Healthy start to 2023 at Squire’s

Karen Neville

Home & Garden

Wholesome food and a warm welcome await at Squire’s this January and there’s a comforting 15% off the bill

Healthy eating habits are often front of mind when looking to start the new year, with vegan and vegetarian preferences a considered choice, as well as wholesome, thoughtful eating options.

Squire’s Garden Centres has a great range of delicious, flavoursome food and healthy meal choices available to start the new year off – and all with a welcoming 15% discount off total food and drink* bills (promotion does not apply to alcoholic drinks) – from 1st-31st January* across all centres.

A visit to a Squire’s Café Bar makes the perfect spot this January to keep warm, meet up with friends, and enjoy saving money too.

Now is the time to try different flavours in the comfort of Squire’s Café Bars with a great range of dishes including Light Bite options of Mushroom & Sage Soup and Parsnip or Apple & Thyme Soup – served with sliced sourdough, Jacket Potato with Cheesy Beans as well as the delicious Smashed Avocado & Red Onion Sandwich.

More filling options available are the plant-based ‘Moving Mountain’ Burger in a vegan brioche bun with chargrilled tomato chutney, the delicious Butternut Squash, Cranberry & Red Onion Tagine – roasted butternut squash and red onion wedges in a sweetly spiced tagine style sauce served with basmati rice and garlic flatbread and Cauliflower & Spinach Balti Pie. Alternatively, and for a satisfying taste of tradition, try Squire’s Hand-Battered Fish & Chips – MSC certified cod with petit pois and fresh tartare sauce. Menus vary by centre.

Winter walks in Sussex

Karen Neville

Home & Garden

Over indulged at Christmas? Tucked into too much turkey and pudding? Why not walk it off with a refreshing stroll at a National Trust property in Sussex

By January and February we’ve had enough of hygge, log fires and long evenings in front of the telly. The hibernation of winter is starting to drag. Vitamin D levels are low, spirits are lower and the family is climbing the walls.

The only way to style your way through to spring is to tackle winter head on. Throw everyone outdoors at every opportunity. Face into the wind, relish the rain patterning on your hood, and delight in those moments when the air is crisp and the sunlight sparkles on the frosty landscape.

Whether you’d prefer a stroll through a wintery garden with coffee in hand. Splash bravely through the puddles with the kids in tow. Or stride out in the blustery countryside in search of big skies and inspiration. Here are the National Trust walks you need to get you through winter.

Nymans: Best for winter scents

The Winter Walks at Nymans is packed with fragrant hellebores, electric-blue pulmonaria, daphne and wintersweet. While the Heather Garden is brimming with honey-scented blooms in shades of red, white and pink. Nymans’ garden team have recently planted new fragrant daphnes all round the garden. Look out for little clumps of snowdrops too in the walled garden from mid January onwards. Their bobbing white heads are a precious hope of spring to come.

Grab a coffee and do some sauntering along the winding garden paths for a winter pick-me-up or stop at the plant shop for a hellebore or a pot of snowdrops to bring a little magic back home.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nymans

Sheffield Park and Garden: Best for families

Sheffield Park’s beautiful lakes and trees have a sculptural beauty in winter – the perfect backdrop for a family walk. Buggy friendly paths make it easy to get around the garden even on wet and muddy days. Or pull on the wellies and head cross country across the parkland to Ringwood Toll, a natural play trail nestled in woodland. See what adventures unfurl as nature guides the imagination, little explorers run wild and bigger kids build dens, climb trees and let off steam. The café serves children’s lunch boxes, hot meals and sandwiches, cake and more. Not just for kids, from late January and to February half term, you can find out the story of Nellie’s Artic Adventure. Nellie Soames was a former owner of Sheffield Park and one of the first women to venture into the Artic. Look out for sculptures of an ice cave, polar bear and icebergs, plus new for 2023 is a mammoth skeleton, made from recycled milk bottles.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/

Petworth: Best for wildlife

The wide open landscape of the Capability Brown deer park at Petworth is an uplifting and atmospheric place for a walk in winter. The herds of wild fallow deer and ancient trees make you feel transported to another age. Coupled with hazy mist and the grand mansion in the distance, this is a walk that’s worth leaving the house for.

