting (where woods are thinned
to create openings among mature trees to let light in and promote
diversity in the understorey), planting cover crops that encourage
small mammals and birds, and creating conservation headlands.
According to research from the Game & Wildlife Conservation
Trust, shoots create or maintain 7,000 hectares of hedgerows and
100,000 hectares of copses. And a report by Public and Corporate
Economic Consultants (PACEC) says that shooting, worth 2 billion
to the UK economy, supports thousands of full-time jobs and the
temporary employment for beaters and caterers for the guns.
Animal welfare groups such as Animal Aid, however, argue that
the sheer volume of birds entails significant ecological damage,
alongside unrecorded figures for predation control to protect the
pheasants from foxes, stoats, rabbits and birds, issues over lead shot
getting into the food chain and stories of overshooting and compost
heaps of dead birds that cant be sold on. The Woodland Trust has
concerns about damage caused by pheasant-release pens and the
introduction of non-native shrubs for cover in semi-natural woods.
Assessing the impact on biodiversity is difficult, as shoots take
place on private land. There are those with good ecological credentials,
and gamekeepers who want their woodlands to thrive, and there is
also no doubt damage is caused when the primary aim is short-term
gain based on intensive rearing. Recently, were seeing more carried
out on an industrial scale, says Jeff Knott, head of nature policy at
RSPB. Thats where our slightly nuanced view comes in; were neither
for nor against pheasant shoots per se. There has been research into
potential benefits, but little into the questions of potential for negative
impact. There are many unknowns and thats worrying in itself.
OCTOBER 2015
107
D E BAT E
Dr Roger Draycott is
head of advisory for
the Game & Wildlife
Conservation Trust
Ancient woodlands have been retained as

the landowner was interested in the sport
NO
THESE ENVIRONMENTS
ARE VIRTUALLY
USELESS FOR
OTHER BIRDS
It is an industry whose
collateral damage is enormous
HAVING UNDERTAKEN THE BEST PART of 20 years researching THE PAST CENTURY HAS SEEN the biggest rate of hedgerow
the impacts positive and negative of pheasant releasing and the
clearance since the Enclosures. Pheasants may be birds of the
management of habitats and wildlife, as well as giving advice to
woodland edge but theyre bred and succoured, and often shot,
hundreds of shoots, I believe there is a fundamental point often
inside woods. Something we see where I live in south Norfolk
forgotten by those not in favour. It is that in order for a farm to support are 20-metre bands of sweetcorn being planted rather than,
a successful shoot, the provision of suitable habitat for the
and sometimes replacing, existing hedgerows. These
birds released is essential without it, the event would
environments are virtually useless for other birds. So
not be viable. Pheasants are birds of the woodland
the idea of hedgerow creation is belied by the evidence
edge principally the outer 50 metres or so of woods
in every part of pheasant-shooting country. The hedges
and also farmland adjacent to it so this is where
and coppices shouldnt need to be propped up by an
Tweet us your
habitat management tends to be concentrated. Over
industry whose collateral damage is enormous.
views on pheasant
the past 100 years, many ancient woodlands have been
Ive probably visited hundreds of woods in my
shoots @
retained and new ones planted specifically because
lifetime and they appear to be managed for shoots in
countrylivinguk
the landowner was involved in pheasant shooting.
two ways. One is the planting of a lot of invasive aliens,
Without this interest, the woods would have been lost
such as snowberry and berberis, which crowd out native
Richard
to agriculture or simply not have been planted.
species, and the other is the release pens in the middle
Mabeys new
Pheasants like shrubby cover to provide shelter,
of the woods, which become refuse areas because of
book, The
warmth and protection from predators. This also
the amount of bird waste and spilled corn. This then
Cabaret of
creates nesting areas for numerous woodland songbirds
results in an enormous growth of weeds. I am out in
Plants: Botany
and plants for butterflies and bees. Research shows that
the countryside a lot and Ive never seen a wild bird at
and the
woods managed for pheasants support more of all of
a pheasant feeding site, but Ive seen a lot of rats. And
Imagination,
these. On the downside, high-release densities can
(this point is not proven but much under discussion
is published
occasionally lead to damage to the ground flora, so
where I live), outside the woods, the abundance of
this month
it is important that shoots follow the guidelines for
pheasants that survive the shoots and live on grain
(Profile, 20).
sustainable gamebird releasing developed by the
in stubble fields may be one of the factors that has
Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust. Wild-seed mixes planted to
led to the decline in farmland birds, such as the corn bunting.
provide shelter and food for pheasants are also a lifeline for a range
So to answer the question are pheasant shoots good for the
of declining farmland birds. Control of predators such as foxes can countryside? No, not at all. If people are determined to continue,
benefit other birds, too, including ground-nesting waders. In my view, it would be better if they knew about biodiversity and made sure
pheasant shooting is a force for good in the countryside, but Id
they boycotted the big ones and just went out to bag a bird or two,
like all shoots to demonstrate they are benefiting biodiversity.
to which I have no objection whatsoever.
108
OCTOBER 2015
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALAMY; GETTY
YES
PHEASANT
SHOOTING
IS A FORCE
FOR GOOD
Naturalist Richard
Mabey, author of
Flora Britannica, is
a vice-president of
the Open Spaces
Society and managed
a community wood
for 20 years
STYLING BY BEN KENDRICK. PHOTOGRAPH BY RACHEL WHITING
NEW LOOK FOR

OUR STYLISH SOFA
The Country Living Gower range from DFS now comes in a smart
charcoal stripe to suit both contemporary and traditional interiors
THE GOWER SOFA MADE BY DFS for Country Living
is a classic design featuring brushed cotton/linen union
upholstery and with a super-comfortable but elegant
shape. The latest addition to the collection of 35 other
beautiful fabrics, Racing Stripe in Charcoal will bring
a fresh, uplifting feel to any room. Inspired by the design
of traditional mattress ticking, the colour is versatile and
will work well with a range of different schemes. Our
Gower sofa is available in three sizes medium, large
and grand (shown above) and later this month an
Gower grand sofa in Racing Stripe
Charcoal, 1,399, Country Living
collection exclusively available at
DFS. Curtains in natural linen from
a selection, Whaleys. Lofian
110
OCTOBER 2015
coffee table, 245; Duster rug,

245; Scrunch linen cushions,
55 each; table, from a
selection: all Loaf. Vintage linen
cloth, 25, Parna. Rectangular
indulgently comfortable, luxurious corner version

is being introduced. The fabric range now includes
14 stripes, seven checks, seven plains, five plaids and
three shades of leather. Racing Stripe in Charcoal
will be available to order in-store from 15 September.
All the furniture is made in the UK, with frames
crafted from hardwoods, cushions designed for comfort
and durability, and feet turned from quality woods,
including beech and oak. For more about the Country
Living range at DFS, visit dfs.co.uk/countryliving.
cushion in Lambada cotton,
35/m, Jane Churchill. Cushion
in centre made from vintage
wool blanket, from a selection,
Jane Beck Welsh Blankets. Jug,
8.95, Loop the Loop. Red mug,

12; linen teatowel, 18; vase
and bowls, from a selection:
all The Conran Shop.
For stockists, see Where to Buy
LET YOUR
TALENT
SHINE
In our series celebrating home-grown skills, we meet women

making the most of their hobby, whether theyre earning from their
kitchen table or launching a fully fledged business. Plus, discover
different ways to follow in their footsteps
WORDS BY PAULA MCWATERS
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALUN CALLENDER
THIS MONTH: THE KNITTER
countryliving.co.uk
OCTOBER 2015
111
hen you step into Sue Gleaves converted barn

in Laxfield, Suffolk, you sense that wool is
something of a recurring theme. In her beamed
kitchen, the airer above the Aga is festooned with
skeins of indigo yarn; the coffee table in the sitting
room is laden with knitted swatches as she trials different stitch
patterns, and out in the hallway, half the floor is taken up with
boxes full of garments and patterns.
Upstairs, its the same story, with a spare bed barely visible under
hanks of wool waiting to be wound, and the landing dominated by a
wooden contraption made by Sues husband Martin to speed up the
process of skeining. I have always knitted and sewn but I never
dreamed I might one day try to make a living from it. I was too
busy paying the mortgage, Sue says. Native Yarns, the company
she and Martin launched in June 2014, may be threatening to
take over their space but they dont seem to mind: After years
of corporate life, it feels liberating to be working for ourselves.
They moved to Laxfield in 2011. We were both divorced with
children Martin has a son and a daughter and I have two daughters
and once they had all left home, we began looking for a place
to put down roots, Sue explains. After years as a project manager
running big teams and sizeable budgets for companies such as
Norwich Union, she was determined to find a job that would
nourish more than just her bank balance. When her father died in
2006, she started re-evaluating what she wanted out of life: Martin
had also left his job in senior management and with a bit of security
behind us financially, we had a chance to dive into the unknown.
Sue was taught to knit and sew by both her grandmothers, who
were accomplished craftswomen, but it was a three-day natural
112
OCTOBER 2015
THIS PAGE AND OPPOSITE In

her converted barn studio, Sue
uses natural, plant-based dyes
to colour the yarn, which gives

her kits and finished items
a distinctive, vibrant look
SMALL-BUSINESS
START-UP
THE KNITTER
Words by Fiona Davies from WiRE
With around 7.5 million knitters in the UK, supplying
and supporting this band of enthusiasts makes good
business sense. And with the sixth annual Wool Week
from 5-11 October, a Prince of Wales initiative to raise
awareness of the natural and sustainable benefits of
the fibre, there couldnt be a better time.
I have always knitted

and sewn but never
dreamed I could
make a living from it
dyeing course that sparked her decision to set up Native Yarns,
selling kits, wool and patterns by mail order and at shows.
Choosing the wool came first, the priority being to find beautiful
tactile yarns from British breeds. Bluefaced Leicester is one of
her favourites, in various weights from lace and double knit to
Aran: Its soft on the skin and has a lustrous sheen. Her 12 ranges
are named after Suffolk towns and villages, including Lavenham
and Clare, that were important in the wool trade in medieval
times. In her mission to buy British, she hopes to try Wensleydale,
Shetland and Exmoor Horn when her order sizes grow. She also
stocks merino and alpaca, some of which is spun in Yorkshire
from alpacas raised in Britain.
She buys wool in its natural undyed state, then colours it in her
workshop using plant-based dyes. Some she buys in dried form,
others she grows in her large garden, including woad, weld and
dyers camomile. The shades she achieves are strikingly clear, with
a vibrancy that seems to make them glow. Sue feels this factor,
as well as their softness, helps Native Yarns to stand out at shows,
such as the Pop-Up Market at the Country Living Spring Fair,
for which Sue was selected from among 160 applicants and
given the opportunity to exhibit for free .
Meeting customers face-to-face is a vital part of building the
company profile and getting direct feedback on designs and colours.
She has launched more than 20 designs to display how the yarns
look when knitted up, from scarves and fingerless gloves to jumpers
and cushions. Scarf and cowl kits (pattern plus yarn) make good
entry-level items because they are inexpensive and quick to make.
In the future, Sue would like to recruit other local knitters to
help her develop ideas and make finished items for sale, and
countryliving.co.uk
FINDING CUSTOMERS
Take part in as many markets and shows as possible.
Yarn, wool and patterns are tactile, so customers will
often make impulse purchases if they can see and feel.
Offer a wide range of products to suit everyone,
from the complete beginner to the expert, and label
clearly what level of experience is required; you dont
want them giving up if they cant follow the pattern.
Become an expert. Offer to talk at events, do demos
or host a club. Once people trust you, they will buy.
CREATE A COMMUNITY
Try to build a buzz around your products using
social media platforms such as Facebook.
Encourage your followers to contribute pictures
of their work, hints, tips and support.
Knitters need their fix regularly, so keep a database,
recording purchases and preferences, and keep
them updated about new products they may like.
Charity knitting is great for those who love to knit,
but dont always have a reason to do so. For advice
on how to start a scheme, visit knitforpeace.org.uk.
SPREAD THE WORD
Video is easier than you think. Create some YouTube
tutorials covering common mistakes and techniques.
Your website should be visible from all devices
desktop, mobiles, iPads as this will impact Google
rankings and ensure you can be found everywhere.
SOURCEBOOK
UK Hand Knitting Association offers tips and
information about the craft (ukhandknitting.com).
The Knitting and Stitching Show holds events across
the UK (theknittingandstitchingshow.com), while
Wonderwool in Builth Wells, Powys, is a spring
attraction (23-24 April 2016, wonderwoolwales.co.uk).
Ravelry is a free community site for knitters and
crocheters (ravelry.com).
OCTOBER 2015
113
MORE WAYS TO TURN

YOUR TALENT INTO
TURNOVER
DEVISE A NEW ANGLE

Megaknitz grew out of Rachel Johns desire to
put a fresh spin on the art of knitting. Her
colourful rugs, throws and shawls are made
by mixing together multiple strands of yarn,
often using scrap wool, on giant wooden
needles up to a metre long. Her first ones
were made from broom handles: I call it
extreme knitting it captures peoples
imagination because its so fast. Something
that might have taken six months to make
can be knitted in six hours. Rachel left a job
as a systems analyst to return to her artistic
roots and did part-time work to give her the
opportunity to experiment. She launched her
Bristol-based business in 2006 and now sells
at knitting, stitching and craft shows.
Megaknitz (07919 408860; megaknitz.com).
she is interested in working with wool outlets and running workshops,

but for now the key focus is on building up sales: My aim is to make
designs that are elegant and refined in flattering shapes that suit
real-sized women. My daughters help me keep a modern edge,
too. Sue loves lace knitting and has designed easy-lace designs
to entice people to try it, including her Ariana scarf, which is
knitted from a single skein of four-ply baby alpaca.
I draft the patterns myself, producing swatches and then a first
sample, which I re-draft until Im happy with it, Sue says. She pores
over stitch dictionaries and new ideas are often inspired by country
or seaside walks close to home. Her late father was a passionate
sailor and one design, the Morwen cowl, is named after his last
boat: I chose the yarn combination after a walk at Aldeburgh, when
sunlight was dancing on the sea. It is one of my favourite designs.
Sues creations are slow clothes that will be valued because of
the time and effort that has gone into making them, but she still
has to overcome her natural reserve to shout about them: Im
used to having a support team. Now its all down to us, but its
exciting to find strengths we didnt know we had.
Native Yarns (07477 651588; nativeyarns.co.uk). Readers
can enjoy 15% off the online range (plus 3.50 p&p) until
30 November 2015 by entering the code CL15 when ordering.
114
OCTOBER 2015
KNIT FOR CHARITY
Inspired to set
up your own
business?
Turn overleaf
for our insider
guide by
our Talent
Ambassador.
Libby Summers started her knitting business

in Stamford, Lincolnshire, in 2006 and feels
that the key to her success is being flexible
enough to change with the market. Production
took off in 2010 when John Lewis began
stocking her ready-knitted baby-alpaca
hot-water bottles but, two years later, the
recession hit and the order came to an end, so
she had to rethink. Now Libby supplies her
own-branded yarn and knitting kits for home
crafters and has produced a book, Anyone
Can Knit (Arcturus Publishing, 7.99). Having
an anthropology degree led her to establish a
link with Peru and she sources yarn from the
Peruvian highlands, helping to support local
communities there. She also raises money for
Prostate Cancer UK through sales of her Tea
Cosies for Victory kits and patterns. Libby
Summers (07818 286538; libbysummers.co.uk).
Learn to earn with Julie Dodsworth

AS YOUR VENTURE GROWS, there will be opportunities to get for your chance to jump into the conversation. This can mean
involved with business networks in your area. These organisations resisting the urge to respond to someone who is telling you
can really demonstrate the meaning behind the word T.E.A.M
about their wedding cake business with an anecdote about
Together Everyone Achieves More. Within your own town or city,
the cake your mum once made. Although youre only intending
there will be a variety of organisations from your local Chamber
to be friendly, it will kill the conversation and stop them midof Trade to independently run groups, but all of these will work
flow. Youre better off just saying, That sounds amazing,
towards the good of its members. I know
and continuing to listen.
attending a network event may seem a little
JULIE
daunting but I have found that a personal
A speaker I once heard explained this
DODSWORTH,
invite from an existing member and/or going
principle well imagine 50 business
our Talent Ambassador,
with a colleague can make all the difference.
networkers who all know each other are in
is an artisan British
a room together. On the floor are 50 balloons
designer who works from
I remember the very first one I attended (many
with their names on. They are told to go and
her narrowboat on the
years ago) didnt get off to a good start. I was
find their balloon. Chaos ensues and the task
Grand Union Canal in
painfully shy, my host was detained and I was at the
is taking for ever. The group are then told to
Northamptonshire. At the
event alone. Luckily I was helped by a charming
pick up one balloon and give it to the person it
age of 50, she decided to
gentleman who was the general manager of one of
belongs to. The task is completed in seconds.
turn her painting hobby
the hotels in York. He told me first of all to relax and
The moral is that helping someone else is
into a range of licensed
just be myself; I should be able to explain who I was
sometimes easier than helping yourself. Its
homeware. In this series of
and what I did in one simple sentence and be ready
this concept that forms the central objective of
columns, Julie shares her
with a business card and a firm handshake. He said
my local BNI (Business Network International)
experience and some of the
that the temptation when nervous is to impart as
group. Members are encouraged to focus on
great advice she has been
much as possible about the business and to try to
supporting each other rather than simply
given by others along the way.
drum up sales with everyone you meet. The key is
seeking out assistance for themselves.
to take it easy there is no need to tell everything
in one go. Over the years, I have realised how right he was. It has
Other advantages to joining a good networking group
proven infinitely more valuable to build good relationships with
include having access to quality speakers and training.
people over time (a form of networking known as farming)
It will also enable you to stay abreast of any changes that are
rather than jumping in with the hard sell (known as hunting).
taking place in your area, which may impact on your work.
But, most importantly, it will allow you to be part of a group of
Another good piece of advice I was offered was to focus on
like-minded people that will celebrate and commiserate with
listening to what people are telling you rather than waiting
you throughout the ups and downs of running a business.
116
OCTOBER 2015
PHOTOGRAPH BY ALUN CALLENDER
THIS MONTH: SEEKING SUPPORT
THE ART of
UPCYCLING
Discover new ways to reuse fabric remnants,
wrapping and wallpaper off-cuts, and other
household items, with these fresh and creative ideas
COMPILED BY ALAINA BINKS
BRIGHT AND LIGHT Vintage silk

scarves sewn together create a pretty
caf curtain that offers privacy but still
allows light into the room. An unobtrusive
way to hang these is to hem the top edge
to form a sleeve for a simple wire hanging
system. Alternatively, tea towels are also
effective find vintage linen designs by
Sarah Moore at shop.countryliving.co.uk
D E C O R AT I N G
KITCHEN CHARM Short lengths of
fabric add a decorative touch to a rustic
dresser when hung behind glazed doors.
Choose small- to mid-scale patterns for
best results but motifs, such as oversized
blooms, can also work. Try each one out
first before tacking them in place.
SEW SIMPLE Here, folding

metal garden chairs have been
given an attractive revamp with
lightweight loose covers made from
a decorative table-runner and tea
towels. Use classic vintage linen
designs for a rustic touch.
THRIFTY CHIC A piece of disused

crockery can become a pretty pin cushion.
Put wadding or stuffing into a piece of
fabric to make a ball the same size as the
opening and ensure this sits in place. Sew
up the base and pull taut. Glue round the
container inside; stick the cushion in place.
FABRIC
Material left over from previous decorating projects, a collection of fabric samples or a tea towel too
beautiful to use to dry up even the smallest piece of fabric can be upcycled into something new.
Old clothing, such as T-shirts, denim, ties and knitwear, also provides a rich source to be creative with.
PLAYFUL AND FUN Ideal for a childs

room, this upcycled fruit crate with castor
wheels screwed into the base provides
extra storage and doubles as a seat. The
hinged padded cushion is made from
fabric stretched and stapled over a piece
of hardboard with wadding in between.
countryliving.co.uk
DECORATIVE DETAIL Turn glass food
HOMEMADE HANGING On a natural
jars into elegant lanterns using lace.

Cut a length to the height of the jar
and long enough to meet and sew at
the back, then slide up over the glass.
Alternatively, doilies can be glued
onto one side of the jar.
linen backdrop, appliqud leaves with

handmade fabric and artificial blooms
can form a unique piece of art. First draw
your design using tailors chalk. Machine
stitch the stems and sew on the leaves,
then sew on the flowers by hand.
OCTOBER 2015
119
PIECE BY PIECE A patchwork of

papers adorning a tabletop, finished
with clear varnish or a sheet of
tempered glass, instantly updates
a dining table. Choose at least six
coordinating papers linked by colour
to create a random effect.
PARTY TIME Simple pin-wheels made

from magazine and newspaper cuttings
create hanging decorations that can
be tailored to an occasion or season.
As these can be made using most
types of paper, its a great way to use
up any pieces you have left over.
SIMPLE STYLE Here, decorative

wrapping paper has been used to give
a unique finish to a birch-plywood stool.
This idea can work by covering whole
areas with one piece of paper, or, if the
design allows it, cut out individual
motifs to form a bespoke pattern.
PAPER
Easily recycled, most household papers such as wrapping, newspaper and postal envelopes can be reused
in a variety of imaginative ways. Papercraft can be relatively simple, from basic folding techniques
to collaging, and is a great choice for permanent transformations and temporary decorations.
SHADES OF COLOUR Colourful

lampshades can be made by concertinafolding recycled papers. Thread ribbon
or twine around the edge through small
holes made into each pleat to hold it in
place a basic wire frame and light
fitting can also be used inside.
120
OCTOBER 2015
FLORAL FANCY Decorate door and

drawer panels with cut-to-size pieces of
fabric or paper to add interest to furniture.
Here, a faded design uplifts a pale
scheme. Spray adhesives fix lightweight
fabrics and papers in place, or use
traditional paste for thicker wallpapers.
BEAUTIFUL AND INDIVIDUAL

A length of wallpaper* makes a striking
headboard. On a large piece of parchment
paper, folded in half, draw out one side
of the headboard, which will open to a
symmetrical shape to make a template
to transfer onto the wallpaper.
STYLING BY LAURA VINE. *PERSIAN LEAF IN PINK BY BLITHFIELD & CO FROM TISSUSDHELENE.CO.UK. MARK BOLTON; BRENT DARBY; HOUSE OF PICTURES; INSIDE LIVING AGENCY; LOUPE IMAGES; CLAIRE RICHARDSON; RACHEL WHITING
D E C O R AT I N G
IN PRINT The quirky wallpaper in

this country summerhouse is made
from 1950s catalogue pages,
collaged and pasted in rows over
one wall. Old encyclopedias,
botanical prints and sheet music
will also work well. Make sure all
the loose pages are the same size.
Before applying paste to the back
of each one and securing in place,
mark a rough grid or guidelines
on the wall to ensure the end
result is straight.
122
OCTOBER 2015
very little of each is required, so you

could use sample pots. Also, gradient
paint colours can be hand-mixed to
tailor-made shades by using a coloured
base and adding variants of white.
STYLING BY ALAINA BINKS; CELIA STUART-MENTETH.
RETRO REVIVAL Here, a creative

mix of paint and wallpaper has been
used to update the narrow drawers
on this 20th-century-style cupboard.
As only the fronts have been covered,
D E C O R AT I N G
CUT-WORK PRINT Add interest to
storage boxes made from old wine
crates. Use masking tape to secure a
stencil (find similar at stencil-library.
com), dab a small amount of paint over
the top using a flat-ended stencil brush,
then peel off the stencil and leave to dry.
CHARMING CHARACTER Turn

pebbles from the garden or beach*
into rustic name-place settings for use
on a tabletop. Hand-paint or stencil
(using emulsion or acrylic paint) or draw
(using a permanent white marker pen)
letters onto clean stones.
PAINT
A good-quality eggshell will adhere to wood and metal perfect for upcycling projects from painting tin
cans to worn furniture. Alternatively, tester pots containing emulsion can also be used but may give a
more rustic, distressed look if the piece is regularly used this, however, will add to the charm.
IN CONTRAST A wooden chest of
ROLE REVERSAL An upturned wooden
drawers is given a fresh look using

eggshell paint in two shades of grey
we used Storm and Twine self-priming
interior eggshell, 25/litre, Country
Living Paint collection from Marston &
Langinger (shop.countryliving.co.uk).
dining chair (without legs) hung on a

wall creates an unusual shelf and
hanging rail. Screw the lip of the seat
securely in place to the wall
alternatively, brackets can be added
underneath to hold heavier items.
124
OCTOBER 2015
GARDEN UPDATE Reflecting the soft

and subtle pastel shades, from off-pinks
and pale blues to chalky lilacs, of a
garden border, these weathered pots
have been refreshed using exterior
paints (collection of exterior masonry
paints from farrow-ball.com).
PHOTOGRAPHS BY MARK BOLTON; BRENT DARBY; HOUSE OF PICTURES; LIVING INSIDE; LOUPE IMAGES; CLAIRE RICHARDSON; RACHEL WHITING. *ONLY TAKE AWAY A HANDFUL
STYLISH DESIGN Traditional artist

palettes covered with blackboard paint
make useful chalkboards that can be
easily moved around and hung on the
wall. They are ideal for family notes,
recipes, homework or as a name plaque
on a teenagers bedroom door.
For when your heart

is in the country
Subscribe to the digital edition of Country Living magazine and escape into an
appealing world of rural beauty and tranquillity. Youll find a wealth of ideas for your
home and garden, learn about traditional crafts, discover inspiring rural businesses
and enjoy irresistible recipes using seasonal produce.
SUBSCRIBE NOW ON THE APPLE NEWSSTAND
GREAT REASONS
TO GET DIGITAL!
Now you can enjoy your
favourite magazine wherever
and whenever you want. With
our digital editions, you can
stay up to date even when you
are on the move! Go digital
today and benefit from:
O Searchable content across all your
downloaded issues
O Choice of viewing mode to make
reading as easy as possible
O Instant access to the latest issue
even when youre away from home
O Interactive content with live links
to websites, emails and phone
numbers
Now on EVEN more devices!
Clever
cooking
Enjoy a combination of classic looks and 21st-century technology
in your kitchen with the innovative new designs from Aga
roviding a reassuring presence,

welcoming warmth and
wonderful food, Aga range cookers
have been at the heart of the home for more
than 90 years. And to cater for the changing
needs of modern life, new Aga models
feature the traditional iconic styling with
all the benefits of 21st-century technology.
On when you need them and off when
you dont, the new electric models Aga Total
Control and Aga Dual Control offer greater
control and flexibility but with the same
Aga radiant-heat cooking that locks in
flavour, whether you are roasting or baking.
Perfect for todays hectic pace of life, the
Total Control has a touch-screen panel

that enables each of the ovens with superfast heat-up times and the two hotplates
to be operated independently. The Dual
Control also has independently operated
hotplates together with a low-energy setting
for the ovens, resulting in reduced running
and servicing costs. Both models are
available in 14 colours with three or five
ovens. If space is an issue, look for the new
Aga City60 at just 60cm wide, it is the same
size as a standard slot-in cooker. So whether
you have always wanted an Aga or wish to
upgrade to a more efficient model, there is a
design thats right for your home and lifestyle.
TOP 3-oven
Aga Dual Control
in Cream
ABOVE 5-oven
Aga Total Control
in Aqua
LEFT The iconic
Aga badge
There are more than 60 Aga stores in the

UK offering live demonstrations. To find
the one nearest to you, call 0845 481 0062
or visit agaliving.com.
GARDENING
SECRETS
of a
GLORIOUS
GARDEN
Here, we follow the growing year in the beautiful gardens

at Loseley Park in Surrey, with plenty of practical ideas
for you to use in your own plot
WORDS BY STEPHANIE DONALDSON
PHOTOGRAPHS BY JASON INGRAM
OCTOBER: CLEARING AND PREPARING

THE LAST VISITORS have departed and the gates closed for the final time this year, but the pace has not slackened
for the gardening team as they prepare for winter and plant the spring bedding. Septembers colourful borders have given
way to seed heads and dying foliage in silvery greys and browns, silhouetted in the misty late autumn light. Evergreen
hedges, trees, topiary and ornamental grasses continue to provide a structural framework in the walled garden as work
begins on clearing beds and borders ready for the next season. For us, our year with the gardeners at Loseley has ended.
130
OCTOBER 2015
LOSELEY PARK & GARDENS

Standing in ancient parkland close to the North Downs, this Surrey estate has been home to the More-Molyneux
family for more than 500 years. The two-and-a-half-acre walled garden has undergone an impressive renaissance
over the past 20 years, spearheaded by the current owners Michael and Sarah More-Molyneux. As head gardener
Richard Burnip (Burney) says: We all have the same gardening problems ours are just on a larger scale.
PLANT OF THE MONTH
MULBERRY
The mulberry tree is a central
presence at Loseley. Not only
is there a venerable specimen
growing on the lawn, with a
younger tree at the heart of
the flower garden it is also a
family emblem. In the drawing
room of the house, a Latin
motto refers to longevity of the
tree and the brief life of the
fruit. To the More-Molyneuxs,
this represents the enduring

nature of the family line,
but the relatively brief
existence of the individual
members. The fruit of the
mulberry cannot be bought
in a shop if you want to taste
its explosive sweetness,
the only way is to visit a
garden where one grows
or plant your own.
GARDENING
TECHNIQUE OF THE MONTH
PLANTING SPRING BEDDING

The old-fashioned way with spring bedding much-loved in municipal
gardens was to plant in serried ranks punctuated by equally organised rows
of tulips. The planting at Loseley is far more informal, with forget-me-nots
and wallflowers weaving their way among the perennials in the borders,
filling the gaps left by the summer annuals. It does require a certain amount
of effort at a time when the temptation is to take things a bit easier,
but as with bulb planting the reward is a garden brimming with
colour when the herbaceous plants are just getting going.
BURNEYS TIP FOR

OCTOBER
SNIP AND SNIP AGAIN

Our Verbena bonariensis are planted en masse
for best effect and we prune them now by two
thirds. This stops wind, rock and snow damage,
while giving protection from intense winter
cold. They are then cut back fully in the spring.
Clear the borders

of the summer
annual plants (right)
Rake over the cleared
area (far right)
Replant after rain,
or water the bed
thoroughly the
day before
Dig up the spring
bedding plants
from the nursery
bed if you have
grown your own,
or buy-in plants
Carefully divide
any large clumps
to maximise the
number of plants
available (right)
Transplant at 15cm
spacings and water
them well (far right)
OVERWINTERING DAHLIAS
Although dahlias can be left in the ground over winter, slugs do so much damage to the emerging young shoots that Burney
prefers to dig them up and start them into growth again in spring under cover, only planting them out once growing strongly.
Cut the dahlia
plants down to
a manageable
size before
digging them up
Use a border fork
to lift the tubers
gently discard
any individual
ones that have
been pierced
132
OCTOBER 2015
Lift the tubers

and carefully
knock off any
excess soil
Place the tubers
in a container
and cover with
fresh compost
Store overwinter
in a dark, dry,
cool place
ROUTINE
TASKS IN
THE GARDEN
Large projects are often
tackled in October, for
example, developing new
paths and seating areas
Dahlias are dug up and stored
Pumpkins are brought
under cover (below right)
Dead lower leaves are
removed from Brussels
sprout plants to allow air
to circulate (top right)
Leaves are gathered up
and removed as they fall
from the trees (far right)
Any large congested groups
of perennials, such as
Lysimachia Firecracker
and Crocosmia Lucifer,
are lifted, divided and
then replanted
countryliving.co.uk
OCTOBER 2015
133
GARDENING
THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE

FROM TOP LEFT Bright
hips of Rosa rugosa Alba;
leeks ready for harvesting
in the kitchen garden; cut
verbena stems are taken to
be composted; mistletoe;
Hydrangea quercifolia;
bronze fennel seed heads;
Miscanthus sinensis; a
spiky cardoon seed head
GET MORE ONLINE
WATCH PRACTICAL
GARDENING VIDEOS
AT COUNTRYLIVING.CO.UK
134
OCTOBER 2015
THE BIG CLEAR-UP
These days, tidying up borders is generally left until spring to

provide winter shelter for beneficial insects and food for birds,
but at Loseley this isnt practical the gardeners would never
catch up if they left it that late. Besides which, theres a wealth
of wildlife-friendly habitats and food sources on the estate.
Clearing up starts in early November with the cutting-back
of the perennials in the white garden, followed by the herb and
flower gardens, with as much as possible being composted. The
gardeners can then give the borders a thorough tidy; planting the
spring bedding continues and must be completed by Christmas.
In the vegetable garden, the team keeps the late vegetables
in good order to provide Christmas lunch for the house with
pickings of Brussels sprouts, carrots, leeks, cabbages and
parsnips. Runner bean vines are removed from their supports
and ripe seed saved for next years sowing. Fruit and nut trees
are pruned and all supports and ties are checked.
January is when all the roses are pruned, a necessary but not
very enjoyable task in the coldest and darkest time of the year,
but there are opportunities to warm up by the woodburning
stove when the gardeners retire to the greenhouses to get on with

potting on autumn-sown seedlings and cuttings. Seed is sown to
propagate plants in readiness for the forthcoming Spring Garden
Show. In February, potting on is carried out and seed is ordered
for vegetables and summer annuals. The yew hedges are cut
and the crab-apple walk in the flower garden is pruned. The old
woodchip paths in the vegetable garden are dug out and renewed
with a fresh covering, and manure is worked into the beds.
As the year draws to a close, its clear that this organisation
and orderliness are key to keeping Loseley Parks garden in peak
condition for the More-Molyneux family and the many visitors
who share its beauty from May to September. But it is also
reassuring to know theres flexibility in the routines and that
tasks are done when it suits the gardening team rather than at
a specific time. Something to remember in our own plots.
Loseley Park, Guildford, Surrey (01483 304440;

loseleypark.co.uk). Gardens open from May to end of
September, Sunday-Thursday (including bank holidays).
Set in the beautiful countryside near Denmarks North Zealand

coast, Pauline Rmer's wonderful wooden cabin is an inspiring
combination of the traditional and the contemporary
WORDS BY ELISABETH KRUSE
136
OCTOBER 2015
PHOTOGRAPHS BY KIRA BRANDT, PURE PUBLIC AND LIVING INSIDE
INTERIORS
OPPOSITE A rustic
oubuilding merges
into the forest setting
THIS PAGE Paintings
by Eduard Borregaard
are displayed alongside
a salvaged chair and a
second-hand table
INTERIORS
auline Rmers rustic retreat in the village of

Asserbo on Denmarks North Zealand coast is
at its most tranquil in early autumn. The seaside
crowds have long departed and golden sunlight shines
softly through the tall birch trees that surround the
black-painted wooden cabin and matching annexe,
designed by her architect brother. At this time of year,
I pray for fine weather so I can make the most of the
summerhouse before a cold snap arrives, she says.
Its incredibly peaceful I disconnected the phone line
many years ago and theres no internet connection. I love
the away-from-it-all feel and its the complete antithesis
of my life as a homeware designer in Copenhagen.
Pauline inherited the property from her grandmother
when she was 18 the plot had been in the family for
generations and there used to be four similar houses
on the land. I came here a lot when I was a child and
have many happy memories, she explains. I wanted
to maintain the personal connection, so Ive kept a lot
of my grandparents pieces, such as the paintings and
lights, and I turned my grandfathers old bed into a large
sofa and covered it with plain white linen. She has also
retained the original relaxed spirit of the house, simply
freshening up the rather tired interior tongue-andgroove boarding with several coats of white paint and
bleaching the floorboards to lighten the effect further.
The small-paned windows most of which needed to
138
OCTOBER 2015
OPPOSITE,
CLOCKWISE FROM
TOP LEFT A stilllife arrangement of
ceramics and seasonal
finds; lithographs and
drawings by friends
and family; vintage
treasures THIS PAGE

An old bed becomes
a sofa with the
addition of homemade
cushions, while a
collection of burnished
metal bowls catches
the light
THIS PAGE AND

OPPOSITE The lines
of tongue-and-groove
panelling and bleached
floorboards combined
with black furniture
and accessories create
visual interest in the
mainly pale living
areas, so just a few
artworks are kept on
display; streamlined
modern kitchen units
are topped with beech
worksurfaces for
warmth and contrast
INTERIORS
Pieces of
dark wooden
furniture stand
out against the
pale background
be restored by a local carpenter have been left
uncurtained to allow the sunshine to flood into every
room and frame views of the woodland beyond.
The open-plan layout makes the cabin a sociable
space for friends and family to gather. A large castiron woodburning stove stands in the centre, dividing
the living-dining area from the kitchen. In the
former, wooden furniture stands out against the pale
background, with sheepskin rugs softening chairs and
assorted ethnic designs brought back from travels
abroad introducing touches of colour. Doors lead off
from here to two double bedrooms, also furnished in
natural hues, as well as a bathroom, while an outdoor
shower is very practical when the cabin is full of visitors
and adds to the rustic mood. The kitchen has more of a
contemporary character, with streamlined dark grey
countryliving.co.uk
OCTOBER 2015
141
INTERIORS
Ikea units topped with wooden worksurfaces and large

lightbulbs hanging on long cords above. The adjacent
tiled conservatory has a separate cooking and eating
area, and the annexe provides the ideal place to house
extra guests. This has a few more decorative elements
than the main building, with painted furniture and a
patterned bedspread in soft grey. Its wonderful to lie
here at night with the doors open and watch the sun
set over the trees, Pauline says.
But, above all, time spent here is about enjoying
the beauty of the natural setting to the full. To this
end, Pauline has created a series of decked terraces
(I didnt want to have a lawn to worry about or remember
to mow) that catch the sun throughout the day, with
benches strewn with comfortable cushions. Evening
meals are often cooked outside on a large barbecue,
which was made by cutting an old oil tank in half,
and groups of galvanised metal lanterns dotted around
the terraces light the proceedings. Pauline loves to
gather seasonal finds such as leaves and cones to
display as artistic still-lifes on simple tables and along
windowsills, together with handfuls of pebbles collected
from the beach, which is reached by a path that starts
from the garden gate. My next project will be to insulate
the cabin, so I can use it as a hideaway throughout
the winter months, too, she adds. Whenever Im here,
I never want to leave.
142
OCTOBER 2015
OPPOSITE,
CLOCKWISE FROM
TOP LEFT A mix-andmatch tea set adds
a touch of pattern, as
do the floral cushions
on the bed and a soft
embroidered throw
THIS PAGE Pauline
loves to celebrate
the beauty of nature
144
OCTOBER 2015
STYLE
Country garden
SEASONS OF INTEREST
Early spring
and summer to
early autumn
SIZE
About two acres