In the Pleasure Garden, the winter berries, snowdrops and stone follies lend a more classic, intimate atmosphere, with plenty or plant life among the gently winding paths. After your walk warm up with a delicious soup in the café and cosy chats with friends.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth-house

Standen: Best café walk

If the main appeal of a winter walk is stopping at a café – the Barn café at Standen is the one to aim for – for lunch, coffee or cake. Get set by warming your bones by the woodburning stove before setting off to face the winter. Winter is a great time of year to discover the garden at Standen and venture into the woodlands. Take in the view over the Sussex Weald from Rock Top Walk and explore the wider estate. Walks leaflets are available from visitor reception or can be downloaded online. The January sales are great at the shop too, which is full of William Morris and arts and crafts inspired gifts.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/standen

Slindon Estate, South Downs: Best winter history walk

The downland village of Slindon has a rich and colourful historic past. During much of the medieval period it was the summer residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury. This circular walk celebrates that medieval history as it passes through Slindon’s old deer park, following the route of the park pale. This is the best time of year to discover this landscape artefact, a raised bank once topped with a solid fence that was used to confine animals and speaks to Slindon’s past as a historic hunting estate. The early onset of dusk in winter may actually offer the lucky visitor glimpses of roe and fallow deer between the trees and in the fields of the estate. On your way round you can also try and spot the sheltered bench built into the remaining fragment of wall of the old Regency tea-room which sadly burned down in the early 1940s. While you’re in the Slindon, come and warm up in the Forge – a community café that stocks hot drinks, meals and treats.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/slindon-estate

Birling Gap: Best pub walk

This circular walk allows you to enjoy views over the downs and East Sussex coast. By following old drovers’ and smuggling routes to the sea from the downland village of East Dean you may feel a sense of the landscape’s long history. It also offers sweeping sea and downland views towards Belle Tout lighthouse. It is a really special time of year to visit as the low winter light reflects off the open sea and the bracing wind blows over the cliffs. The walk takes in the historic Tiger Inn at East Dean (not NT), but you can also take the opportunity to pop into a new cliff top café at Birling Gap which is opening in early January.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/birling-gap-and-the-seven-sisters

Bateman’s: Best for literary links

The estate at Bateman’s, Burwash, is full of small fields, hedgerows, old trees, abandoned iron ore pits, hidden ponds and magical deserted trackways. Puck’s Walk in inspired by Kipling’s famous story, ‘Puck of Pook’s Hill’. Written for his children, this magical tale took its inspiration from the re-enactment of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ by Kipling and his children one summer in the early 1900s.

The route from Visitor Reception takes you out to Park Mill, through woods and over hills towards Burwash Weald, before looping back to cross the river and return to the Mill Pond. The walk takes in some great views, and it is easy to see how to rolling hills, woods and Dudwell river inspired Kipling’s writing. Stop by the Mulberry tea-room afterwards for a warming winter treat.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/batemans

Thanks to your help, the National Trust cares for hundreds of walking trails in beautiful locations all across the county. For more ideas of winter walks see: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sussex

Divine dining with Christmas tablescape ideas

Karen Neville

Home & Garden

A B Events Hire in Woking have fabulous creative ideas to help you wow your guests with a festive table that’ll really make you the host with the most

Christmas dinner is the time when friends and families come together to spread love and joy over the most special meal of the year. It’s also the perfect time to create an inviting show stopping tablescape for all the family to sit around.

You don’t need to get your tinsel in a tangle, styling a festive table doesn’t need to be expensive and can be created using handmade decoration, hiring items, and using what you have at home.

Here are our top tips for creating a festive table that’ll make you the envy of all

Start with thinking of a theme. Will you go for a white wonderland table, Elf candy canes or something like a natural Scandi Nordic look? Having a theme can add instant fun or a luxurious element to the tablescape. Plus, it helps with the décor decisions.

Do you have enough seats for everyone or chairs that match? You can hire extra chairs and benches to make sure your guests aren’t sitting on the floor or guests aren’t on office chairs. Have a matching set to give your table the extra wow factor. You could hang a little Christmas wreath, mistletoe, bells, or big bow to the back of your chair. This is a great way to bring your theme into all areas of your Christmas tablescape.