SOIL TYPE
Light and sandy
ARTISTRY
BORDERS
IN
THE
With a mix of careful planting and clever use of colour,

a Kentish garden has been creatively designed from
scratch, with wide beds of perennials and curved box
hedging providing beauty and interest well into autumn
WORDS BY PAULA McWATERS
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANNAICK GUITTENY
OCTOBER 2015
GARDENING
rom her terrace on a clear day, Elizabeth Cairns can make

out the seemingly endless line of pylons that stretches across
Dungeness, and yet her hillside garden in Kent, high up on
the edge of the North Downs, is at least 25 miles from the coast.
However, such a far-reaching view comes with challenges as well
as rewards. Prevailing south-westerlies cut across the plot and
Elizabeths early (and rather optimistic) plantings of delphiniums
were blown over within days, which is when she realised that some
artful planning was required. There was nothing much here when
we came in 1983 and then everything was flattened in the 1987
gale, she recalls. She and her husband Andrew established a
shelter belt with a line of oak, ash and hornbeam on the western
boundary, which has made a big difference, and planted coppiced
alders in front to form another buffer zone: Weve tried to create
micro-climates throughout the garden. You cant block the wind
but you can slow it down. Shrubs like Elaeagnus x ebbingei are
marvellous because theyll still stand up even in the teeth of a gale!
Elizabeth is modest about her achievements on this tricky site,
but a glance around the garden reveals subtle artistry at work. The
house late 15th-century brick and Kentish ragstone with a Georgian
front sits in the middle of the plot, halfway down the slope,
with the garden unfolding all around it. Immediately in front,
the Cairns have created a sunny terrace above an expansive
THIS PAGE, TOP A dovecote
stands amid Nicotiana mutabilis
and euphorbia LEFT Mauve-pink
asters OPPOSITE, FROM TOP
146
OCTOBER 2015
LEFT Erigeron karvinskianus;

Sedum Matrona; the bright
red hips of Rosa glauca bring
autumn colour to a border
GARDENING
Lines of vision have been kept open to

highlight a distant view or a focal point
sloping lawn where their two dogs, Mr Darcy and Isla, can race
around. Towards the bottom is a stone-paved pool garden, where
surprisingly tender-looking plants thrive in the lee of low stone
walls backed by a hornbeam hedge. A half-hardy Melianthus
major, with its pleasing, deeply serrated grey-green leaves, went
in 15 years ago beside Yucca filamentosa Variegata, which has
happily reproduced ever since. Even in bad winters, things surprise
me by pulling through, Elizabeth says. A white solanum seemed
to have all but given up but then I spotted a tiny shoot in the paving
and it has sprung back into life. She is now trying a Pittosporum
tobira, a half-hardy shrub she admired growing in southern France.
There used to be quarries along this hillside centuries ago the soil is
free-draining sand over ragstone, so Mediterranean plants thrive. Lines
of lavender flank the stone paths, chosen by Elizabeth from specialist
nursery Downderry Lavender to include two hardy varieties that
flower at the same time: white Lavandula Edelweiss and blue-purple
Abrialii. Alongside these are self-seeded Verbena bonariensis (a packet
of seeds 20 years ago and Ive had flowers ever since), hardy geraniums,
evening primrose, airy Gaura lindheimeri and a host of different
TOP Plantings of Sedum Red
Cauli, Anemone hupehensis
Prinz Heinrich and Rehmannia
elata lead towards sweeping
148
OCTOBER 2015
box hedging and a stone statue

made by Elizabeths son RIGHT
Cyclamen hederifolium flowers
between slabs of stone
GARDENING
LEFT Allium senescens
BELOW Situated on a southfacing slope 400 feet up, the
garden has far-reaching views
across the North Downs. Purple

Verbena bonariensis thrives
in the borders, which are all
colour themed
salvias, plus annuals such as nicotiana and cosmos raised from

seed in her greenhouse. Thanks to Elizabeths careful planting,
the deep borders froth with perennials until early autumn.
Although the garden at Knowle Hill Farm is constantly evolving,
Elizabeth keeps certain key principles in mind to create a harmonious
effect. Lines of vision have been kept open both along and down
the garden, whether to the distant view of the Weald or to a focal
point such as a planted urn or a stone statue made by her son Bertie
in his last year at school. Colour is important to me, she says, and
the borders all have a theme: white and silver with touches of blue
in the pool garden; reds and purples in the top border behind the
house; and blue and yellow with dark red in the long border.
This is quite an intensive garden to look after but, for Elizabeth,
that is the pleasure of it. She has help from gardener Jacky Ireland,
who keeps the borders tidy two days a week, plus assistance with
lawn and hedge cutting: This is a free-flowing garden and I used to
like it all growing naturally. Ive found thats fine for a year or two but
then the stronger ones prevail and its time to impose a bit of order. The
borders here show she knows how to do this to spectacular effect.
Knowle Hill Farm Garden, Ulcombe, Maidstone, Kent, is
open from May to September by appointment (01622
850240; knowlehillfarmgarden.co.uk).
150
OCTOBER 2015
Twice a year, a beautiful Arts and Crafts house in

Surrey is transformed into the perfect showcase
for a covetable collection of vintage finds: skilfully
sourced and exquisitely displayed, each piece will
be on its way to a new home by the end of the day
WORDS BY SUSY SMITH
STYLING BY ALAINA BINKS
PHOTOGRAPHS BY CATHERINE GRATWICKE
INTERIORS
OPPOSITE AND THIS PAGE

From eye-catching paintings and
elegant pieces of furniture to simple
glassware and rustic ceramics,
items are stylishly arranged in situ
OCTOBER 2015
153
INTERIORS
DRIVE ALONG A LEAFY LANE near Haslemere in Surrey and,

through the trees, you might catch a glimpse of a handsome Arts
and Crafts house with its tall chimneys and decorative brickwork.
On a certain few days in May, and again in October, the quiet
setting is disrupted briefly as a flurry of visitors arrive for one of
Fiona Lawrensons sales of decorative antiques. The excitement is
palpable whether its their first or fifth time, all are keen to arrive
as early as possible as they know that items will start selling fast.
Four years ago, Fiona came up with the idea of buying vintage
and antique furniture and accessories, furnishing her home with
the finds and then inviting people to browse the pieces in situ
and buy. At the time she was a successful landscape designer
with three RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold medals under her
belt and a portfolio of clients from both the UK and abroad.
Many projects gave her the opportunity to work closely with
architects as they collaborated on the link between indoors
and out. Sometimes clients would ask for my views on their
interiors as well and they seemed to like my suggestions, Fiona
says. So she began to formulate a plan for marrying her design
skill with a love of hunting for vintage items.
This passion for collecting and displaying comes, she thinks, from
her childhood, when on finding a cache of old bottles and tins in the
woods behind her Peak District home, she used them to set up an
annotated display in the stables next to the youth hostel run by her
parents and charged visitors an entrance fee. Even at this young age
her business acumen was obvious and she realised that people
loved old things. The only Brownie badge I was ever awarded was
for collecting, she laughs, so I think it was in my blood to begin with.
She decided to create a gallery at home rather than taking on
the expense of a shop: I liked the idea of putting together what are
effectively stage sets and inviting people into my home to see
154
OCTOBER 2015
OPPOSITE Fiona and business partner

Jane with a few of their distinctive
collectables and vintage accessories,
which include a mid-century metal desk
(top left) and Victorian glass domes
filled with allium seed heads (top right)
THIS PAGE American cardboard decoy
geese, weathered oyster pails and an
old model yacht create an eclectic
display in a corner of the sitting room
INTERIORS
THIS PAGE Fiona (top left) writes out tags by hand for each item to give customers an insight into its past. She and Jane (top right) like
to showcase every piece to its best advantage, both indoors and outside, using fresh flowers and seasonal produce to stylish effect
how the furnishings will work in a real environment. The six

months between sales are spent on buying trips and writing
features for the website on homes and garden inspiration. Its
a really busy time, Fiona explains. She visits auctions, vintage
fairs and house sales to source stock for the next event, keeping
a particular eye out for dowry chests from Eastern Europe and
Scandinavia: these are a favourite as they usually have the date
and initials painted on them Im always interested in the history
of a piece, what it was used for and who made it, she says. But,
equally, she will purchase more industrial-looking items such
as 1950s metal desks from Germany and 1930s desk lamps.
Essentially I think of two things when Im buying: where will
I display it in the house and who might like it? Fiona explains.
She gets to know all of the people she invites to the sales, as they
are usually friends of friends. Once she understands their style,
she will look out for items that might tempt them. Occasionally,
customers also ask Fiona to advise them on what to buy and
how to combine it with their current furnishings. I wouldnt
call myself an interior designer, she says, but I understand
156
OCTOBER 2015
space, proportion and perspective, so I help clients change

round their existing pieces while introducing new items that
I find to make their homes look and work better.
Fionas friend and neighbour, Jane Geoghegan, joined the
business in 2013: her career in publishing and her ability as
a photographer brought new skills to the partnership and
they now go on buying trips together in the ancient van Fiona
previously used for her garden design business. Its so much
more fun with two! she says.
In the ten days prior to a sale, the transformation of Fionas
home begins. The ground floor is completely cleared of all movable
furniture and accessories. My husband Colin has been known
to get home from work and go to sit down in his study only to find
his chair has gone! Fiona recalls. Their children Jamie, 11, and
Holly, 14 also seem to love the whole experience, rushing in after
the first day of a sale to see whats sold and what hasnt. They
especially like the more quirky items Fiona finds, such as the ship
in a bottle or the 1960s pond yacht, and the items she customises
a decoy duck turned into a lamp or a Victorian bell jar filled
INTERIORS
with dried allium heads. They also get used to the fact that their
home will rarely look the same from one month to the next
as Fiona tries out new purchases in situ to see how they work:
The kitchen table has changed endless times: for one sale, its
a circular Victorian one painted pale blue; for the next, its an
oak vendange table from the Bordeaux winemaking region.
When the furniture is in place, Fiona begins to add the detail
with a range of accessories, including cushions, lamps and
books as well as flowers from her garden and other natural
finds. Last of all, she hangs the pictures. She likes to have as
many small pieces as possible for sale so that everyone can
afford something. One visitor might spend 1,000 on a van-load
of items, another might go away with just a pressed-glass cake
stand. Fiona wants them both to have had an equally good time
so they will come back and bring others with them to the next
sale. Its a great chance for everyone to meet up and chat, she
says,although the competition can get quite fierce on occasions
when two people have their eye on the same thing!
If you would like to attend one of the sales, please email
[email protected]. The next one will take place
from 14-16 October 2015 (threegatesgallery.com).
OCTOBER 2015
SARAH RAVEN
is best known for her work
as a gardener and author but
she also studied medicine at
the University of London and
then worked as a junior
doctor at Royal Sussex
County Hospital, Brighton.
Since her medical training,
she has become interested in
healthy eating and what it
means to her cooking. Here,
she focuses on exceptionally
good foods that she believes
should be included in our
diet as much as possible
and how to eat them. Using
information gathered from
nutritionists, medical
journals and research
centres, and based on her
own discoveries, Sarah has
distilled that knowledge into
a collection of 12 fruits and
vegetables, from kale and
blood oranges to tomatoes
and beetroot.
FOOD & DRINK
Sarah Ravens
SUPERFOODS
Every month, Sarah picks the healthiest fruit and
vegetables to eat in season, with delicious recipes to make
the most of their flavours and natural goodness
OCTOBER: SQUASH
WORDS, RECIPES AND FOOD STYLING BY SARAH RAVEN
PHOTOGRAPHS BY JONATHAN BUCKLEY
FOOD AND DRINK EDITOR ALISON WALKER
WERE NOT SHORT OF SPACE in the garden at Perch Hill, so

I grow a large variety of pumpkins and squash. I love the texture
and taste of Early Butternut, while Crown Prince is also a
winner, with a sweet, treacly flesh once cooked. Red Kuri is easy
to grow and has a great taste, reminiscent of chestnuts; its a good
practical size, too, as it feeds two or three people in one sitting.
Pumpkin Munchkin is the smallest of them all I roast it whole
on a bed of rosemary or sage (both herbs bring out the flavours of
all pumpkins and squash), then cut off the top and scoop out the
countryliving.co.uk
seeds. Much like a boiled egg, you can then eat it with a
teaspoon, adding salt and pepper and a drizzle of olive oil.
Squash may grow like triffids, but they look marvellous in the
garden and when picked and piled up to ripen inside. Theyre also
extremely healthy and the nutrient content increases on storing,
so theyre one of the rare foods better for us not eaten fresh.
Winter squash are rich in vitamin B and C and the antioxidant
mineral manganese, plus theyre high in fibre; but its the
beta-carotene content that makes them excel in terms of
OCTOBER 2015
161
Turks Turban
Little gem Rolet
Munchkin
Fig-leaf gourd and

pattypan squash
Celebration
Delicata
Spaghetti squash
Turks Turban
nutrition. You can tell by the colour of the flesh that

theyre a good source the richer the colour, the more
there is of it. Its best to roast squash, peel and cube it
you can then remove the minimal thickness of flesh
just below the skin where the carotenoid pigment is at
its highest concentration. Squash also contain high
levels of substances called cucurbitacins, named after
the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae) to which squash
belong. Both these groups of antioxidants are part of
the plants natural defence mechanisms, and the same
properties that cause these substances to be potentially
toxic to some animals, and micro-organisms also make
them effective as an antioxidant for us.
Beta-carotene helps to protect against cancer and is
very good for our eyes, but squash is a valuable source of
healthy carbohydrates, too. These include resistant starch,
which is a type your body cant digest and is considered by
some to be the third type of dietary fibre, after soluble and
insoluble. This vegetable family releases sugars more
slowly than the conventional potato (butternut squash
has a GI of 40 compared to normal jacket potatoes
with no skin at 98), and have other insulin-regulating
properties, so they are a great food for diabetics.
Squash are also anti-inflammatory and, like nuts,
contain omega-3 fatty acids. However, an important
difference to nuts is that less than 15 per cent of the
calories in squash comes from fat, compared with almost
90 per cent of the calories in walnuts. Squash, therefore,
allow us to get a good amount of our anti-inflammatory
omega-3s without much of a change in our total fat
intake. The seeds make an excellent snack as well.
They are full of linoleic acid and oleic acid, the monounsaturated fatty type plentiful in olive oil and very good
for us. So dont just use pumpkins and squash to make
lanterns in the next few weeks eat plenty of them, too.
countryliving.co.uk
SQUASH CAPONATA
Preparation 20 minutes
Cooking about 45 minutes
Makes 4-6 mezze-sized servings
Caponata is a sweet and sour
dish made with aubergines, but
squash is a perfect substitute.
Here, chocolate gives a depth of
flavour, while vinegar preserves
the dish, so it can be kept in the
fridge for at least two weeks.
700g squash, peeled and
cut into 2-3cm cubes
a drizzle of rapeseed oil, for
roasting and frying
1 onion, peeled and finely
chopped
2 garlic cloves, peeled and
chopped
75ml red wine vinegar
400g tin of chopped tomatoes
handful of raisins
handful of black olives,
roughly chopped
2 tbsp capers
1 tbsp 70% cocoa powder or
grated 70% dark chocolate
(optional)
bunch of winter herbs, such
as parsley and chervil,
coarsely chopped
1 Heat the oven to 180C

(160C fan oven) gas mark
4. Roast the squash in the
oven with a drizzle of oil
for 30-40 minutes until
the flesh is soft and the
edges start to char.
2 Meanwhile, sweat the onion
and garlic in a pan with
a little oil until softened.
Increase the heat slightly
and add the vinegar.
Reduce until the vinegar
has almost bubbled away,
then add the tomatoes,
raisins, olives, capers
and cocoa or chocolate
(if using). Cook for 10
minutes until the mixture
becomes thick and rich.
3 Add the squash and cook
for a further few minutes.
Remove from the heat
and, when the mixture
has cooled a little, add
the coarsely chopped
herbs. Give a good stir and
season to taste. Serve with
houmous, baba ghanoush
or sundried tomato
tapenade and toasted pitta
or garlic flatbreads.
OCTOBER 2015
163
FOOD & DRINK
SQUASH, FETA AND

WALNUT PARCELS
Cooking 1 hour Makes 8-10
bundles
Filo parcels are a great way to
pack your diet with vegetables.
Fill them with squash or swap
for courgettes, spinach, chard,
grated beetroot, fennel or a mix.
1.3kg butternut squash,
peeled, deseeded and cut
into 2cm chunks
6 tbsp olive oil (4 tbsp for
brushing)
3 tbsp fennel seeds
1 large red onion, peeled
and finely sliced
1 fennel bulb (about 200g),
finely sliced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 red chilli, deseeded and
finely chopped
8 sage leaves, finely sliced
75g toasted walnuts, chopped
1 tbsp crme frache
small bunch flat-leaf parsley,
finely chopped
200g feta or soft goats cheese
6-9 sheets filo pastry
164
OCTOBER 2015

(180C fan oven) gas mark 6.
Roast the squash with 1 tbsp
oil, fennel seeds, flaky sea
salt and freshly ground black
pepper for about 30 minutes
until soft and golden.
2 Meanwhile, fry the onion
and fennel in 1 tbsp oil until
the onion is translucent
and the fennel is softened.
Add the garlic, chilli and
sage and cook for 1 minute.
Remove from the heat.
3 Put the roasted squash
into a bowl and lightly
mash with a fork, keeping
it chunky. Add the onion
mixture, walnuts, crme
frache, parsley and
crumbled feta. Combine
and taste for seasoning.
4 Lay out a sheet of filo
pastry. Brush lightly with
olive oil. Repeat twice
more, so that you have
3 oiled layers of filo.
5 Cut the pastry into 4
squares and put a heaped
tablespoon of squash into
the centre of each one. Bring
the corners together to

form a bundle and seal
firmly just above the mix.
Repeat with the remaining
mixture and filo sheets.
6 Arrange the parcels on
a lined baking tray and
brush with a little oil.
Bake in the oven for 20-30
minutes until golden.
and deseeded
juice of 1 lemon
250g kalettes or Brussels
sprouts
2 heaped tbsp pumpkin
seeds, toasted
3 tbsp freshly grated
Parmesan (or 15 slivers)
extra-virgin olive oil,
for drizzling
KALETTE, SQUASH
AND PARMESAN SALAD
1 Using a mandolin or
vegetable peeler, cut
the peeled pumpkin (or
squash) into thin ribbons.
Put these in a bowl with
the lemon juice and a
pinch of flaky sea salt
for a few minutes.
2 Meanwhile, finely slice
the kalettes or Brussels
sprouts. Put in a bowl or on
a large platter. Scatter over
the pumpkin ribbons and
sprinkle with the pumpkin
seeds and Parmesan.
3 Season with freshly
ground black pepper,
drizzle with extra-virgin
olive oil and toss well
before serving.
Serves 6-8 as a starter
You can make this salad with
Brussels sprouts or the new
superfood, kalettes (also called
flower sprouts), which have
been bred by crossing kale
and Brussels sprouts. Kalettes
have a slightly sweeter taste
than either parent and
are packed with powerful
antioxidants, many times
more than kale. This fresh
salad is quite dense, so a
little goes a long way.
400g pumpkin (or squash),
cut into segments, peeled
STUFFED BUTTERNUT
SQUASH WITH CREAMY
GOATS CHEESE
Cooking 1 hour 20 minutes
Serves 2 as a main or 4 as a side
The skin of butternut squash
is so thin, you can eat it when
cooked, which gives you all the
nutrients concentrated there.
1 butternut squash, about 1kg
1 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for
drizzling
100g soft goats cheese,
crumbled
small bunch sage (about
12 leaves), finely shredded,
plus a few extra for serving
small bunch of chives, finely
chopped
100g toasted and roughly
chopped hazelnuts, plus
a handful to serve

2 Cut the squash in half
lengthways, leaving the
seeds in as theyre easier to
remove once cooked. Place
on a baking tray, cut side
up. Drizzle with olive oil.
Roast for 50-60 minutes
until the flesh is soft when
pierced with a knife.
3 Scoop out the seeds and
carefully remove the flesh
from the squash, leaving a
1cm rim next to the skin.
4 Mash the squash in a
bowl with the rest of the
ingredients and divide
between the shells.
5 Bake in the oven for 20
minutes until the filling
turns golden on top.
6 Heat 1 tbsp oil and gently
fry a few sage leaves in oil
until curling at the edges.
Pour the oil and sage leaves
over the squash and scatter
with toasted hazelnuts.
GET MORE ONLINE
VISIT COUNTRYLIVING.CO.UK
FOR SARAHS SMOKY SQUASH
AND LEMON SOUP
166
OCTOBER 2015
Sarah has written a

number of bestselling
gardening and cookery
books, and runs a range of
courses from her home at
Perch Hill in East Sussex. Visit
sarahraven.com for details.
SIMPLE
DISHES for
BUSY DAYS
In her current series showcasing easy but mouthwatering recipes,

Alison Walker presents ideas that capture autumns hearty flavours
RECIPES AND FOOD STYLING BY ALISON WALKER
PHOTOGRAPHS BY CLARE WINFIELD
STYLING BY WEI TANG
FOOD & DRINK

WARM PIGEON AND
SPELT SALAD
Cooking 25 minutes
Serves 2 as a main course
or 4 as a starter
Pigeon is a rich and strongly
flavoured meat, so a small
amount is all thats needed
for this autumnal salad.
2 tbsp rapeseed oil
300g butternut squash,
peeled and cut into
1.5cm cubes
2 garlic cloves, left whole
and unpeeled
2 sprigs of thyme
250g pigeon breasts
splash of red wine vinegar
250g ready-cooked spelt
1 tsp blackberry jelly
50g peppery salad leaves
red onion, thinly sliced
25g toasted hazelnuts,
roughly chopped
handful of blackberries

(180C fan oven) gas
mark 6. Put 1 tbsp oil into a
roasting pan and heat it up
in the oven. Add the squash,
garlic and one of the thyme
sprigs to the pan. Season
with salt and pepper, toss
in the oil and cook for
15-20 minutes until tender.
2 Slice the pigeon into strips
the width of your little
finger. Set a saut pan over
a medium to high heat and,
when its hot, add the rest of
the oil. Stir-fry the meat for
2 minutes until golden but
still pink inside. Set aside.
3 Deglaze the pan with vinegar,
then add the squash and any
oil from the roasting pan
(removethe thyme and garlic
first) along with the spelt.
Heat, stirring constantly.
Add a splash of water if the
spelt starts to stick. Stir in
the blackberry jelly and
pigeon, and heat for 1 minute.
4 Stir in the leaves and onion
and pile onto a serving plate.
Sprinkle with the nuts,
blackberries and thyme
leaves. Serve at once.
countryliving.co.uk
game
OCTOBER 2015
169
FOOD & DRINK

AROMATIC ONE-POT
VENISON CURRY
Cooking about 2 hours
Serves 4-6
Stewing venison is perfect for
this recipe look out for packs
at your local butcher otherwise
choose a tougher cut such as
shoulder, neck and shin.
Venison is available all year
round, either farmed or wild.
1 tbsp sunflower oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 tsp dark muscovado sugar
3 garlic cloves, crushed
walnut-sized piece of fresh
ginger, grated
2 tsp garam masala
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp chipotle chilli flakes
400g tin plum tomatoes
1kg stewing venison, cubed
150g full-fat plain yogurt
freshly chopped coriander,
to garnish
chutney, to serve
170
OCTOBER 2015

Heat the oil in a large
hob-proof casserole and
gently fry the onion for
10 minutes until softened.
Turn up the heat to
medium, stir in the sugar
and cook for another
5 minutes until golden.
2 Stir in the garlic, ginger and
spices and fry for 2 minutes.
Add the tomatoes and
break up with a wooden
spoon. Add 400ml water
and bubble for 10 minutes.
3 Add the venison and 1 tsp
salt. Bring back to just
under the boil, cover and
cook in the oven for 1-1
hours until the meat is
meltingly tender. Check
the seasoning. Stir in the
yogurt and garnish with
coriander. Serve with naan
bread, rice and chutney.
PROSCIUTTO-WRAPPED PHEASANT WITH CELERIAC MASH AND CRISPY ONIONS

Preparation 30 minutes Cooking 25 minutes Serves 4
Pheasant is good for game novices as it is pleasantly gamey without
being overpowering, depending on how long it has been hung.
25g softened butter
1 tbsp chopped sage leaves
8 slices of prosciutto
4 pheasant breasts
675g celeriac, peeled and
cut into chunks
300g Maris Piper potatoes,
peeled and cut into chunks
large sprig of rosemary
25g butter
milk
sunflower oil, for frying
2 medium onions, sliced into
1cm thick rings
seasoned flour
countryliving.co.uk

Lightly oil a lipped baking
sheet. Blend together the
butter and sage.
2 Arrange 2 slices of prosciutto
slightly overlapping
lengthways on a board.
Season the pheasant, then
lay a breast on one end of
the prosciutto. Spread the
top with sage butter and
wrap up, making sure the
seam sits on the underside
and repeat for the other
breasts. Arrange them

spaced apart on the baking
sheet and cook in the oven
for 20-25 minutes. Rest on a
warm plate covered with foil.
3 Put the celeriac, potatoes
and rosemary in a pan of
salted water. Bring to just
under the boil and simmer
for 15-20 minutes until the
vegetables are tender. Drain
in a colander and leave to
dry out in their own steam.
Discard the rosemary.
4 Melt the butter in the pan
then add the celeriac and
potatoes and break up with
a potato masher. Add a
splash or two of the milk

to make a creamy mash.
Check the seasoning.
5 To make the crispy onions,
place about 1cm depth of
oil in a saut pan and put
over a medium heat. Dust
the onion rings with the
flour and, when the oil is
hot, fry them until golden.
Drain on kitchen paper.
6 Divide the celeriac mash
between four plates. Slice
each breast into 4-5 thick
pieces and place on top.
Drizzle with the resting
juices if you like. Garnish
with the onion.
OCTOBER 2015
171
FOOD & DRINK

HONEY-GLAZED
PARTRIDGE WITH
PEARS AND PARSNIPS
Cooking about 50 minutes
Serves 4
Check the breastbone of your
bird: soft and pliable is best
for roasting; those with a harder
bone should be pot roasted.
2 tbsp sunflower oil
4 medium parsnips
50g softened butter
leaves from one sprig of
thyme, plus 4 small sprigs
4 whole partridge
4 firm Conference pears,
peeled, halved and cored
1 tbsp runny honey
1 tbsp plain flour
250ml perry
250ml chicken stock
1 tsp quince or medlar jelly

Put the oil in a roasting
pan and heat it in the oven
while cooking the parsnips.
2 Peel and halve or quarter
the parsnips. Put in a pan
of salted cold water, bring
to the boil and simmer
for 10 minutes. Drain and
leave to steam for 2 minutes.
3 Blend the butter and
thyme and smear over the
partridge. Place sprigs of
thyme into each cavity. Put
the birds, parsnips and
pears into the roasting pan
and cook for 20 minutes,
turning and basting
the vegetables and fruit
halfway through. Brush the
partridge with honey and
cook for another 10 minutes.
4 Remove the partridge,
parsnips and pears and keep
warm. Reserve 1 tbsp of the
fat and all the juices. Put
the pan over a medium
hob. Stir in the flour and
cook for a minute, scraping
up the residue. Blend in the
perry and the stock. Bubble
for 10 minutes until lightly
syrupy. Stir in the jelly and
check the seasoning. Serve
with game chips.
172
OCTOBER 2015
GET MORE ONLINE
VISIT COUNTRYLIVING.CO.UK TO
FIND ALISONS RECIPE FOR RABBIT
BURGERS WITH CARROT RELISH
WILD BOAR PLAIT

Preparation 20 minutes, plus
chilling Cooking 40 minutes
Serves 8
Wild boar is low in fat and
slightly darker in colour and
richer in flavour than pork.
This recipe also works well
with pork sausagemeat.
1 small onion, grated
1 Bramley apple, peeled,
cored and diced
40g fresh breadcrumbs
12 juniper berries, crushed
and roughly chopped
1 tbsp freshly chopped
sage leaves
1 tbsp brandy
500g wild-boar mince
1 medium egg, beaten,
plus another for glazing
flour, for dusting
500g ready-made puff
pastry
tsp each black mustard
and sesame seeds
1 Put the onion, apple,

breadcrumbs, juniper, sage
and brandy in a large bowl
and season with 1 tsp salt
and a twist or two of freshly
ground black pepper. Stir
together to combine, then,
using your hands, mix
in the mince and egg. To
test it contains sufficient
seasoning, put a splash
of oil into a small frying
pan set over a medium
heat. Cook 1 tsp of the
mixture for a few minutes,
flattening slightly with a
fork. Taste and add more
seasoning if necessary.
Chill the mixture while
you roll out the pastry.
174
OCTOBER 2015
2 Lightly dust the worktop

with flour and roll out
the puff pastry to a
rectangle approximately
35cm x 26cm.
3 With damp hands, arrange
the wild boar mixture
evenly down the centre
of the pastry, leaving
about 8cm pastry either
side. Make 45 cuts at 2cm
intervals down the length
of each side. Brush the cuts
with beaten egg. Starting
from the top, bring over
the strips, alternating from
left to right and bringing
to meet in the centre. Press
down lightly to secure
and tuck in the top and
bottom ends underneath
the plaits. Transfer to a
baking sheet, brush all
over with beaten egg and
chill for 30 minutes.
Brush the plait with more
beaten egg and sprinkle
with the seeds. Bake for
10 minutes, then reduce
the oven temperature to
200C (180C fan oven) gas
mark 6 and continue
cooking for 25-30 minutes
until the pastry is golden
brown and the filling is
piping hot to check the
filling is cooked through,
pierce with a skewer and
hold there for a count of
10 seconds. The end of the
skewer should feel piping
hot; if not, return to the
oven and check at 5-minute
intervals. Serve hot or cold
with seasonal vegetables.
CL PROMOTION
Into the blue

Make a sophisticated statement with distinctive designs and
timeless prints from Laura Ashley in a beautiful new palette
s the season
changes and
we find ourselves
spending more time indoors, its
the ideal moment to refresh a
room and create a stylish setting
for relaxing and entertaining.
This autumn, Laura Ashley
has updated Summer Palace,
one of its most popular archive
prints, in a warm royal blue
colourway. Originally inspired
by an oriental chintz design, it
brings a modern interpretation
of this heritage motif into your
home with its distinctive
Chinese-style tree of life
pattern featuring butterflies
and nightingales among ornate
flowers on trailing branches.
Perfect for curtains and soft
furnishings, it adds a charming
touch of elegance to an interior
when used by itself or can
be teamed with sumptuous
velvets and complementary
prints in the same rich blue
to create a more dramatic and
sophisticated feel.
Choose from a distinctive range
of accessories to complete the
look, from classic blue-and-white
porcelain pieces in the China Blue
collection, which includes vases,
tableware, lidded urns and stools,
to eye-catching ornaments with
a bold oriental theme. Create the
home of your dreams this autumn
with help from Laura Ashley.
Visit lauraashley.com for

more style inspiration and
to find your nearest store.
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countryliving.co.uk
OCTOBER 2015
177
C O U N T RY I N T H E C I T Y
MEET THE URBAN ARTISANS
Forest-and-Found
One couple in Walthamstow have taught themselves the traditional
skills of woodworking and quilting to create a collection of
contemporary homeware that combines the useful and the beautiful
WORDS BY LOUISE ELLIOTT
PEEP THROUGH THE WINDOWS of Abigail Booth

and Max Bainbridges log- cabin- style workshop in
north-east London and you could easily be reminded
of a scene from Little House on the Prairie. A blazing
woodburner takes the chill off the autumn air as Max
hand-carves lengths of wood to fashion into smooth
spoons and boards, while Abigail cuts out pieces of
hand-dyed fabric to stitch into stylish quilts. The studio
is built from pieces of old sheds, and the surrounding
established trees add to the country-in-the-city setting.
Everything we do is rooted in traditional craft and our
relationship with the natural environment, Max says.
The couple started their business, Forest-and-Found,
almost two years ago after graduating in fine art from
Chelsea College of Art and Design, where they had
been drawn together by their love of making. Setting
up a studio in the garden of Maxs family home allowed
Its collaborative:
we both work on
all the designs
together
them to pursue their passion for craft. I had some timber
left over from a degree project and tried creating pieces
of furniture, Max recalls. From there, I developed an
interest in carving and began teaching myself other
woodworking techniques. At the same time, Abigail
started exploring the idea of quilting, using her love of
colour to create dyes. We have our own disciplines but
its a very collaborative venture we both work on all
the designs together, she says.
The main part of the workshop is used by Max, with
benches and worksurfaces built to fold or slot away to
save space, and chisels and saws hanging from hooks
to maintain order. Whether he is carving or turning,
his collection of practical but elegantly shaped
countryliving.co.uk
ABOVE Abigail enjoys

views of the garden
while making her
quilts RIGHT Maxs
carved utensils
emphasise the individual
grain of each wood
FROM TOP Max

creates a range
of carved pieces,
including spoons
and knives; Abigails
stitching increases
the graphic quality
of her designs
utensils bowls, chopping boards, rolling pins, spoons,

knives and honey dippers show off the individual
grain of each type of timber: Every wood has particular
properties that suit different items. Spalted birch has
beautiful patterns but doesnt like getting wet, so I keep
it for salt cellars and pinch pots, while walnut, cherry
and sweet chestnut are much harder and better for
pieces that are handled more. Sustainability is a key
part of Forest-and-Found, and all timber is either
reclaimed or sourced from Forestry Commission
land, such as Epping Forest. Everything is labelled
with the type of wood and where it is from. Provenance
is as important as design, Max adds.
Abigails quilts have the same sense of simple beauty
but with a graphic quality that echoes the patterns
of Amish and Shaker designs, or the bold geometrics
of English heraldry. Sticking out like a wing from the
main workshop, her space is a cross between a sewing
room and an apothecary. Six different sewing machines
stand alongside piles of material, threads and glass jars
of dye stuffs made with foraged finds: I began looking for
plants when we were exploring woodlands for timber I
realised nature offered an Aladdins cave of possibilities.
So oak galls are used with an iron mixture created with
rusty nails and vinegar to produce shades of soft grey
and black, while nettles give a pale greeny hue and gorse
flowers a yellow with a lime-green tinge. The colour
she achieves will shape the finished item, with patterns
such as lattice and daisy chain built up with blocks of
her precious dyed fabrics offset by a white background.
When theyre not working on their designs, Max and
Abigail spend time documenting their materials and
processes, and soon hope to plant a dye garden on their
Walthamstow allotment. Their combined love of nature,
craft and creativity is shaping a business to watch.
Forest-and-Found (07515 880273;
forest-and-found.com).
CL PROMOTION
Seeing the light

Discover how to transform your living space with Velux roof windows
LEFT Three Velux

Integra electric
white polyurethane
roof windows fill a
room with natural
light BELOW Smaller
spaces will appear
larger and you can
make the most of
surrounding views
ring a light feel to an interior to create

a warm and welcoming effect. Now the
days are gradually getting shorter as we head
towards winter, making the most of the daytime
is essential. Velux has just the products to make sure
this happens, with its wide range of roof windows, in
particular the Velux Integra electric designs. These are
easy to install and are even easier to use, especially if you
go for those that are solar powered and controlled with
a touch-screen remote. They even come with rain sensors,
so will automatically close if theres a shower. Choosing
a white polyurethane finish in rooms that can often be
full of moisture will mean that the windows will be
easy-to-clean and maintain, and ensure your home
is always as bright and uplifting as possible.
Turn under-used
areas into bright
and breezy spaces
For inspiring ideas, top tips and
design and colour advice on how
Velux roof windows can transform
your rooms, visit velux.co.uk.
WORDS BY KATE LANGRISH. PHOTOGRAPHS BY TARA FISHER; GETTY; HEARST STUDIOS UK. *MON-SAT ONLY UNTIL 31 MARCH 2016. QUOTE COUNTRY LIVING WHEN BOOKING. **THIS INFORMATION IS
NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE THE ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT OF A DOCTOR. IF YOU NOTICE MEDICAL SYMPTOMS OR FEEL ILL, YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
GET CRAFTY
As the nights start to draw in, theres no better time to indulge a passion
for crafting it could help your memory, too. Whether its knitting, quilting
or painting, a recent study in the journal Neurology found that those
who regularly pursued a creative hobby were 73 per cent less likely
to develop memory problems, which can lead to dementia. The key,
believe experts from the Mayo Clinic in the United States, is that such
activities stimulate the mind. This may help stop neurons building
blocks of the brain from dying and encourage growth of new ones.
TREAT YOURSELF
The Mill Wheel Spa in Leek, on the edge of the Peak District,
offers unique experiences based on alpine wellbeing in a
rustic setting. The deeply relaxing full-body Herbal Steam
Massage (65 for 55 minutes) treats the skin with a choice
of three powerful remedies to counter ailments including
hormonal imbalances or digestive issues. A combination
of traditional techniques and steam massage in smooth,
rhythmic movements relaxes the muscles and releases
any tension, while the infusions released by the steam are
absorbed by the skin. Afterwards, enjoy the Farmers sauna,
cedar plunge pool and Mill Wheel shower. CL reader offer: 20%
off a spa break in a garden room plus a free bottle of prosecco*.
health
notes
Boost your wellbeing the

natural way with our round-up
from the world of health
and beauty
BEST BUY
Look radiant and do
your bit for charity by
buying the limitededition Elemis ProRadiance Illuminating
Flash Balm and pouch
(33, timetospa.co.uk),
with sales supporting
Breast Cancer Care.
FIND MORE NATURAL

BEAUTY PRODUCTS
countryliving.co.uk
OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

MONTH and a good reminder to check yourself
regularly. Many of us have normal lumps and
bumps, so the important thing is to feel and
look for any changes. Visit breastcancercare.org.uk
for more information.
THE SHORTER DAYS AHEAD CAN SPELL
THE ONSET OF WINTER BLUES. Try boosting
levels of Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin,
over winter with Neals Yard Remedies
SuperNutrient Vitamin D3 1000iU Supplement
(12.50, nealsyardremedies.com).
DISCOVER WHAT YOU SHOULD AND
SHOULDNT be eating to help control hormones
and symptoms with Healthy Eating for
the Menopause by Dr Marilyn Glenville
(Kyle Books, 11.99).
For more tips and products, visit netdoctor.co.uk.
NATURES
MEDICINE
CABINET
Mulberry The mulberry

tree has a long tradition of use in
folk medicine, and all parts of it
from root to leaf were utilised.
The black mulberry, which was
brought to Britain in the 17th
century, is rich in the antioxidant
anthocyanin, and thought to
have antiviral properties, which
could explain its customary role
as a tonic for the body. The leaves
are also packed with infectionfighting qualities try making
a tea to ease colds, or use as
a rinse on eye infections.**
OCTOBER 2015
183
H E A LT H
NATURES
PAINKILLERS
Swap traditional pain-relief pills for herbal teas and tinctures to ease
common aches and ailments, from a bad back to a tension headache
WORDS BY KATE LANGRISH
PHOTOGRAPHS BY NASSIMA ROTHACKER
BUMPS & BRUISES
Carry a tube of arnica cream on country walks to

help ease any bumps and knocks acquired along
the way. It promotes healing and also disperses
the blood around bruising, plus gets the
circulation going, explains Susanne Haar,
superintendent pharmacist at Nelsons
Homeopathic Pharmacy. Use the cream on
bumps but not on broken skin. For more severe
bruising, take homeopathic arnica internally.
Try BIODERMA CICABIO ARNICA +

(7.20, ESCENTUAL.COM)
BURNS & SCALDS
When you accidentally catch your wrist on the

oven, the first thing you should do is run it under
cold water for several minutes. After that, try
applying calendula. Its very useful for easing
the pain of minor burns, says pharmacist
Susanne Haar. Antioxidants help encourage
the skin-healing process, it is very soothing and
can also reduce the dryness and cracking
that can occur if skin has blistered a little.
Try NELSONS BURNS CREAM

(5.10, NELSONSPHARMACY.COM)
PAINFUL PERIODS
Bromelain an enzyme in pineapples has been found to be extremely useful for treating period pain, says
Dr Marilyn Glenville, author of The Natural Health Bible for Women (Duncan Baird, 16.99). It has antiinflammatory and natural blood-thinning properties. It also acts as a smooth muscle relaxant and is thought
to decrease bad prostaglandins, which increase the womb contractions and so the pain, and promote good
prostaglandins, which help relax and widen blood vessels. Hormonal fluctuations in a womans monthly cycle can
cause tender breasts: studies have linked evening primrose oil supplements with a reduction in discomfort.
Try HEALTHSPAN BROMELAIN (12.95, HEALTHSPAN.CO.UK).