Linen always adds a luxurious feel to a table, but you don’t need to necessarily buy it! This can be hired for a fraction of the price. If you don’t want a full tablecloth, you could always use a runner down the centre of the table. This will add texture, a pop of colour without covering the whole table. Napkins matching the colour scheme will look wonderful, plus, you could be creative and fold your napkins into Christmas trees!

Incorporate all the beautiful festive foliage and pretty winter flowers into your table set up. Why not go foraging for ivy, holly, mistletoe, and fire tree to create a table runner? Then add in elements like pinecones, small baubles, faux foliage in golds/silvers etc. Remember to think about the height of the centrepiece, your guests need to be able to see other, without a great big candelabra blocking their view! Use odd numbers of items, it creates a much more pleasing effect on the eye.

A cost-effective décor idea is to make pomanders and place along the table runner and decorate pillar candles by slicing oranges and drying them, to then tie them with cinnamon sticks and twine around the candle. A Christmas tablescape wouldn’t be complete without some fairy lights intertwined around the foliage, and main centrepiece.

A great tablescape is all about layers! At AB Event Hire we’re conscious about the environment and stay away from one-use plastic throw-away items. Instead of buying new tableware, hire it in at a fraction of the price. Not only does it help reduce waste, but we can wash it up for you too! Use matching plates, cutlery and glasses to create an instant cohesive feel to the tablescape. Charger plates add a special element to the table, they can add textures and colours without overpowering the setting, these can easily be hired in too.

Personal touches – will you create name tags for each guest or leave a little Christmas present at their seat? A handmade salt dough decoration or a candy cane with a name tag on could make a heartful gesture to a family member.

For more information about how to hire items & tips on creating Christmas tablescapes, head to AB Event Hire social media pages @ab_event_hire or our website www.abeventhire.co.uk.

AB Event Hire is a family fun wedding, event & catering equipment company. They’re based in Woking and can supply you with all the items you might need to create a perfect festive celebration. Get in touch, they would love to hear from you. Telephone number 01276 856440 and the office email is [email protected].

Swap white for green this Christmas

Round & About

Home & Garden

Tatjana runs a loose-leaf tea startup called teapro.co.uk based in Windsor and is passionate about all things sustainable

Whilst Christmas is undoubtedly the most wonderful time of the year, it can also be one of the most wasteful. The UK produces an additional three million tonnes of waste at Christmas and fills 100 million bin bags every year.

We’ve put together some easy and fun ways to reduce Christmas waste, so you can make a big impact this December and be part of the movement towards a more sustainable future. Let’s do this!

Spread joy with Christmas E-Cards

During that time of year when we want to express how much we care for our loved ones, Christmas Cards are more than just a tradition. However, even traditions can sometimes benefit from a modern twist, which is so easily done with lovely digital cards from companies like Paperless Post. Alternatively, you could also send plantable Christmas cards – there are some really lovely designs on Etsy.

Rent a Christmas tree

Seven million trees end up in landfill every year! One great way to reduce that astronomical number is by renting a Christmas tree and returning it back in January to be replanted. Another option is to repurpose your house plant into a modern Christmas tree – those fairy lights will help you make it look nice and festive!

Opt for reusable crackers

With some amazing re-usable options made out of fabric or Kraft paper, the transition away from single-use Christmas crackers couldn’t be easier! Try these and 
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1262342990/luxury-fabric-resuable-pullable.

Get a zero-waste advent calendar

Whether you’re a kid or a grown-up, you have to agree that advent calendars makes the countdown to Christmas so much more fun. Unfortunately, a lot of advent calendars contain unnecessary plastic packaging. We recommend picking calendars that use sustainable materials and have longevity beyond Christmas, like this cute tea advent calendar, which can be re-used as a cork board for your home office. Of course, you can also create your own advent calendar. Bonus points if you make it out of recycled materials!

Re-use last year’s decorations

It’s time to dust off those Christmas decorations from your attic – there is definitely a certain charm in re-using vintage family garlands. Alternatively, turn making sustainable DIY garlands into a fun family activity! There are also some gorgeous Kraft paper baubles and dried fruit garlands you can get on Etsy.