BOOTS EVENING PRIMROSE OIL (7.99, BOOTS.COM)
ACHING
JOINTS
TENSION HEADACHES
These affect around 40 per cent of UK adults,
and women are twice as likely to suffer as men,
but the remedy could be in your own back
garden. Lavender contains phytochemicals
that have a powerful analgesic effect, making
it the perfect natural solution to alleviate
tension headaches. Its also renowned for
its soothing effect on the emotions and is
great for calming stress and anxiety, which
can often be a precursor, says Tracy Horn,
aromatherapy expert at Absolute Aromas
(absolute-aromas.com). If youre on the go,
put a few drops on a tissue and simply inhale.
This will send a shower of soothing messages
to the brain and, in turn, kick start the painrelief receptors. Alternatively, place a small
amount on the fingertips and massage into
the temples and the back of the neck.
Try ABSOLUTE AROMAS

AROMA-ROLL LAVENDER
(4.95, WWW.ABSOLUTE-AROMAS.COM)
Ease the discomfort of painful

joints with a little heat. Several
studies have pointed to the
benefits of capsaicin, an active
component of chilli pepper, in
helping conditions such as
osteoarthritis. Circulatory
herbs such as cayenne pepper
called rubefacients because
they cause redness and heat
aid the healing process by
increasing blood flow to the
area. They also have the
added benefit of analgesic
qualities, explains medical
herbalist Sabrina Biscardi
(terrasacra.co.uk). Recent
evidence seems to indicate that
capsaicin acts to alter several
mechanisms and pathways
involved in pain. She suggests
massaging afflicted areas with
a mix of capsicum tincture
and a base oil infused with
essential oils: Hypericum oil
is helpful for nerve pain,
while comfrey oil is good
for tissue regeneration.
Try NATURES ANSWER

CAYENNE PEPPER EXTRACT
(9, PLANETORGANIC.COM)
MOUTH ULCERS
Even the tiniest of ulcers can seem to cause a disproportionate amount of discomfort. They can be caused
by biting your cheek or tongue, but also by stress and hormonal fluctuations. Clove oil has been used for centuries
to treat various ailments from toothaches to coughs, and its very effective for mouth ulcers, advises dentist
Dr Uchenna Okoye, clinical director at londonsmiling.com. It contains a compound called eugenol,
which is added to many dental products and mouthwashes as it has natural antiseptic and antiviral
properties. Avoid acidic and spicy foods while you have an ulcer, as they will act as an irritant, and
remember to get it checked out by your dentist if one lasts longer than two to four weeks.
Try HOLLAND & BARRETT CLOVE BUD OIL

(3.35, HOLLANDANDBARRETT.COM)
186
OCTOBER 2015
The painful cramps associated with trapped

wind or irritable bowel syndrome may be eased
by drinking herbal tea fennel, in particular.
This is used for cramping because its volatile
oils exert spasmolytic actions (relieving smooth
muscle spasms) and carminative ones (relieving
wind) and they are also anti-inflammatory, says
Sabrina Biscardi. Break with tradition and
drink it immediately before, not after, a meal
to exert a stronger impact on digestion.
Try PUKKA THREE FENNEL TEA

(2.39, PUKKAHERBS.COM)
BACK PAIN
Whether its the lower back-ache from a day working in the garden, or the more persistent chronic
pain so many of us suffer from, relief may be found in a kitchen-cupboard staple ginger. The
anti-inflammatory effects of this root have been studied at the University of Miami, says registered
osteopath Gavin Burt (backsandbeyond.com). The research done so far has found ginger to be such a
strong anti-inflammatory that even pharmaceutical companies are investigating its properties. I would
recommend taking it in capsule form, mainly because in large amounts it can be irritating to the
stomach 200mg per day over a four-week period should tell you whether or not it is working for you.
Try GOOD N NATURAL GINGER ROOT CAPSULES (15.49, HOLLANDANDBARRETT.COM)
188
OCTOBER 2015
VINTAGE GLASS BOTTLES, JARS AND TEST TUBES, FROM A SELECTION, HOME BARN (HOMEBARNSHOP.CO.UK). ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE TAKING ANY SUPPLEMENT AND BE CAREFUL NOT TO EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED AMOUNT.
STOMACH CRAMPS
STRAPLINE
Aston Matthews
where to buy
Stockists in this issue
photography Jill Tate
A AN ANGEL AT MY TABLE 0845 200 0723;
The Astonian bathroom
we offer you
the best possible prices
with the assurance of
superior quality
and generous
year-round discounts
order online at
www.astonmatthews.co.uk
visit our showroom
141-147A Essex Road

Islington, London N1 2SN
020 7226 7220
[email protected]
anangelatmytable.com ANNAKIN 01630

647047; annakinsilver.co.uk ASH 020
8616 4130; ashfootwear.co.uk
B BEYOND RETRO beyondretro.com
BLACKS 0161 393 7059; blacks.co.uk
C CATH KIDSTON 0845 026 2440; cathkidston.
com THE CONRAN SHOP 0844 848 4000;
conranshop.co.uk COUNTRY LIVING
GENERAL STORE shop.countryliving.co.uk
D DAVEY LIGHTING 020 7351 2130;
davey-lighting.co.uk DEBENHAMS
0844 561 6161; debenhams.com
E EIGHT HOUR STUDIO 020 3700 3894;
eighthourstudio.com EMPORIUM ANTIQUES
CENTRE 01273 486866; emporiumantiques.
co.uk ESENCIA esencia.dk
F FIONA SOMERVILLE 07769 175365;
fionasomerville.co.uk FOREST AND FOUND
07725 414945; forest-and-found.com FOREVER
AMANO 0844 557 5515; foreveramano.com
FRANK 01227 262500; frankworks.eu
FRASER & PARSLEY 01892 300711; fraser
andparsley.com FROM BRIGHTON WITH
LOVE 07970 781311; frombrightonwithlove.com
G GABRIELLA KNIGHT 01225 892078;
gabriellaknight.co.uk
H HARLEQUIN harlequin.uk.com HEN & HAMMOCK
01844 217060; henandhammock.co.uk
I INDIGO BOO 01476 879055; indigoboo.com
J JANE BECK WELSH BLANKETS 01570 493241;
welshblankets.co.uk JANE CHURCHILL

020 7244 7427 ; janechurchill.com JANE
PENNINGTON 01953 788022; janepennington
jewellery.co.uk JAN HORROX 01263 514514;
janhorrox.co.uk JOHN LEWIS johnlewis.com
JOSEPHINE RYAN ANTIQUES 07973 336149;
josephineryanantiques.co.uk JOSS GRAHAM
020 7730 4370; jossgraham.com
L LIBERTY 020 7734 1234; liberty.co.uk LILLY
LORAY 01788 486001; lillyloray.com LINDA
DOOLEY 0161 225 7189; dooleyknitwear.format.
com LOAF 0845 468 0670; loaf.com LOOP
THE LOOP 01873 812524; looptheloop.co.uk
M MANIJEH 01270 820292; manijeh.co.uk
MELANIE TOMLINSON melanietomlinson.co.uk
N NATIONAL TRUST shop.nationaltrust.org.uk
O THE ORIGINAL POP UP SHOP 07967
344057; theoriginalpopupshop.com
P PARNA 01865 522272; parna.co.uk
R RAPTURE & WRIGHT 01608 652442;
raptureandwright.co.uk ROHANNA
01932 858045; rohanna.co.uk
S SALLY WEATHERILL 01787 462770;
sallyweatherill.co.uk SHARON MCSWINEY
01736 448293; sharonmcswiney.co.uk
ST JUDES 01603 662951; stjudesfabrics.co.uk
SUCH & SUCH 020 3665 3452; suchandsuch.co
T TURKMEN GALLERY 020 7730 8848;
turkmengallery.com TURTLE MAT
0345 600 3478; turtlemat.co.uk
W WHALEYS whaleys-bradford.ltd.uk
next month in
Our November issue is on sale from 1 October
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imagination...
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AUTUMN SUPPERS
NATURE IN PRINT
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DONT MISS THIS MONTHS EXCLUSIVE MAIL-ORDER SAVINGS ON A WONDERFUL RANGE OF ITEMS
CRAFTSMAN-MADE FURNITURE
These stylish items from
Swoon Editions will add
elegance to your home
CAMILLE CHEST OF DRAWERS

Hand-painted in Regency grey, the Camille has
a waved trim with mint-blue edging along with
brass plate-and-ring handles. Price 349
OLIVIA ARMCHAIR
FOR OUR DATA POLICY, VISIT HEARST.CO.UK-DP
The Olivia has a Gustavian-influenced frame

with fluted neoclassical-style legs and oatmeal
linen upholstery. Price 349
TO ORDER
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CELINE BENCH
This bench has a hand-carved mango-wood
frame with floral motifs and cabriole legs, plus
hand-tufted oatmeal linen upholstery. Price 229
OCTOBER 2015
195
reader offers
ENJOY A DINING
EXPERIENCE AT
BELMOND LE MANOIR
AUX QUATSAISONS
Sample the finest food at this culinary haven
In the Oxfordshire village of Great
Milton, Raymond Blancs Belmond
Le Manoir aux QuatSaisons is
renowned as one of Britains finest
gastronomic experiences, and has
held two Michelin stars for 30 years.
There are 32 individually designed
guest rooms, surrounded by lawns,
flower borders and orchards, plus a
vegetable and herb garden, which
provides the kitchen with fresh, and
often exotic, produce.
The break costs from 930 per

night in a superior room based on
two guests sharing and includes:
Welcome amenities, including fresh
fruit, Madeira wine and a half-bottle
of Le Manoir Chteaux de Boursault
Daily English breakfast
Dinner for two from a choice
of menu
A gift from Raymond Blanc his
most recent book Kew on a Plate
(one copy per couple)
For more details, visit
belmond.com/lemanoir.
TO BOOK
Call 01844 278881 and mention Country Living to receive your gift
of Raymond Blancs latest book.
Terms & conditions Subject to availability on all new reservations before 31 December 2015.
196
OCTOBER 2015
reader offers
The Walton Hall Hotel,
Warwickshire
SAVE 25% ON AN AUTUMN BREAK

Head to your favourite parts of the country or explore
new areas with The Hotel Collection
There are wonderful properties on offer
throughout the UK for you to pick from,
including some amazing new destinations.
Your stay includes:
25% off bed and breakfast in a standard room
25% off upgrades why not opt for a deluxe
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Pre-book dinner and receive a complimentary
glass of Kir Royale or Bucks Fizz
25% off afternoon tea during your stay
CHOOSE FROM:
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Durham, Edinburgh, Harrogate, Leicestershire,
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from 1 September-30 November 2015, so ensure
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The Stirling Highland

Hotel, Stirlingshire
TO BOOK
Call 0800 103 2760 and quote CL04 or visit thehotelcollection.co.uk/countryliving.
Terms & conditions Offer must be booked by 31 October 2015 and is valid for stays between 1 September30 November 2015 based on two adults sharing a standard double/twin room bed
and breakfast. 25% off upgrades, subject to availability. A glass of Kir Royale or Bucks Fizz available when dinner is pre-booked. The 25% off afternoon tea is offered on the standard afternoon
tea package. Offer is subject to availability on new bookings only and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Blackout dates and supplements may apply: see website for price
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198
OCTOBER 2015
reader offers
15% OFF SARAH

RAVEN COLLECTIONS
OF TULIPS
Venetian collection
Whether you want to create bold,

beautiful borders or colourful
containers, order your tulip bulbs
now for spectacular spring displays
VENETIAN TULIP COLLECTION
These vibrant varieties will
grow well in the garden and
in pots. Includes Tulips National
Velvet, Havran and Prinses
Irene. Flowers mid April-May.
Product code: 260319.
45 bulbs (15 of each) CL price
15.25 (usually 17.95); 90 bulbs
(30 of each) CL price 27.62
(usually 32.50)
BLOOD ORANGE
TULIP COLLECTION
A magnificent trio of recently
bred varieties with the most
intense and saturated colours
of a beautiful blood orange.
Includes Tulips Request, which
has a wonderful scent, Sarah
Raven and Arjuna. Flowers
April-May. Product code:

260950. 30 bulbs (ten of each)
CL price 16.95 (usually 19.95);
60 bulbs (20 of each) CL price
31.87 (usually 37.50)
BRANDY SNAP
TULIP COLLECTION
Beautiful silky, smoky,
sophisticated colours. Includes
Tulips La Belle Epoque,
Bruine Wimpel, Cairo and
Ronaldo. Flowers early
April-May. Product code:
260849. 20 bulbs (five of
each) CL price 9.30 (usually
10.95); 40 bulbs (ten of each)
CL price 16.95 (usually 19.95)
Brandy Snap collection
Tulips will be despatched

from late September.
TO ORDER
Call 0345 092 0283 and quote CL15OCT or visit sarahraven.com
and enter code CL15OCT on the shopping basket page.
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Blood Orange collection
200
OCTOBER 2015
reader offers
AUTUMN FASHION IDEAS

Save 10% on Adinis clothing collection and find lots of elegant
style solutions to take you through the new season
WEMBURY DRESS
(TMW4118) Available in Storm,
XS-L3 (10-22); length 90cm.
CL price 58.05 (usually
64.50). Aurora coat (BBW163)
Available in Ice Blue (shown),
Chilli Red and Black, S-L1 (12-18);
length 95cm. CL price 121.50
(usually 135)
LAMBETH DRESS
(VLP4093) Available in Navy/
Taupe (shown), XS-L2 (10-20);
(usually 64.50). City shopper
(AW1) Available in Taupe; one
size. CL price 99 (usually 110)
Wembury dress

(usually 135)
ENNA TOP & NOTO SKIRT

(SK253) Available in Blueberry
(shown) and Graphite, XS-L2
(10-20); length 65cm. CL price
44.55 (usually 49.50).
Noto skirt (SK327) Available in
Blueberry (shown) and Graphite,
CL price 45.23 (usually 50.25).
Uni shawl (UC5) Available
in Topaz (shown), Aubergine
and Smoke; one size (65cm
x 195cm). CL price 12.83
(usually 14.25)
CYNTHIA BLOUSE
FLORIA BLOUSE
(GG255) Available in Storm

(shown) and Emerald, XS-L2
(10-20); length 65cm.
CL price 43.20 (usually 48).
Slim jeans (SDJ516) Available
in Dark Navy), XS-L2 (10-20);
length in seam 78cm.
Padstow coat (NBW155)
Available in Midnight (shown),
Aubergine and Forest Green,
S/M-L1/L2 (12/14/18-20);
(TMC299) Available in Natural,

Slim jeans (SDJ516) Available
in Dark Navy (shown), XS-L2
(10-20); length in seam 78cm.
CL price 40.50 (usually 45)
Floria blouse
Lambeth dress
Cynthia blouse
Enna top and skirt
TO ORDER
Call 020 8090 0331*, quoting CLPPT, or visit adinionline.co.uk and enter the voucher code CLPPT when requested.
Terms & conditions Offer is available on the entire Adini Autumn/Winter Collection 2015; first order only. This is an exclusive Adini Online and mail-order offer and is not available at any
Adini stockist. Please allow five to eight days for delivery. If returning item/s, use the supplied pre-paid returns label within 14 days. Free returns on first order. Depending on the contact
details you give us, Hearst Magazines UK directly, or via its agents, may mail, email, SMS or phone you with offers, products and services reflecting your preferences. If you dont want
offers from us or third parties, please write no offers in the top left-hand part of your postal order. Please see hearst.co.uk/dp for our full data policy. Offer ends 31 October 2015.
202
OCTOBER 2015
reader offers
TAP INTO YOUR HOMES VALUE