Shop presents locally and sustainably

When it comes to presents, experiences are a great idea! If you prefer physical presents, try sourcing them from local small businesses that use sustainable materials. Over £42 million worth of unwanted Christmas gifts end up in landfill each year, so if you’re not sure about the size or the colour preference – go for something consumable like tea! You can get a beautiful sustainably packaged subscription gift box from teapro.

Reduce food waste

When it comes to Christmas food shopping, try to only buy as much as you need. And if you really want to reduce your carbon footprint, try swapping your Christmas roast for a vegan nut roast option. If you do have leftovers, find recipes to see how you can make the most of them.

Try fabric gift wrapping

Fabric gift wrapping is the new trend of this year, it’s easy, beautiful and re-usable. Definitely worth an investment.

Recycle

Think ahead and minimise the effort and preparation for the next year. For example, make sure to keep all the usable gift-wrapping you get. If you get a new tech gadget, try to recycle the old one – your tablets and phone are full of valuable materials like zinc and gold that can be reused.

Instead of throwing away an unwanted present, you may consider selling it or re-gifting it. Lastly, consider donating unwanted left-over food to a charity like https://fareshare.org.uk/.

Christmas with The National Trust

Karen Neville

Home & Garden

Set a date to come together with family and friends for a Christmassy catch-up at a visit to a National Trust site in Sussex

Across Sussex, there’s a real variety of Christmas experiences for festive family days this year. There’s spectacle and sparkle for those ‘wow’ moments and selfies. Opulent decorated houses to get glamour-lovers in the mood for the party season. And nostalgic family trails in the great outdoors, themed on popular children’s books, to rekindle the magic of Christmas.

Zara Luxford, National Trust General Manager for Nymans and Standen said: “Christmas at the National Trust is always magical but this year we’ve got more decorations, trails and events than ever before. We can’t wait to see families and friends coming together, making memories, and experiencing the festive atmosphere at the places the National Trust cares for.”

Here’s a roundup of some of the National Trust’s best Christmas events across Sussex

The sumptuous one

A Joyful Family Christmas at Standen

November 19th to January 3rd (exc 24th & 25th)

Discover a beautifully decorated family home ready for a joyful Christmas, filled with sparkling lights and sumptuous trees, music and make believe. Outside, the Courtyard Christmas tree is lit with hundreds of twinkling lights, decorated by Same Sky community artists with local schoolchildren and inspired by William Morris. Don’t miss the twilight openings, carols round the tree and fun trail for all the family. Book ahead for Woodland Santa’s workshop at the top of the garden.

The magical one
Nymans

Beatrix Potter’s Christmas Tale at Nymans

November 26th to January 3rd (exc 24th & 25th)

Beatrix Potter’s festive tale The Tailor of Gloucester comes to the garden at Nymans, with installations around the garden. Step inside the gallery and discover an exhibition for all the family with some of Beatrix Potter’s original illustrations and Christmas cards. The house is richly decorated with sumptuous Christmas trees, sparkling lights and story scenes. There’s even a cosy storybook corner, puzzles and dressing up for the little ones. Enjoy festive treats in the café after a winter’s day out.

Image: National Trust / Laurence Perry
The tree-mendous one

Petworth’s Tree-mendous Christmas

November 26th to January 2nd (exc 24th & 25th)

Magnificently decorated trees fill the mansion at Petworth this Christmas. Highlights include the Marble Hall, transformed into an enchanted winter forest scene with sparkling lights and woodland creatures – look out for deer crafted from winter greenery, and tiny mice. In the chapel you can add a Christmas wish to a tree. Weekend choirs, late evening openings, and a Christmas market offer more moments to enjoy the sparkle at Petworth.

Image: National Trust / John Miller
The breath of fresh air

Sheffield Park and Garden

November 26th to January 1st (exc 24th and 25th)

Sheffield Park and Garden is a breath of fresh air at Christmas time. Take a break from the hectic high street and spend an atmospheric afternoon recharging yourself in this stunning landscape garden. Find inspiration and learn new skills as you follow the Making Trail around the garden featuring traditional Christmassy crafts passed from generation to generation. From needlework to crochet, discover handmade crafts that don’t cost the earth to make at home. Plus look out for the festive photo stops brimming with twinkling lights and cosy Christmas joy – the perfect place for a family photoshoot filled with yuletide cheer.