We have teamed up with Responsible Equity Release to help
you make your property work for you
WHAT IS EQUITY RELEASE?
WHY RELEASE EQUITY?
Equity release has become a popular way to raise tax-free capital

from your home to spend as you wish. You draw money from your
property and you still own your home and can move house later.
You can choose to make regular or flexible repayments or defer
repayment until you or your estate eventually sells the property.
The cost of releasing equity is at the lowest it has been in years.
Equity release allows you to give your plans a financial

boost. Whether that is your home improvement projects,
travelling the world or helping family out at a time when
you all can see the benefit; the possibilities are endless.
Its tax-free and you decide what to do with it.
TO REQUEST A GUIDE
Call today on 0808 163 5986, quoting CNL00587, to find out exactly how much you can release. You can also request a 14-page
Guide To Releasing Equity, which includes definitions, examples and next steps.
Terms & conditions A Lifetime Mortgage may reduce the value of your estate and could affect your entitlement to means-tested State Benefits. To understand the features and risks,
ask for a personalised illustration. Only if you choose to proceed and your case completes do Responsible Life charge a fee for advice: the precise amount will depend on individual
circumstances but Responsible Life Ltd estimates 1.6% of the loan amount.
204
OCTOBER 2015
advertisement feature
CARPET BAGS
DENNY ANDREWS
Comfortable clothes made in India in pure
cottons or silks: kaftans, dresses, night
gowns, waistcoats etc, bedspreads and round
tablecloths. Free catalogue from Denny
Andrews, Clock House, Coleshill nr Swindon
SN6 7PT, 01793 762476 or look at
www.dennyandrews.co.uk
The Lucy handbag, made by Carpet Bags,

has been a long standing favourite. Easily
worn over the arm or shoulder to carry all
those everyday essentials, this small/medium
size handbag is a fusion of traditional design
with new lightweight carpets made from
biodegradable viscose and cotton.
Glorious colours and patterns in the carpet
choice combined with sturdy frames go
to producing a selection of iconic framed
bags ranging in size from the Lucy handbag
through to large Gladstone style bags.
All framed bags (and other styles) may be
viewed and purchased through the website:
www.carpetbags.co.uk
MADE TO BE FAVOURITES
A combination of home and afar creates
Nomads beautiful clothing. Inspired by nature
from their home in Cornwall and their recent
trip to the colourful cornucopia of Istanbul.
A contemporary collection with touches of the
bohemian. Responsibly sourced.
10% Discount Coupon Code CLDIS10 (on
regular priced items exp 31/10/15).
Request a brochure 0800 655 6261.
Shop online or look for a local stockist
www.nomadsclothing.com
Autumn style
Look good this season
ROYCE LINGERIE
THE TWISTER
Georgia
is a totally
wirefree bra
ensuring
perfect fit
and comfort
all day
every day.
Moulded
cups give
a perfectly
smooth
shape under
clothing and
a luxurious
lacy cradle
adds a touch
of glamour.
Royce design bras for everyday comfort,
pregnancy, nursing, after mastectomy, sports
and first bras for young girls.
For more information or to request a brochure
call Royce Lingerie on 01295 265557 or visit
www.royce-lingerie.co.uk
The Twister
gracefully adds
an element
of fluidity to
your wardrobe,
whilst at the
same time,
provides
you with an
enduringly
versatile
cropped style
sweater.
Team with
your favourite
jeans, shorts
or skirt, or layer over a casual dress when you
need a little extra warmth, but still want to feel
feminine and elegant.
We suggest you select a size bigger than usual,
for optimum swingability.
On promotion at 59.00. Available in more
colours from our store www.originalblues.uk
Or phone 020 8813 7766.
VARCA
Varca Loafers have been referred to
as an outdoor slipper thanks to their
luxurious comfort. These handmade
Italian loafers are available in a variety
of different styles of leather or suede,
leather lined with a full rubber sole.
A stylish and practical shoe with classic
designs in sizes 35-44, 120.
Visit www.varca.com for the full range or
call 01903 746677 to request a brochure.
SWOON
EDITIONS
NATIONWIDE
Make the most of your garden this summer with
a bespoke Awning from Nationwide. Providing
a fresh appearance to your homes exterior, you
can stay protected from the sun at the push
of a button, and enjoy a cool and comfortable
shady retreat. Nationwide offers a variety of
styles and finishes, custom made to suit your
property, with full installation service and five
year guarantee.
Nationwide is currently holding a Summer
Sale, with discounts of up to 25%. For a free
brochure, visit nationwideltd.co.uk or call
0800 825 0548.
From artisan workshops

direct to your doorstep,
discover new designs
every day without the
inflated price tag at
SWOON EDITIONS.
Like the Armelle
armchair. Elegantly
French in style with a
majestic wingback, it
features intricate handcarving on its mango wood
frame and upholstery in
Putty Grey linen just
429, including delivery.
Readers also save 20 on
orders over 200 with
voucher code COUNTRY.
To order, go to
www.swooneditions.com/
country or call
020 3137 2464.
Offer expires on 24.09.15.
Beautiful home
This months top picks
EXQUISITE COROMANDEL
CREWELS - SAVE 10%
Intricately
embroidered
crewel fabrics,
suitable for
both curtains
and upholstery,
and specifically
designed for
distinctive and
period homes.
Whether for
your cottage or
your castle, these beautiful fabrics are entirely
handmade and 100% natural, embroidered
in subtle and elegant tones in durable 2ply
wool. As supplied to the National Trust,
they are available in a range of Multicolours
or Naturals and are based on traditional
Elizabethan and Jacobean designs. Quote
Country Living offer to save 10% on all orders
received by 15 Dec 2015. Call 0118 9796222 or
email [email protected]
www.coromandel.co.uk
TITCHMARSH & GOODWIN

For more than 90 years at Titchmarsh & Goodwin we have been handcrafting stunningly
beautiful wooden furniture at our workshops in Ipswich in Suffolk.
Our highly skilled team of cabinet-makers, woodturners, carvers and French polishers are
simply the best in the business at making furniture in the traditional way using the finest
English oaks, walnuts and maples.
Were very proud of the quality that we can achieve and, as every piece is made entirely from
scratch, we can give you something you really want for your home.
Call 01473 252158 for a brochure or visit www.titchmarsh-goodwin.co.uk
PERILLA
KENTCHURCH BUTLERS
A perfect gift that will last forever.
Ideal for that birthday, wedding, anniversary
or retirement present. Hand made and
painted, these wooden side tables are fun
pieces of furniture to rest your drinks etc on.
To order: telephone 01803 732 933 or visit our
website www.kentchurchbutlers.co.uk
Treat your feet to gorgeous alpaca socks from

online alpaca specialist Perilla. Alpaca fibre
has higher insulating properties than any
other fibre, repels odour and bacteria but
gently wicks away moisture so feet remain at a
perfect temperature.
Over seven ranges of socks are available from
thin everyday socks and cosy 90% bed socks to
the thickest walking socks shown. The palette
of colours includes natural undyed colours
of greys and soft brown to vibrant tones of
raspberry and purple.
Perilla.co.uk
01886 853 615.
FRENCH LUXURY FOR

YOUR HAIR
Ever had a hair clip you loved?
Our best-selling Rectangle Large hair claw
is perfect for your very thick or long hair.
Handmade in France, each clip goes through a
traditional 10-day finishing process to produce
a rich polish youll adore. Total satisfaction
guaranteed, or your money back.
49, free p&p.
Call 01732 883820 or visit Stone-Bridge.co.uk
Autumn essentials
For you and your home
LOOK YOUNGER LONGERTM
COCOON
Regentivs The Specialist Serum

(With Retinol)
Reviewed
as one of
skincares best
kept secrets.
A luxurious
rich texture
of Retinol
Palmitate,
Vitamin E,
Aloe Vera and
Sunscreen.
So in demand
as it does so much. Lines, wrinkles, crepey
eyes, crows feet, lip lines, acne-scarring,
open pores, sun and skin damage, uneven
pigmentation. Our customers say, My skin
has never been better.
The Specialist Serum can be exclusively yours
within 24hours. 30ml 29.95, 50ml 44.95,
100ml 79.95, 200ml 149 FREE P&P.
Tel. 01923 212555. REGENTIV PO BOX 400,
Herts, WD17 3ZW or www.regentiv.co.uk
Elegant, practical
raincoats beautifully
made to measure in
our Oxfordshire
workshop.
They are
waterproof,
lightweight
and machine
washable.
Choose from
14 styles and
11 stunning
colours.
Warm,
detachable
linings and
matching rain
hats are also
available.
All raincoats are fully guaranteed.
For a FREE catalogue, fabric swatches and
introductory offer call 01869 337770 or
visit cocoon-online.com
PITTCH LUXURY
MERINO WOOL SOCKS
FOR MEN AND WOMEN
PITTCH is a Great British brand offering
Great British design in the form of vibrant,
exceptionally styled merino wool socks of the
highest quality and fit for all seasons.
Whether your needs are for city socks,
performance socks, active socks or casual
lounging in the country kitchen socks,
PITTCH has a perfectly fitting pair of merino
wool socks that will feel like they were made
just for you.
www.pittch.co.uk
facebook.com/pittchclothing
[email protected]
Instagram.com/pittchsocks
01664 444030
HANDMADE IN ENGLAND
BY WHICHFORD POTTERY
Decorated with a delicate Camassia flower
motif, this practical terracotta flowerpot
(25cm high x 39cm wide) is handmade in
Warwickshire and guaranteed frostproof
for 10 years. Free delivery offer to mainland
Britain (saving 29.50). 59.50 each or special
price of 99 for two (saving a further 20)
delivered to one address.
Offer ends 14/10/15. T&Cs apply.
Phone to order. Tel: 01608 684416
www.whichfordpottery.com
CHRISTMAS STOCKING
Personalised stocking, sure to be treasured every year. Individually handmade in Norfolk in
felted wool with a sturdy calico lining. Approx. 54cm x 26cm so plenty of room for gifts!
42 plus P&P.
A 25% discount is offered to Country Living readers when the stocking is ordered before
15th November 2015. Use code CL20. Call Charlotte Cot Blankets on 01603 627448.
www.charlottecotblankets.com
Home sweet home

Get cosy this season
TRADITIONALLY
CRAFTED OAK FRAMED
CONSERVATORIES,
ORGANGERIES AND
GARDEN ROOMS
URBAN FOLK
Chic pieces with country style themes and
autumn hues ideal for your unforgettable
autumn table-setting!
We are your unique destination for authentic
Mediterranean home-findings, handcrafted
with love and care by experienced local
craftsmen and expertly curated by
Urban Folk.
Here you can discover hard-to-find small
production pieces and internet exclusives.
Discover more at www.urbanfolk.eu
County Oak use the finest

selected air dried seasoned oak
that is responsibly sourced.
Their bespoke designed
buildings will become a beautiful
addition to your home, helping
you to effortlessly bring your
dreams to life. They welcome all
sized projects and have a wide
choice of styles and bespoke
designs created by their own
designers and craftsman with
over 30 years experience.
Readers receive a free planning
service usually worth 1200
plus VAT.
To claim or receive a copy of our
brochure, visit countyoak.com
or call 01278 764415 before
30th September.
IDYLLIC ESCAPES
COUNTRY LIVING PRESENT A SELECTION OF IDYLLIC RETREATS
FROM WHICH YOU COULD CHOOSE A PEACEFUL AND RELAXING BREAK
TRELOWARREN HISTORIC ESTATE
5# (Gold Award) self-catering cottages on the historic Trelowarren Estate. 1000 acres of peace and
tranquility just ten minutes from beautiful beaches like Kynance Cove, the wooded Frenchman's Creek,
and the romantic Helford River.
Enjoy a treatment in the Walled Garden Spa, a swim in the heated ozone pool, dinner in the
award winning restaurant and, of course, all the wonderful walks around the estate.
All of our houses have wood burning stoves, are dog friendly and are furnished to the highest standards.
Telephone: 01326 221224 Web: www.trelowarren.com
church cottage - morston
HIDDEN MEDIEVEL VILLAGE

Castle Combe is the Cotswold village that time forgot.
Perfectly preserved 15th Century piece of history in Wiltshire's North West corner,
often referred to as the "Prettiest Village in England".
The Castle Inn whose origins trace back to the 12th Century has a surprisingly
contemporary flair with 11 bedrooms dressed in sumptuous fabrics alongside swish bathrooms.
01249 783030
www.castle-inn.info
EXCLUSIVE LUXURY HOLIDAY

PROPERTIES IN THE UK AND IRELAND
A Rural Retreats property has been carefully chosen for its
beautiful interior as well as its idyllic setting. With a portfolio of
over 300 properties throughout the UK and Ireland, from cottages
to country houses for 2-24 guests, many with flexible start days
and 2 night stays, there's sure to be a property that will be perfect
for you and your family.
Request your NEW 2015 Brochure out now!
www.ruralretreats.co.uk or telephone 01386 701 177
BRECON BEACONS
HOLIDAY COTTAGES
For that perfect break, we have over 350 great cottages in superb
locations in and around the Brecon Beacons National Park, Black
Mountains and Wye Valley. Romantic cottages for 2 people, rustic
farmhouses and large country houses some sleeping 20, with oak
beams and open fires. Pretty villages, good pubs, hill walking, pony
trekking, mountain biking and fishing. Pets Welcome.
www.breconcottages.com 01874 749914
LAKELAND HIDEAWAYS
DART VALLEY COTTAGES
Cottages in and around the pretty village of

Hawkshead in the heart of the Lake District
We are a local, friendly agency with choice of over 60 cottages
Pets welcome and free fishing
Short breaks and flexible arrival dates available
Easy to use website with online booking
Dart Valley Cottages offer a superb collection of

self-catering holiday cottages in South Devon on
and around the River Dart, Dartmouth and Dittisham,
surrounding rural and coastal villages.
Perfect locations for couples and family holidays.
Discover great coastline, award winning beaches
and beautiful countryside.
01803 771127
www.dartvalleycottages.co.uk
www.lakeland-hideaways.co.uk
Tel 015394 42435
NORTH NORFOLK
Peace tranquility comfort
Relax & unwind for a couple of days or week or two
in a private & luxurious haven just minutes from the beach.
Very comfortably sleeps 8 people together
with a secure garden for children & dogs,
Large off-road car-park & garage.
www.morstoncreek.com
Tel: 07584 247863
ISLE OF WIGHT AND

DORSET HOLIDAY COTTAGES
Charming cottages in beautiful rural and coastal locations situated
throughout the Isle of Wight & Purbeck, Dorset. Pretty thatched
cottages, farmhouses, stone cottages with stunning sea views in
picturesque villages. Some cottages with swimming pools.
Graded by the tourist board 3 - 5 Stars.
Telephone 01929 481555
www.islandcottageholidays.com
www.purbeckcottageholidays.com
COAST & COUNTRY COTTAGES
TINTERN ABBEY COTTAGE
WINDERMERE LAKE HOLIDAYS
SALCOMBE HOLIDAY HOMES
Over 430 holiday properties in and around Salcombe,

Dartmouth and throughout the beautiful South Devon coast
and countryside. Luxury waterside apartments, stunning barn
conversions, cosy thatched cottages, many with sea or country
views, pools or the use of leisure facilities.
Special Offers. Short Breaks.
Dog-Friendly Properties. Baby Friendly Properties.
Order 2015 View Magazine.
01548 843773 or book online coastandcountry.co.uk
Across from the magnificent Abbey, unsurpassed views. Idyllic Wye

Valley Welsh borders. Fully renovated, warm 18C cottage. Sleeps up
to 6 in 3 bedrooms. Two smart bathrooms, whirlpool bath,
lavendered linens, cosy woodburner, CH incl., range cooker,
sheltered garden, parking, WiFi. Easy M4/M5, close to castles,
racing. Excellent golf, walking, eating. Pet welcome. Visit Wales 5
star & winner Best Self Catering & Winner Best Visitor Welcome Gold
2015. Credit cards. Short Autumn/Winter/Spring Breaks. Christmas.
www.monmouthshirecottages.co.uk 01600 860341
Treat Yourself to an Autumn or Winter Break at our

Luxury self-catering holiday apartments with stunning
views on the shore of Lake Windermere.
Short breaks available throughout the year.
Tel: 01539 443415
www.lakewindermere.net
Email: [email protected]
Salcombe Holiday Homes specialise in properties solely in the

centre of Salcombe, many taking advantage of the wonderful views
of Salcombes spectacular estuary and surrounding countryside.
With a wide portfolio of properties to choose from we have plenty
of choice for your holiday in this truly unique waterside town.
210
OCTOBER 2015
Telephone 01548 843485

www.salcombe.com
ADVERTISMENT FEATURE
Christmas Gift Guide
COUNTRY
DIRECTORY
214 BATHROOMS
214 BEDS & BEDDING
FURNITURE
214 BUILDING & HOUSE
221 GATES & FENCING
DECOR
DATA PROTECTION: WE WILL USE THE INFORMATION YOU SUPPLY TO PROCESS YOUR COMPETITION ENTRY. FOR OUR PRIVACY POLICY VISIT HEARST.CO.UK/DP
222 GARDENS & GARDEN
214 HOME INTEREST
225 COUNTRY BREAKS
214 HOUSE & GARDEN
223 COURSES
222 HOUSE SIGNS
225 FASHION
221 HOUSESITTING
221 FIRES, STOVES
220 KITCHENS
WWW.THEOAKANDROPECOMPANY.CO.UK
01227 469 413
221 LAMPS & LIGHTING
223 FLOORS & FLOORING
225 PETS & LIVESTOCK
220 FURNITURE &
225 PROPERTY
FURNISHINGS
As seen at the
Country Living Fairs
Visit our shops
Forest Row, East Sussex RH18 5EE
tel.01342 822622
Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2AZ
tel.01780 755409
See website for opening
hours/directions.
www.countrytraditionals.co.uk
224 GENERAL INTEREST
211 CHRISTMAS GIFTS
& HEATING
Country Traditionals
The best selection of Polish Pottery
223 SOFT FURNISHINGS
WIN A WEEKEND AWAY

Win a house boat break with Devon Houseboats
(01409 255730 www.blagdonwater.com). A unique
holiday experience in North Devon amidst 35 acres of
unspoilt countryside on a private lake. This prize is for
a two night break for two people to be taken between
11th March and 18th April 2016, excluding school and
bank holidays and subject to availability. Use these clues
to find four advertisers who can be found in the Classified
section of this months issue of Country Living.
O Beds for discerning canines.
O Gifts for nature-loving oenophiles.
OSpinning gardeners.
O Garden furniture for higher contemplation?
Send your answers on a postcard to: CPCNLH15524,
Hearst Magazines UK, The Data Solutions Centre,
Worksop S80 2RT.
The closing date for
entries is 31st
October 2015.
NB: One entry per
household. Not open
to employees of
Hearst Magazines UK
(or their relatives).
FOR DETAILS OF CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING PLEASE TELEPHONE 020 3728 6260 OR VISIT WWW.HEARSTMAGAZINESDIRECT.CO.UK
www.love-local.com
Wonderful Gifts and Home Furnishings made in the South West
PENELOPE TIMMIS CONTEMPORARY ART
[email protected]
www.penelopetimmis.co.uk
July Exhibitions: Hampton Court Flower Show and Blooming Marvellous Flower Show
Shropshire Studio/Gallery open by appointment
OCTOBER 2015
211
Dried & Natural

Festive Supplies
Unique range of pine & exotic cones,
fruits & slices, chillies, pods, seed
heads, vine balls, plus wreath rings,
floral sundries, ribbons and a full
range of festive picks & supplies.
Order online at
www.FestiveSupplies.co.uk
or by phone 0845 519 0455
Lincoln Red bull
by James Bartholomew RSMA
See the website for the whole range
of James' limited edition prints.
Tel 01257 462333
UNIQUE
HANDCRAFTED
TABLEWARE
www.jamesbartholomew.co.uk
Heraldic Tiles
featuring your family crest
www.helenbarontiles.co.uk
Full Range Available at NicholasMosse.com
FERNSBY HALL TAPESTRIES

Tapestry kits produced by Diana Fernsby from the
original paintings of Catriona Hall. Kits from 55.
www.fernsbyhall.com
[email protected]
Tel: 01279 777795
NEVER
HIDE IT
AGAIN
Sue Fenlon Art

Personalised fleece blankets
for all ages, 6 sizes, 23 colours
Tel: 01482 440221

www.mrmoleblankets.co.uk
original paintings, prints,

cards, Christmas cards
and gifts
www.suefenlonart.co.uk
[email protected]
Dolly G Canvas Art

Bespoke hand-crafted canvas art.

LUXURY DOG BEDS FOR INTERIOR DESIGN LOVERS.

HANDMADE IN ITALY - SHOP AT TAILORSDEN.COM
BYGONE NEWSPAPERS
For Free Details FREEPHONE
0800 138 0990 to 8pm

Int: 00 44 1934 412844
www.bygonenews.com/clm
212
SUBSCRIBE TO ONE OF OUR

TOP-SELLING MAGAZINES
Tree Climbing
Anniversary & Birthday Gift Ideas
ORIGINAL Daily
Newspapers 1847 -2015
A perfect gift to commemorate
any special occasion
Each newspaper is accompanied
with a Certificate of Authenticity
We offer a great range of
high quality nostalgic gifts
TAILOR'S DEN
Unique, fun and exhilarating tree

climbing on the Isle of Wight
Great for families, groups
and even hen parties!
Goodleaf Tree Climbing
www.goodleaf.co.uk
[email protected]
0333 800 1188
OCTOBER 2015
View our full range at

www.edgeofthemeadow.co.uk
[email protected]
Initials, names, words,

shapes or quotes.
Each design made to order.
Please visit our Facebook page
Dolly G Canvas Art

or email us at
[email protected]
VISIT
www.hearstmagazines.co.uk
OCTOBER 2015
213
Bathrooms
House & Garden

Back from Black
Beam Renovation Ltd
RENOVATING BEAMS SINCE 1997
BEAMS RENOVATED WITHOUT MESS!

A UNIQUE PROCESS - NO BLASTING
Tel: 01797 458508

WWW.BEAM-RENOVATION.CO.UK
Beds & Bedding
What makes an Albion Bath unique?

6\YL_JS\ZP]LIH[OTH[LYPHSJYLH[LZHKPLYLUJL`V\JHUMLLS
Origine single & double ended baths shown
Building & House Decor
Request your brochure

on: 01255 831605
or go to: www.albionbathco.com
ALBION
Handmade bathrooms directly from our factory
Home Interest
FULLY INSULATED AND DOUBLE-GLAZED

BESPOKE TIMBER BUILDINGS FOR USE AS:
Summerhouses Offices Studios Gyms
Hobby & Games Rooms Workshops
Call: 01491 839379
VISIT OUR SHOWSITE open 7 days a week
214
OCTOBER 2015
NOTHING SIMILAR IS QUITE THE SAME
R
OU
Y
R
FO
E
E
R
F
W
RE
NO
L
L
HU
C
A
C
O
BR
Call
01473 826952
for a free
Brochure
www.jim-lawrence.co.uk
EXCEPTIONAL
QUALITY & VALUE
GRADE-A TEAK
& RATTAN
feel good furniture
Balmoral Bench Sets feature

two high-back benches with
cupped seats for ultimate comfort,
complemented with matching
armchairs and table. These extremely
robust, durable and stylish Grade-A
Teak sets are great for enjoying the
company of friends and can be left
outdoors year round.
CS460 1.5m Dining Set 1249.99
CS461 1.8m Dining Set 1379.99
Balmoral Benches
LT329 1.2m 275.00
LT136 1.5m 299.99
LT033 1.8m 349.99
LT422 1.2m
LT423 1.5m
LT424 1.8m
299.99
319.99
364.99
LT375 1.35m 229.99

LT025 1.65m 259.99
LT026 1.95m 299.99
SAVE
200
799
NOW
.99
LT055
We have a large range of teak benches that
are ideal for commemorative purposes such
as the Taverners Teak Bench above.
These can be carved with a special message
or for a limited time only you can add a FREE
Brass Plaque with a custom engraving.
SPECIAL OFFER
FREE BRASS PLAQUE

with every Teak Bench ordered
OFFER CODE: FBP15
These graceful & elegant Lutyens Teak

Benches are manufactured in durable
Grade-A Teak and are the most enduring
designs by the pre-eminent British
architect of the Arts and Crafts era Sir
Edwin Lutyens.
This 2.2m diameter Teak Tree Seat

would t perfectly around your favourite
tree, creating a pleasing focal point in your
garden. Ideal for relaxing and admiring
your work after a hard days gardening.
The Clivedon Companion Seat LT430 299.99

makes the perfect place to relax in
your garden with a partner. This tte--tte bench
is created from solid Grade-A Teak and uniquely
angled so you can enjoy conversation and comfort
with the one you love.
Banana Bench
Contemporary CS527
.99
Dining Set
Complete set as shown
759
LT031 249.99
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Cushions sold separately. Brass Plaque offer valid until November 30th and not available with any other offer. All items delivered fully assembled for your enjoyment. Prices include VAT but exclude delivery.
OCTOBER 2015
215
NEW FROM
THOMAS LLOYD
Not all sofas are created equal
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OCTOBER 2015
GREAT BRITISH SOFAS
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OCTOBER 2015
217
Give your old staircase

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218
OCTOBER 2015
CL02_OCT15
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OCTOBER 2015
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OCTOBER 2015
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OCTOBER 2015
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T: 020 3166 6938
OCTOBER 2015
223
RCN 312774
How To
Become
A Successful Writer!
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Kris Roberts, Somerset When I first saw my words in

print it was life changing. Someone else had read my work,
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writing. At the time of writing this I have received 1,197
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Jane Isaac, Northamptonshire When I started the

Writers Bureau course, I wanted to explore avenues for
my writing and develop and strengthen my personal style. I
had no idea that it would lead to me being a published
writer of novels and short stories.
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The Writers Bureau

'E2CF
&@=9<E?CEB!F&F+6
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Writers
Bureau
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Years of
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OCTOBER 2015
Travel & Holidays
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OCTOBER 2015
225
MY COUNTRYSIDE
ROGER
MOORE
The actor has fond memories of the English

counties where he has lived and filmed
Ive been fortunate to film in some
lovely parts of the British countryside.
For Octopussy, we worked on the Nene
Valley Railway in Cambridgeshire.
I enjoyed exploring the area and it was
great fun to be fooling around with
trains, as I have always loved model
railways. Getting to play on the
full-sized version was even better.
Another wonderful area we shot in
was south Buckinghamshire. The film
was For Your Eyes Only and the action
took place at a little church in a beautiful
village called Stoke Poges. It opens with
Bond visiting the grave of his wife, who
was killed off in the previous film, of
course, as Bond cant have a wife. The vicar
appears and says something like, Youre
wanted, and a helicopter then arrives,
Bond gets on board and off he goes.
Outside the UK, Sardinia is my
favourite work location. We were
staying in the Hotel Cala di Volpe
and shooting some scenes for The Spy
226
OCTOBER 2015
Who Loved Me on a wet bike out

at sea but I wasnt allowed to
get wet! Every time I got
splashed, I had to go
back to the mainland,
which took about 40
minutes, so I could change
my uniform, get my hair
and make-up redone
and then go out and do
it again. Not only that but
they were filming from
a helicopter and didnt have
any means of
communicating with
me, so when they started
coming towards me, the
downdraught from the
blades had the effect of pushing the
bottom of the bike away from the water
and left me hanging on for dear life.
It made for an interesting days filming,
though, and didnt spoil what I thought
was a fantastic location.
During the war I was evacuated

to Devon, where I stayed on a farm
near Holsworthy with a family called
Allen. It was a very special period
and I can remember everything
about it even small things like
having blackberry and apple pie with
real Cornish cream. Theyd put the
cream down by the open range in big
flat bowls and it would separate. The
crust on top couldnt be sold, of course,
so it was ours, much to our delight.
Most people are surprised to learn
that Im opposed to blood sports.
Being James Bond, they assume Im
out shooting things all the time but
I recall the time when I discovered
that kind of thing would never be for
me. I was 12, playing with friends who
had catapults and slingshots. I was
showing off and aiming at a swallows
nest in the barn we were in. I didnt
intend to kill anything but somehow
I managed to and Ive never forgotten
how horrified I felt.
I have a vivid childhood
memory of the winter
of 1940, when I was living in
Amersham in Buckinghamshire,
as it was one of the coldest Ive ever
experienced. We were gathering
conkers and baking them in the
oven to harden them when the
temperature started to drop.
It got colder and colder until
the lake at Shardeloes, a nearby
18th-century country house,
froze over and people skated
on it. There was an enormous
amount of snow and plenty
of tobogganing Ill always
remember how much fun it was.
This time
of year
always
reminds
me of
gathering
conkers
Bond on Bond: The Ultimate Book

on Over 50 Years of 007 by Roger
Moore is published in paperback in
October (Michael OMara Books, 20).
INTERVIEW BY ANNA JURY. PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALAMY; PHOTOSHOT
CLOCKWISE FROM
FAR LEFT Filmwork
has taken Roger Moore
to many beautiful areas
of Britain; part of the
Bond film Octopussy
was shot at the Nene
Valley Railway in
Cambridgeshire; as a
child he was evacuated
to a farm in Devon
SIMPLE
VINTAGE
MAKES
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JOIN THE WORLD

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EVERY MONTH
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DREAM SCHEMES
HOW TO PLAN THE
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BAKE ARTISAN BREAD
...AND MAKE MONEY
FROM KNITTING!
NEW
FROM OLD
CLEVER
UPCYCLING
IDEAS
Sarah Ravens
SUPERFOOD SUPPERS
FOR AUTUMN
THE BIG GARDEN TIDY
SIMPLE VINTAGE MAKES
HANDMADE ACCESSORIES
add charm and character to a
home, not to mention the sense
of accomplishment you will feel
on finishing a project. The secret
to success is to keep the idea
simple but stylish. In this practical
but inspiring magazine, our deputy
home design editor Alaina Binks has created a wonderful
collection of projects, each one easy to make but also
beautiful to look at from a rustic braided rag rug and
upcycled painted stool to artwork made with pressed
flowers and pretty embroidered table linen.
Happy crafting!
CONTENTS
4 PINCUSHIONS
6 PLANT MARKERS
8 PAPER GARLAND
10 EMBROIDERED NAPKINS
12 DCOUPAGE PLANTERS
14 PRESSED WILD FOLIAGE
16 STRING ENVELOPES
18 BRAIDED RAG RUG
20 STENCILLED STOOL
22 KNITTING NEEDLE ROLL
24 STYLISH STORAGE JARS
26 GARDEN KNEELER
28 QUILT COVER
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Co-ordinating editor Louise Elliott

Makes, styling and words Alaina Binks
Art director Darren Holdway
Chief sub-editor Michele Jameson
Photographs Rachel Whiting
Cover and contents credits Fabrics, from a
selection, Hobbycraft and Jane Churchill. Vintage threads, lace and
ribbons, spools, buttons, knitting needles, pins, embroidery threads
and scissors, all from The Old Haberdashery. Vintage seed packets,
from a selection, Garden & Wood. Similar vintage tape measure,
Etsy. Red and cream stripe grosgrain ribbon, Jane Means. Linen,
from a selection, Cloth House. For stockist details, see page 31
Published with the October 2015
issue of Country Living Magazine
The National Magazine Company Ltd trading as Hearst Magazines
UK 2015. Published by Hearst Magazines UK, 72 Broadwick Street,
London W1F 9EP (Reg no 112955).
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored
in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form, or by any means,
without the prior written permission of the copyright holders.
Printed and bound by Precision Colour Print Limited.
30 HABERDASHERY DIRECTORY
31 STOCKISTS
PINCUSHIONS
Use pretty cotton fabrics

to make these simple, fun
and charming strawberry
and pumpkin designs.
YOU WILL NEED
Fabric
Fabric scissors
Sewing machine
Toy stuffing
Needle and thread
Thin cotton ribbon
Felt
7
STRAWBERRY
and stitch along the longer

straight side to enclose.
Turn right-side out to make
a cone and generously fill
with stuffing.
Run a needle and thread
all the way around the
top edge. Tighten to close
the gap and knot.
Cut a short length of
ribbon, make into a
loop and sew to the top
of the strawberry.
Cut a piece of felt into the
shape of the leaf top, with a
small slit cut in the middle.
Pass the ribbon through the
slit in the felt and fasten.
1 Drawing round a small

saucer or side plate, cut a
8
circle from a piece of fabric.
2 Divide the circle into three
PUMPKIN
and cut into separate
sectors.
1 Cut two large circles from
two different fabrics.
3 Fold each part in half,
with right-sides facing,
2 Cut both of the circles
Fabrics, from
a selection,
Hobbycraft
and Cloth &
Clover. Toy
stuffing,
3/250g;
felt, 50p/
sheet: both
Hobbycraft.
Ribbon, from
a selection,
Jane Means.
For stockist
details, see
page 31
into four quarters.

3 Remake two full circles,
alternating the fabrics,
and sew sections together.
4 With both circles rightsides together, sew
round the edge, leaving
a 3cm-4cm gap.
5 Turn right-side out, fill
the circle with stuffing
and hand-sew the gap.
6 Run a needle and thread
through the centre of the
circle, looping it over
the side edge in line with
the joins in the fabric, and
back through the centre
of the circle. Pull tight.
7 Continue this until you
have eight sections.
8 Leave enough thread
to create a hanging loop
on the last stitch.
A loop of ribbon or thread

will allow you to hang the
pincushion on your machine
to store used pins when sewing
CRAFT PROJECTS
PLANT MARKERS
These rustic garden labels

require little skill to make
and are reusable.
YOU WILL NEED
Air-dry white moulding clay
Rolling pin
Ruler
Clay knife
Craft mat or sheet of
acetate
Small alphabet stamps
Linen, from
a selection,
Cloth House.
DAS white
modelling
clay, 4/
500g; small
alphabet
stamps,
similar from
a selection;
frayed fabric:
all Hobbycraft.
Terracotta
plant pots,
3 each, RE.
Striped twine,
8.95/pack of
five, Sophie
Conran
Collection;
twine, 2.95:
both Burgon
& Ball. Vintage
illustrated
seed packets,
1 Cut a small clump of clay

from the block, gently
knead and roll into a ball.
2 Roll out the clay to about
cm in thickness.
3 Using a ruler and clay
knife, cut strips that are
about the same width
and height.
4 Smooth out the top of each
strip and make sure the
edges are roughly straight.
from a
selection,
Garden &
Wood. Similar
small flower
scissors,
5.95, Sarah
Raven.
For
stockist
details, see
page 31
5 Cut as many labels as

you require.
6 Using clean alphabet
stamps, gently stamp a
herb, plant or flower name
onto each label, working
backwards from the
right edge.
7 Leave to dry overnight
or until hard.
Create unique
personalised gift
tags by cutting
shapes from rolled
clay with cookie
cutters. Use a pencil
or straw to make a
small hole at the top
to thread through
a ribbon once dry
CRAFT PROJECTS
PAPER GARLAND
Create a decorative string of

simple flowers using floralpatterned wrapping paper.
YOU WILL NEED
Scissors
Card
Pencil
Patterned papers
Double-sided tape or glue
String
1 Cut out a template of a

symmetrical flower shape
with six petals from card.
Wrapping
papers, from
4.95, Liberty.
Thick white
thread by
East of India,
2.30, Fred
Aldous.
2 Draw around the card

template several times
on the back of a sheet
of wrapping paper.
3 Cut out the flowers and
fold each one in half, with
the pattern facing inwards
one 3D flower is made
from three of these
single ones.
4 Stick or glue the middle of
two folded halves together,
leaving the edges unstuck.
5 Place the string along the
middle crease, securing in
place with glue or tape.

6 Glue or tape on the last
individual flower, covering
the string.
7 Add as many flowers
as you like, spacing each
one roughly by eye.
8 Gently pull out the edges
to separate the petals.
Ceramics,
similar from
a selection,
Maud & Mabel.
For stockist
details, see
page 31
Mix and match papers

small-scale prints work
best for this size of garland
CRAFT PROJECTS
EMBROIDERED NAPKINS
Add interest to plain

vintage table linens
using simple stitches
and colourful threads.
YOU WILL NEED
Vintage cotton and linen
napkins
Embroidery threads
Embroidery hoop
Embroidery scissors
Needle
Vintage linen
tablecloth,
14; vintage
napkins, from
2; vintage
teacups,
similar from
a selection:
all Northcote
Road Antiques
Market.
Needles,
10
from 1.50;
embroidery
threads,
90p each;
embroidery
hoop, from
2.30: all
Hobbycraft.
Embroidery
scissors, from
a selection,
The Old
1 Before you begin, wash

the napkins and threads
separately to prevent the
colour running from the
threads when the napkins
are laundered.
2 Secure an area of a napkin
into an embroidery hoop,
pulling the fabric taut.
3 Using one coloured thread
at a time, stitch out a
simple design stripes or
flowers are really effective.
Haberdashery.
Vintage berry
spoon, 14.50,
RE. Jam jar,
7.99/12,
Lakeland.
For stockist
details, see
page 31
4 Basic running stitches,

daisy stitches and cross
stitches are the easiest
to start with.
5 Keep the back of the
napkin neat by knotting
and tying at the end of
each section rather than
at the end of each colour.
6 Remove the finished
design from the hoop
and gently iron.
Use tailors chalk to

draw out a design
lightly before
starting this will
provide a guide if
sewing freehand
is too difficult
CRAFT PROJECTS
DCOUPAGE PLANTERS
Recycle household metal

food cans and turn them
into stylish indoor herb
containers.
YOU WILL NEED
Tin cans
Dcoupage glue
Small flat-head paintbrush
Dcoupage papers
Clear varnish
Kirstie Allsopp
Deco Mache
papers, 3.79;
decopatch
paper, 3.79;
Mod Podge
matt glue,
4/236ml;
12
clear matt
varnish, from
a selection:
all Hobbycraft.
Linen, from
a selection,
Cloth House.
Spoons,
1 Wash each tin can,

removing the existing
labels, and leave to dry.
2 Brush a layer of a
water-based glue over
the outside of one can.
3 Tear large pieces of
thin paper tissue and
specialist dcoupage
papers work best for
this and stick in place,
brushing glue over the
top of the paper, too.
4 Continue until the
similar from a
selection, The
Conran Shop.
For stockist
details, see
page 31
5
6
entire outside of the

can is covered.
Repeat on every can
and leave to dry.
Brush one or two layers
of clear varnish over
the papered area.
You can also varnish
inside the can mainly
round the bottom to
prevent rust.
Fill the can with soil and
then plant established
herbs or sow seeds inside.
Create drainage by
hammering a few
holes into the base
of the can and
putting a layer of
gravel at the bottom
CRAFT PROJECTS
PRESSED WILD FOLIAGE
YOU WILL NEED

Wild flowers and plants*
Garden scissors or
secateurs
Pressing kit or book
Glass frames
Glass bottles,
similar from
a selection,
Pale &
Interesting.
Zinc-edged
glass frames,
from 12.95
14
(10cm x 15cm),
Nkuku.
For stockist
details, see
page 31
1 Gather a handful of wild

plants and flowers from the
garden or local woodland*.
2 Cut the stems at an angle
using garden scissors or
secateurs and submerge
the ends in water. Blot
and dab the ends.
3 Place the flowers between
the pages of a book. We
used an old photo album
with acid-free paper sheets,
or try a flower press,
available from Baileys.