Image: National Trust / Laurence Perry
The cosy one

Christmas at Bateman’s

November 26th to January 2nd (exc 24th & 25th)

Make memories as you explore the 17th century house with welcoming log fire, illuminated Christmas trees and peacock-inspired decorations. Be dazzled by real trees decorated with twinkly lights and natural foliage, delight in an exhibition of Claire Fletcher’s original watercolour illustrations and get into the festive spirit with live music from local community groups. Music on selected dates, please check website for details.

The handmade one

Christmas at Uppark

November 19th to January 1st (exc 24th & 25th)

Celebrate Christmas at Uppark and see the mansion adorned with natural and handmade decorations. The entrance hall is richly dressed and festively scented with winter greenery, pinecones, citrus fruit and cinnamon. Above and below stairs, each room has its own crafted theme, from music to games, made by local community groups to create a unique and joyful Christmas experience.

Image: National Trust / Chris Lacey
The castle factor

Christmas at Bodiam Castle

December 3rd to January 2nd

Discover Father Christmas’s sleigh in the castle ruins. Jump on and dress up in regal winter costumes for the ultimate festive selfie. Look around the Castle Courtyard for Father Christmas, Mother Christmas or the elves just waiting to say hello and enjoy the magic of Christmas with tales of dragons, knights, and castles in storytelling for families from a cosy tower room. Christmas characters on selected dates. Please check the website for more details.

The literary one

Christmas at Lamb House

November 28th to December 18th (closed on selected dates, check website)

Be transported to New England in 1900 where Henry James, the American author, plays host to his family from New England who have transformed Lamb House for the festive season. Soak up the sights and scents of a traditional home-made Christmas in this stunning Georgian house.

Keep burglars in the dark

Karen Neville

Home & Garden

Thames Valley Police has some invaluable advice as the winter nights close in

Take steps to help avoid becoming a victim of burglary this winter with these tips from Thames Valley Police.

Make your home look occupied by using timer switches on lights and radios, which can also help conserve energy and save money.

Illuminate your front door with energy saving dusk to dawn lightbulbs that come on automatically.

Consider installing a video doorbell, house alarm or CCTV system.

Close and double lock all doors and windows when going out.

Always double lock doors and windows at night and when you go to bed.

Keep valuables and keys out of sight and away from doors, windows and letterboxes.

When not in use, store electronic car key fobs in a signal blocking pouch to help prevent them being scanned by thieves to open and steal your car.

If you have a key safe, ensure it’s not visible to people passing by, but anyone tampering with it can be seen.

Ensure laptops and electronic equipment are not on view.

Ensure your sheds and garages are locked and secure.

We wish you a healthy and happy holiday season, but please:

Don’t leave any presents on view or advertise them on social media.

Don’t leave packaging next to your bin.

Don’t advertise you’re away from home on social media. Ask a trusted friend or neighbour to keep an eye on your property.

Ensure you security mark and register your new presents and gifts online at www.immobilise.com

You can find further crime prevention advice at www.thamesvalley.police.uk

Please contact us if you have information relating to burglary in your neighbourhood. Report online, call us on 101 and always dial 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on free phone 0800 555 111.

Register for Thames Valley Alert at: www.thamesvalleyalert.co.uk to receive free crime updates and information from Thames Valley Police.

Consider joining a local Neighbourhood Watch Scheme, visit www.ourwatch.org.uk

Follow us on social media for regular crime updates and find out what your local policing teams are up to: Facebook: TVP Bracknell & Wokingham and Twitter: @TVP_Wokingham

Cyclamen confusion

Round & About

Home & Garden

Cathie Welch explains how to distinguish between the types of Cyclamens available

It’s that time of year again when the garden centres are bombarding us with a beautiful array of houseplants for the festive season. Every year it’s the same and I find myself having to clarify to students and clients how to distinguish between the types of Cyclamens available, so here goes…

Cyclamen hederifolium

These little beauties are 100% hardy and tolerate our climate outside. They’re fabulous for colonising shady areas particularly under trees. They grow from corms and ants help to disperse the seeds. Coming in various shades of pink and white and the leaves vary their variegation between plants. This species is fairly vigorous if it likes its location and flowers in late Summer and Autumn. Ivy is Hedera and these Cyclamen have leaves like ivy forming a beautiful green carpet once the flowers have finished.

Cyclamen coum

These are another species of hardy Cyclamen although a little less vigorous than hederifolium. They flower in the Spring followed by little round leaves, also varying slightly between plants. Shades of pink and white too and similar in their cultivation requirements. Grow the two species in separate swathes or you’ll find that the C. hederifoium takes over. You can see both types growing successfully in many public gardens.

Cyclamen persicum

These are the ones that are in the houseplant section. They can be grown outside briefly but aren’t frost hardy and don’t like our wet winters. Very rarely will they survive outside. I’m tempted by the gorgeous array of colours on offer but that can only be grown in cool conditions inside. A porch or protected area outside is perfect but water carefully!

It’s in the name!

I hope this helps to unravel the confusion. The clue is in the name. They are all in the Cyclamen genus, but the species differ.

Points of sale aren’t always specific but if you’re buying something from a greenhouse or polytunnel at this time of year, check before you plant it in the garden. The hardy Cyclamen will be outside with the perennials whatever the weather. They’re all gorgeous but like I say to my students, you need to do your homework! Happy shopping!

Cathie’s Gardening School Services

Pruning is the skill I am asked most about so I will be running pruning courses and master classes throughout the Summer and Autumn next year. Please come and meet me at Ashdene to discuss your gardening requirements and join in the learning, it’s addictive!

Contact

Website www.cathiesgardeningschool.co.uk

Email [email protected]

Facebook CathiesGardeningSchool

Chobham’s ‘King of Chelsea’ Mark Gregory

Ellie Cox

Home & Garden

Mark Gregory returns to RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023 with a “Plot To Plate” haven for Savills

“King of Chelsea”, Mark Gregory, is set to return to the RHS highlight for 2023 with a “plot to plate” garden for Savills. 

The Savills Garden will be his 108th Chelsea show garden and marks his return to design in his 34th consecutive year. The Savills Garden is set within the grounds of a country hotel. Revealing an intimate walled seasonal potager, with the show’s first ever working kitchen at its heart.

“The garden will be a feast both for the eyes and for the palette”

Mark said: “I am incredibly proud to have designed this garden for Savills.  I think it will speak to a lot of people and has, at its core, elements that are very close to my heart. A beautiful space, created considerately, that brings people together to enjoy fantastic food and great times.  The garden will be a feast both for the eyes and for the palette, demonstrating that productive gardens can be both elegant and delightful.”

Designed to demonstrate an “edimental” planting theme, combining edibles and ornamental planting, the garden provides inspiration for a “plot-to-plate” alfresco dining experience.  Ingredients will be foraged from the surrounding living larder and used to prepare delicious meals for the guests to enjoy in the adjoining dining area. Cementing the relationship between grower, guests and chef.

Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in this tranquil retreat, resting beneath a mature tree, taking time to reconnect with nature, enjoying the formal planting, whilst anticipating the taste experience to come.  The aim of the space is to help change the way we think about our gardens, the way we eat and source our food. And to share ideas and knowledge that can be introduced into even the smallest of plots.

This evocative and aromatic garden will capture the sights, smells and tastes of a productive garden while also delivering a beautiful, elegant space and a haven for wildlife.

Following the show, in keeping with its sustainability commitment, Savills will work with the Shaw Trust, a national charity running employability programmes and complementary services for people with complex needs, to relocate the garden. It will be replanted at Meadow View House in Nottinghamshire for their residents to enjoy.

Additionally, Savills will work with existing charity partner Rethink Food, an organisation focused on educating school children on food security, to share learnings from the garden.

Richard Rees, Savills MD, said: “We are excited to be returning to Chelsea with a garden design that touches on so many themes that are core to the future success of our industry and gives us the opportunity to bring to life our commitment to promoting sustainable development. It’s impossible to overstate the importance of nature in our lived environment. Whether in an urban or rural setting, and Mark Gregory, five times Chelsea Gold Medal winner, has designed a garden that will be both stunning to the eye and packed full of learnings for us all.