4 Use a weight, or books, to
keep the pages flat you
wont need to do this with
a press as they have bolts
to tighten at each corner.
5 Leave for one to two
weeks in a dry, cool place.
6 Once the flowers are
completely dry, arrange
them in glass frames,
trimming the stems
to the right height.
Choose foliage and flowers

that will look good when
pressed flat large flouncy
blooms, for example, wont
work. Try leaves, grasses
and small flowers, such as
daisies and violets, picking
them when at their best
*ONLY GATHER A FEW FLOWERS FROM THE WILD
Display dried plants and

flowers, such as fern leaves
and cow parsley stems, in
glass frames for a lasting
seasonal arrangement.
CRAFT PROJECTS
STRING ENVELOPES
These twine-fastened designs

make the perfect finishing
touch for a homemade card.
YOU WILL NEED
Patterned papers
Pencil
Cutting mat and ruler
Scissors or scalpel
Double-sided tape
Circle hole punch
Split pin fasteners
String or twine
1 Start by marking out the

envelope size you want
portrait or landscape
on the back of the paper,
leaving enough space
for the side sections.
2 Remember to add a little
extra if you have taken your
measurements from the
Wrapping
papers, from
4.95, Liberty.
Small circle
hole punch,
4; split pin
fasteners,
3: both
16
Hobbycraft.
Twine, 2.95,
Burgon & Ball.
Jar, 4, Labour
and Wait.
Glass bottles,
similar from
a selection,
fold in the side sections

card to go inside, or the
and stick together with
envelope will be too tight.
double-sided tape.
To make the side sections,
which will fold over to make 8 Fold up and stick down
the bottom flap with
the back, add two-thirds
double-sided tape.
of the width to both sides.
Add roughly 4cm to each
9 Fold down the top flap
end (top and bottom) for
and, using a scalpel,
a small envelope, more for
pierce two holes, one in
a larger one this is flexible,
the top flap and one lower
as the top and bottom flaps
down on the back section
can be made to any size.
in line with the first be
Cut out the whole shape
careful not to puncture
each side should have
the front of the envelope.
an extra section.
10 Push a split pin through
Cut the side edges of both
the centre of a paper circle,
the top and bottom flaps
made using a hole punch,
at a slight angle inwards.
and push through the holes.
Score along the edges of
Open the back of the pins.
the body of the envelope
11 Cut and tie a short length
of string around the flat
using the back of a scalpel.
Still with the back of the
pinheads behind the
paper facing towards you,
paper circles to fasten.
Pale &
Interesting.
Mini tags,
from 1.50,
Jane Means.
For stockist
details, see
page 31
Wrapping paper or leftover

scraps of lightweight
wallpaper can also be
used for this project
CRAFT PROJECTS
BRAIDED RAG RUG
Turn plaited strips of fabric

into a unique floorcovering
which can be made to any size.
YOU WILL NEED
Fabric
Sewing machine
Thick thread
Needle
Fabric scissors
Glue gun
Anti-slip rug
1 Tear lengths of fabric

from two to three designs.
They should be roughly
Fabrics, from
a selection,
Cloth House
and John
Lewis. Linen
upholstered
footstool,
antiques
market find.
18
5cm wide and as long

as possible. Try to use
long lengths, as this will
result in fewer joins.
2 Knot three strands
of different material
together, plait and
knot again at the end.
3 Repeat, plaiting several
strands you can always
do more if needed.
4 To start the rug, coil one
plaited length around
itself, securing the middle
by stitching across with
a sewing machine.
5 Continue to work the

plaited length round in
a circle, hand-stitching
the back to connect
each strand together.
6 When you come to the
end of the first length,
cut off or undo the knot
and sew to the new
adjoining strand.
7 Repeat until you reach
the required rug size.
8 Cut and glue an anti-slip
mat to the back (these
are available from
Dunelm and Ikea).
Books, from
a selection,
Much Ado
Books.
For
stockist
details, see
page 31
Use reasonably priced cotton

fabrics or a collection of old
bed linen to make this
CRAFT PROJECTS
STENCILLED STOOL
YOU WILL NEED

Stool
Sandpaper
Water-based eggshell paints
Paintbrush
Paper doily
Stencil brush or sponge
1 First lightly sand the

stool to remove any
Vintage stool,
similar teacup
and saucer
and similar
platter,
all from a
selection,
Northcote
Road
Antiques
Market.
20
Swedish Blue
and Cotton
self-priming
interior
eggshell*,
25/litre,
Country
Living Paint
Collection
from Marston
& Langinger
lacquer or varnish.
2 Paint the stool legs,
side and underneath
the seat with two coats
of blue water-based
eggshell paint (leaving
to dry in between coats).
3 Once dry, paint the top
of the seat white with two
coats and leave to dry.
4 Holding a paper doily
in place in the centre of
the seat, dab blue paint
over it using a flat-end
at Country
Living General
Store. Doilies,
similar from
a selection,
Talking Tables.
Vintage cloth
(on chair),
and enamel
teapot, flea
market finds.
stencil brush or sponge,

painting the whole of
the top of the stool.
5 Peel away the doily
to reveal the white
pattern underneath.
6 Leave to dry.
For
stockist
details, see
page 31
Stencil onto
material, using this
same method with
fabric paints, to
create a tote bag
or a cushion cover
*THESE PAINTS ARE SELF-PRIMING IF OTHER ONES ARE USED,

YOU MAY NEED TO USE A PRIMER PRIOR TO PAINTING
A paper doily makes an

ideal stencil for upcycling
a piece of furniture.
CRAFT PROJECTS
KNITTING NEEDLE ROLL
This compact case provides

neat storage for essential
knitting equipment.
3
YOU WILL NEED
Two contrasting fabrics
Sewing machine
Fabric scissors
Pins
4
1 Sew a length of fabric
into a long strap to
make the tie.
2 Measure out two pieces of
contrasting fabrics, using
the tallest knitting needle
as a guide for the height.
Ensure there is enough
to fold over a band at the
top and to create a pocket
Floral fabric
from pastel
daisy and
polka dot
fat-quarter
bundle, 7/
six designs,
Hobbycraft.
Lambada
22
stripe natural/
blue cotton,
35/m, Jane
Churchill.
Knitting
needles,
buttons,
lace and
spools,
5
6
at the bottom, and also

factoring in a seam
allowance.
Sew the tie in place on
the front fabric, placing
it near to one side edge
this will allow the tie
to wrap around once
the case is rolled.
Place both fabrics right
sides together and sew
along both the side edges
and the bottom edge,
being careful not to trap
the tie in the stitches.
Turn right side out.
At the open top edge,
turn in the fabrics and
then hem to close the gap.
With the inner fabric
all from a
selection,
The Old
Haberdashery.
Vintage tea
plate in wire
holder, 12,
RE. Wool, from
a selection,
John Lewis.
Vintage tape
measure,
similar from a
selection, Etsy.
For
stockist
details, see
page 31
facing you, fold over a

band at the top and pin.
8 To make a large pocket,
pull up the bottom edge
to reveal the front fabric
behind, checking that
this will hold the needles,
and then pin.
9 Sew along the side edges,
where the fabrics have
been folded over.
10 Sew an extra line in the
middle of the top band to
allow longer needles to sit
neatly under the cuff.
11 Along the bottom pocket,
sew upwards several
times to create individual
pockets for differentsized needles.
Scale this down to

make a fabric-roll
holder for smaller
crochet hooks
CRAFT PROJECTS
STYLISH STORAGE JARS
Decorate enamel and glass

containers with lettering
or pretty designs.
YOU WILL NEED
Glass jar
Enamel storage canisters
Printer or alphabet stencil
Paper
Scalpel
Cutting mat
Masking tape
Glass paint
Stencil brush and paintbrush
Large glass
candy jar,
42, Peach
Blossom.
Small enamel
canisters,
15/set of
three, Design
Vintage. Glass
paint, from a
selection,
24
Hobbycraft.
Scoop spoon,
similar from
a selection,
The Conran
Shop. Brush
and soap,
similar from
a selection,
Labour
and Wait.
1 Wipe clean the containers

and towel dry.
2 Print out a word in a
typeface you like on a sheet
of paper, then cut out the
letters carefully using a
scalpel, or alternatively
use a flexible plastic
alphabet stencil.
3 Stick the paper or stencil
in place on the glass jar
with masking tape.
4 Dab some specialist glass
paint over the letters using
Tea towel
made using
linen from
Cloth House
and Cloth
& Clover.
For
stockist
details, see
page 31
a flat-ended stencil brush

and repeat to apply
ample coverage.
5 Peel away the stencil
and leave to dry.
6 Using a small paintbrush
and the specialist glass
paint, you can also add
freehand simple flower
motifs or dots to decorate
other containers.
Adhesive stencils will stick

and bend easily with the shape
of the container and simply
peel off to reveal a crisp edge
afterwards. Hobbycraft has a
small selection, as does Martha
Stewart, available from ebay
CRAFT PROJECTS
GARDEN KNEELER
Make gardening more

comfortable with a wipeclean oilcloth cushion.
YOU WILL NEED
Oilcloth
Fabric scissors
Grosgrain ribbon
Sewing machine
Pins
Feather-filled cushion pad
1 Cut three pieces of

oilcloth, one to fit the
front of the cushion and
Rose oilcloth,
22.50/m,
Sophie
Allport.
Spot ribbon,
2.70/3m
roll, Jane
Means.
Duck feather
cushion
26
pad (30cm
x 50cm),
7, John
Lewis. String,
hessian and
hand tools,
similar from a
selection, RE.
Similar trug,
78, Labour
two sections for the back,

with room to overlap
this is to create an opening
in the back of the cushion
cover. Add a seam
allowance to all pieces.
2 Hem one edge of both
of the back pieces.
3 Place all the sections right
sides together, making
sure the back sections
overlap with the hemmed
edges in the middle.
4 Cut two lengths of ribbon
and place between the
and Wait.
Illustrated
vintage seed
packets, from
a selection,
Garden &
Wood.
For stockist
details, see
page 31
7
8
fabrics at either end,

with the loop between
the material and the ends
visible from the outside.
Pin everything in place
and sew around all
four edges.
Trim off the excess oilcloth
and ribbon ends, and
remove the pins.
Turn right side out, using
the opening at the back.
Insert the cushion pad.
Find a variety of oilcloth

fabrics at Cath Kidston,
John Lewis, Sophie Allport
and Ian Mankin
CRAFT PROJECTS
Q U I LT C O V E R
Team together coordinating

linens to create a vintagestyle removable cover for
a small quilt.
YOU WILL NEED
Single or small quilt
Fabric scissors
Two linen fabrics
Lining fabric
Sewing machine
Pins
6
1 Measure the quilt.
2 Cut two pieces of fabric
to size, adding extra for
the seam allowance.
3 Cut two pieces of lining
Delfine floral
linen in
Celadon,
52/m; Spotty
linen in faded
duck egg,
49/m:
both Sarah
Hardaker.
28
Similar linenupholstered
footstool,
antiques
market find.
Vintage tea
plate in wire
holder, 12,
RE. Ribbon,
fabric the same size as

the patterned pieces.
Sew six straps using one
fabric or a combination
of both. These will make
the side ties.
Place a piece of lining
on the inside of one of
the patterned pieces,
folding the edges in on
both fabrics along one
of the short sides.
On this same edge, slot
three straps an even
distance apart in between
the two fabrics, and pin.
Sew along this side to
create a hemmed edge
lace, spools
and buttons,
all from a
selection,
The Old
Haberdashery.
For stockist
details, see
page 31
and to secure the straps.

8 Remove the pins.
9 Repeat with the second
piece of patterned fabric
and lining, making sure
that the straps are on the
same side and in the same
place when the fabrics
are the wrong sides
(lining) together.
10 Place both fabrics right
sides together, pin in
place and sew around the
remaining three edges.
11 Remove the pins and
turn right side out.
12 Insert the quilt and tie
together the side straps.
Beautiful
large vintage
embroidered
tablecloths
can also be used
for both sides
CRAFT PROJECTS
HABERDASHERY DIRECTORY
CLOTH HOUSE 020 7437 5155;
clothhouse.com
An inspiring shop full of
textiles, including natural
linens, pretty hand-printed
fabrics, trims and twines.
HOBBYCRAFT 0330 026 1400;

hobbycraft.co.uk
Has an extensive range of
sewing, craft and art materials
and kits. There are 81 stores
nationwide with many hosting
classes, from knitting to free
activities, and demonstrations
over the weekends.
collection of haberdashery
including colourful fabric,
unique buttons, pretty trims
and felting wool, along with
craft books and stylish ownbrand kits, such as a fun stags
head design. Browse through
the blog for creative make
ideas or visit one of the
workshops running in both
Bath and London.
MERCHANT & MILLS 01797 227789;

merchantandmills.com
Great for basic sewing and

knitting equipment, along
with fabrics at reasonable
prices, including oilcloths,
available to buy instore.
Beautiful and utilitarian tools

and tailoring equipment from
dressmaking scissors to tailors
chalk, along with classic
fabrics, including washed
linens, simple stripes and
heavyweight plains. Available
online or through external
outlets, including Liberty.
THE MAKERY 01225 581888;

themakery.co.uk
THE OLD HABERDASHERY 07891

954971; theoldhaberdashery.com
Bath-based store and online

shop with an ever-expanding
East Sussex-based shop with

an eclectic mix of vintage and
JOHN LEWIS 0345 604 9049;

johnlewis.com
30
vintage-inspired homeware,
charming pre-owned textiles
from eiderdowns to tablecloths
and interesting haberdashery
pieces, from rustic yarns to
vintage spools.
RAY STITCH 020 7704 1060;

raystitch.co.uk
Well-stocked online and
London-based store offering
a wide range of colourful
printed fabrics, tools and
all the smaller bits and bobs
from buttons to ribbons. To
find out more on classes and
its instore sewing school,
visit the website.
SPINSTERS EMPORIUM 07731

932188; spinstersemporium.co.uk
This online store stocks a
selection of trimmings,
buttons, wallpapers and
vintage fabrics. Crafty parties
can also be arranged for a
birthday party or hen-do,
plus one-to-one tuition.
O.
UK
COU
TR
JOHN LEWIS 0345 604 9049;

johnlewis.com
LABOUR AND WAIT 020 7729
6253; labourandwait.co.uk
LAKELAND 01539 488100;
lakeland.co.uk
LIBERTY 020 7734 1234;
liberty.co.uk
MAUD & MABEL 020 3659 6387;
maudandmabel.com
MUCH ADO BOOKS 01323
871222; muchadobooks.com
NORTHCOTE ROAD ANTIQUES
MARKET 020 7228 6850;
northcoteroadantiques.co.uk
NKUKU 01803 866847;
nkuku.com
THE OLD HABERDASHERY
07891 954971;
theoldhaberdashery.com
PALE & INTERESTING
01797 344077;
paleandinteresting.com
PEACH BLOSSOM 01273
772531; peachblossom.co.uk
RE 01434 634567;
re-foundobjects.com
SARAH HARDAKER
07975 982885;
sarahhardaker.co.uk
SARAH RAVEN 0345 092
0283; sarahraven.com
SOPHIE ALLPORT 0845 0177
866; sophieallport.com
TALKING TABLES 020 7627
6767; talkingtables.co.uk
COU
BAILEYS 01989 561931;

baileyshome.com
BURGON & BALL 0114 233
8262; burgonandball.com
CATH KIDSTON 0845 026
2440; cathkidston.com
CLOTH & CLOVER 020 7013
0847; clothandclover.com
CLOTH HOUSE 020 7437 5155;
clothhouse.com
THE CONRAN SHOP 0844 848
4000; conranshop.co.uk
COUNTRY LIVING
GENERAL STORE
DESIGN VINTAGE 01243
573852; designvintage.co.uk
DUNELM 0344 346 0022;
dunelm.com
EBAY ebay.co.uk
ETSY etsy.com
FRED ALDOUS 0161 236 4224;
fredaldous.co.uk
GARDEN & WOOD
01844 279170;
gardenandwood.co.uk
HOBBYCRAFT 0330 026 1400;
hobbycraft.co.uk
IAN MANKIN 020 7722 0997;
ianmankin.co.uk
IKEA 020 3645 0000;
ikea.com
JANE CHURCHILL 020 8877
6400; janechurchill.com
JANE MEANS 01522 522544;
janemeans.com
Y L I V I N G.C
O.U
STOCKISTS
TR
Y LI VI NG.
GET MORE
ONLINE!
Visit countryliving.co.uk/sarahmoore
for exclusive how-to videos of CLs Craft
and Create series with vintage design
contributor, Sarah Moore
SCRUNCHIE
HATBOX
BOLSTER CUSHION
TENNIS HUT
BUTTON BOUQUET
PADDED OTTOMAN

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OCTOBER 2015 4.

DECORATING CRAFTS HOUSES GARDENS FOOD TRAVEL HEALTH

THE BIG GARDEN TIDY

RESTORE ORDER TO THE BORDERS

October 2015 issue 358

EMPORIUM New ideas to add a touch

into the perfect showcase for a covetable

A DOG FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE How to

DECORATING CRAFTS HOUSES GARDENS FOOD TRAVEL HEALTH

THE BIG GARDEN TIDY

RESTORE ORDER TO THE BORDERS

LET YOUR TALENT SHINE Celebrating

Food & drink

SARAH RAVENS SUPERFOODS The cook

Fashion, health & beauty

TAKE TO THE ROAD! Team rich velvets and

NATURES PAINKILLERS Swap traditional

News & views

A MONTH IN THE COUNTRY What

SHOP AT OUR ONLINE STORE Find stylish

Hearst Magazines UK, 72 Broadwick Street, London W1F 9EP.

DEPUTY EDITOR ART DIRECTOR

Designer Seija Tikkis

MANAGING DIRECTOR, BRANDS

HEARST CROSS MEDIA

SHOWS & EVENTS

Partnership Director Nicola Inchmore

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

President/CEO Duncan Edwards

NEXT ISSUE ON SALE 1 OCTOBER

New colours available

PHOTOGRAPHS BY CATHERINE GRATWICKE. *ANTIQUE SUITCASES FROM VERY VINTAGE AT SHOP.COUNTRYLIVING.CO.UK

Browsing for antiques

Follow our boards on Pinterest for more

Find more news, seasonal recipes, travel

Follow us on Twitter for news about

Join us on Facebook for regular updates

Reflect the change in season with rich

ished with a coloured stitched edge in c

This autumnal-hued maple-leaf

COMPILED BY ALAINA BINKS. PHOTOGRAPHS BY HEARST STUDIOS.

Featuring Cath Kidstons new

Keep warm this

Hand-block-printed organic cotton sleepwear,

Fraser & Parsleys stylish

Framed* hand-cut paper birds in vintage matchboxes

Fawn screen-printed linen cushion by

This birch plywood wreath

For stockist details, see Where to Buy

Country Living Christmas Fair

Discover a wide range of original

Colourfully illustrated coaster, 4.50

Find all your gift-wrap essentials at

For more information and to book tickets, visit countrylivingfair.com

Country Living Christmas Fair

Find knitwear and accessories in rich tones

Made by Scottish artisans, olive-green

So Cosys baby alpaca