“I look forward to seeing the garden relocated post show in conjunction with the Shaw Trust. An organisation committed to challenging inequality and breaking down barriers to enable social mobility. We also welcome the opportunity to further develop our employee engagement with Rethink Food, and to exploring with them issues around food production and food miles, sustainability and the learning and sharing of knowledge.”

For more information about Landform Consultants please visit landformconsultants.co.uk

For more information about Savills please visit Savills.co.uk

Chilterns Walking Festival October highlights

Liz Nicholls

Home & Garden

Enjoy walk, foraging, local & literary history, cream tea, garden tours and more as part of Chilterns Walking Festival, 15th-30th October.

The tenth Chilterns Walking Festival features a programme of more than 50 walks and local events to help you enjoy the autumn splendour, the golden beech trees and hedgerows bursting with colour.

Highlights include Pipsticks walks on the day before All Hallows Eve for a spooky walk along the River Thames and lots of ghostly tales from the riverbank! Or take a Walk on the Dark Side with an exhilarating stroll through Bones Wood and Crowsley Park, tuning into the sounds and sights of the night, and ending at the pub for hot chocolate.

50 walks and local events to help you enjoy the autumn splendour

There’s also a foraging walk among the magnificent sweet chestnut trees to learn about and enjoy the bountiful autumn fruits of the forest. Literary walk discovering” in south Oxfordshire including the house where he once lived.

Discover and walk some of the ancient routes which criss-cross the Chilterns, exploring Drovers routes and the Slow Ways historic routes. There’s a nature walk at Aston Rowant to celebrate the 70th anniversary of National Nature Reserves. Join the rangers to see the wildlife that makes them so special, finishing with tea & cake.

Tour guide Bobbie Latter will take you on a guided walk around historic Marlow, followed by a hands-on lace-making experience and a delicious afternoon tea. Plus there are map reading courses, pub walks, local produce tasting, historic garden tours and much more.

Find out more

For full info please visit visitchilterns.co.uk/walkingfest

Art, design, your garden & you!

Karen Neville

Home & Garden

Broadlands in Romsey is the setting for The Garden Show from September 30th to October 2nd

The Garden Show is set to bloom again this autumn at Broadlands and although there will be fewer plants than in the spring and summer shows, it is the perfect time for planting trees, shrubs, bulbs, winter flowering plants as well as finding indoor plants to enhance the winter home.

It’s a great opportunity to source new talent, designers and artisans and browse more than 160 stands showcasing the latest specialist plants, garden and home accessories, art, design, sculpture, fashion, toys and a multitude of lovely goodies with tempting foods and wines in the Country Food marquee. There is something at the show that will appeal to everyone. It’s a good chance to do some early Christmas shopping and support the smaller businesses.

Apart from the extensive selection of retail companies there are many other attractions. Expert advice daily from ‘The Environmentalists, Jules & Lance, who apart from helping gardens thrive will be specifically providing the solution to any pruning confusion plus holding a daily Walk & Talk on The Hidden Life of Trees.

There is something at the show that will appeal to everyone. It’s a good chance to do some early Christmas shopping and support the smaller businesses.

On Friday Dr Ian Bedford, entomologist, will be running the Pest Clinic and can identify any bug samples brought along and how to rid your garden of them in as friendly a way as possible and he will discuss Britain’s Nature Recovery Plan. The show welcomes, Ben Cross from Crosslands Nursery who on Sunday will be extolling the British Cut Flower Industry … British Flowers Rock!

It’s not all about gardening: there are plenty of activities on site to keep all the family occupied including The Giant Tombola, a chance to win amazing prizes donated by The Garden Show exhibitors in support of the show’s chosen charity Jane Scarth House https://www.janescarthhouse.co.uk

There are fun times to be had with the children’s entertainer Crazee Hazee, learning circus skills and watching his hilarious Punch and Judy shows.

There will be ongoing artisan demonstrations along with musical entertainment from The Jazz Trio who will be wandering around delighting all with their evocative music of times past … all this and so much more to enjoy … including Huxley Birds of Prey who will thrill spectators as they soar to the skies.

Buy your tickets

Ticket prices on the gate –  adults £10, concessions £8, child £4 (4yrs and under FOC), family £26 (2A & 4C) Pre-book your tickets online 15% discounted!