202101-BBC Countryfile

LAZY DAYS Photos: Alamy, Getty, Flickr / cigcardpix FAMILIAR PLACES Drink in the beauty of Devon’s increasing awareness of the dramatic Hartland Peninsula on a countryside code, why waste I was delighted to see that your walk along the South West Coast Path money? There are people out there October magazine captured places who will just do what they want, no I’ve lived in this century, each of angler, the work to remove old matter how you try to educate them full of footpaths, wildlife and weirs and the creation of fish them. John’s idea about educating secret picnic spots. In ‘Devon passes, thereby opening up miles the younger generation is the best Drama’ you featured the Hartland of potential spawning grounds to – they understand better than their Peninsula, where I worked. My daily migratory fish, has been especially elders and they influence their commute was along the almost appealing. Much work is still to be parents, and older people. empty Atlantic Highway done but judging by the quality of overlooking the ocean. At Hartland the trout and grayling caught by Most people respect and love our Abbey, Docton Mill and in my son and I during our last visit in countryside, but sadly there are Hartland village, gardens enjoy September, the Ribble Rivers Trust people out there who will never microclimates and plants flourish is succeeding. change. I’ve stopped commenting if there that can’t be grown Michael Lowe, Lancashire I see anyone drop rubbish because elsewhere in Britain. I’m sick of the threat of verbal and THE THOUGHTLESS FEW physical abuse. Next, in the ‘Rock star!’ feature Bill Gillings, Market Weighton, you focus on what was a black I have just finished reading John East Yorkshire country but is now a green country Craven’s article about the of nature reserves and tree-lined Countryside Code (November Editor Fergus Collins replies: roads. Living in The Black Country issue). I also read Sara Maitland’s I share your concerns but don’t get I loved fossil-hunting at Wren’s article about the downhearted. We’re living through a Nest, walking the canals and nation’s rivers, her hugely disruptive event – Covid-19 – exploring wooded Saltwells Nature comment being: it’s and it has a correspondingly big e ect Reserve. Now we live in the not rocket science, on people’s behaviour. I truly believe that Shropshire Marches near O a’s take your rubbish the more people visit and explore the Dyke, the subject of your feature home! Are people so countryside – and discover great places ‘The Wild Frontier’. So much to stupid that they think it’s okay to to walk away from the hotpots – then explore o the beaten track. behave antisocially if they visit they will grow to love and respect the Catharine Stansfeld, the coast or countryside, just outdoors. As in every walk of life, there North Shropshire because they don’t live there, by are thoughtless people, but those with leaving litter, blocking roads etc? REVIVING THE RIBBLE RIVER good intentions outweigh the bad My answer is yes, there is an many times over. I read with a heavy heart the article element out there who really by your contributor Sara Maitland couldn’t give a damn 101 on the subject of river pollution about anybody else. As (November issue). I am glad to to John’s idea about report that my local river the Ribble is most certainly not dying. The Ribble Rivers Trust, of which I am a supporter, is a dynamic, professional organisation that is playing a pivotal role in preserving and improving not just the main river but also its extensive catchment. Supported by a stalwart band of volunteers, its many projects, such as tree planting and removal of invasive non-native flora, has been improving both the environment and water quality of this fine river. A key to its success is the involvement of local communities, schools and, crucially, farmers in a myriad of activities all directed to the welfare of the river. As an www.countryfile.com

Winter midlayers Keep cosy with a thermal garment between your base layer and rain jacket Words: Pat Kinsella BBC M Male Countryfile F Female Magazine favourite MF Nano Pu Jacket, Patagonia, £180, eu.patagonia.com wet. It has three zipped pockets, including one on the inside, which is capable of swallowing the rest of the jacket and doubles as a This wonderfully warm synthetic-fill midlayer, in men’s (pictured stu sack/carry bag. The coat zips right up to your chin, but doesn’t left) and women’s (right) versions, is made almost entirely from have a hood as standard, which some people prefer in a midlayer reclaimed materials (the shell, liner, labels and zipper tape are all to cut down on bulk (hooded and vest versions of the Nano are 100% recycled) using reduced-emissions technology and fair- available). Wintery gusts are kept at bay by elasticated cu s and a trade manufacturing methods. The water-repelling polyester drawcord hem. Extremely light at 360g, the Nano comes in a range ripstop shell is stu ed with 60g PrimaLoft fill, ingeniously mapped of colourways. out in ba es across the garment so it holds its shape and performs VERDICT: 9/10 brilliantly, retaining almost all of its thermal properties even when 102 www.countryfile.com

BEST M LAZY DAYS fleece F F M Enduro/Ventura Fleece*, Páramo, £150, paramo-clothing.com Helium Down Hoodie, Outdoor Research, £200, outdoorresearch.com A versatile, mountain-ready garment, made from a water-shedding fabric, this Nikwax Fleece works as a lightweight (436g) outer layer Donning this jacket can only be compared to getting a massive hug. in warmer months and becomes a midlayer when winter starts to The sumptuous thermal properties (impressive for the jacket’s bite. Nikwax Fleece is more technical than it looks, and is both 436g weight) come courtesy of the premium RDS (Responsible water-repellent and wind-resistant. Its high-loft insulating power is Down Standard) 800+ fill goose down, which made it the warmest impressive, too. The hood is adjustable, and there are two large midlayer on test. It’s not a total softie, though – the fabrics are breast pockets plus a third zipped pocket. As with all Páramo abrasion-resistant. There are three generous pockets with zips, garments, the green and ethical manufacturing credentials are including one that acts as a stu sack into which the entire jacket impeccable. (*The Enduro is for men, the Ventura for women.) fits neatly. The hood is adjustable, as is the skirt, to prevent drafts. VERDICT: 8/10 VERDICT: 8/10 BEST BEST F green F value option M M Nimbus, Finisterre, £165, finisterre.com Cirrus Alpine, Rab, £160, rab.equipment Our top pick for sustainability, the Nimbus is made from 100% Made with all-recycled fabrics and filled with a synthetic material recycled materials, even down to the zip. It’s extremely warm, with that not only o ers excellent down-like loft and thermal a synthetic fill that retains almost all of its thermal propertieswhen performance but is also recycled, this 516g jacket is boxing above wet. The Nimbus is wind- and water-resistant, but looks fantastic, its weight on a number of levels. The outer is made from Pertex which makes it a great outer jacket when it’s not pouring. The Quantum ripstop nylon. It features three zipped pockets – one design is stylish and comfortable, with an adjustable hood. And the positioned on the inside chest – and a stu sack is provided entire thing can be stu ed into the inside chest pocket, making it separately. The hood isn’t adjustable, but it is elasticated and easy to carry and store. The only downside is the side pockets have boasts a peak to keep the rain o your face. The hem has a no zip, so they’re not secure for carrying valuables or car keys. drawcord and the cu s are snug but stretchy. VERDICT: 8/10 VERDICT: 7.5/10 www.countryfile.com 103

M FM F Men’s Smartloft 120 Jacket, Smartwool, £210, smartwool.co.uk Tognazza Jacket, Salewa, £100, salewa.com This garment is insulated on the front with 120g, 50% recycled wool, This unusual high-pile Polarlite hooded fleece from Italian alpine while a more dynamic sport fleece fabric is used on the back for specialists Salewa has a snug feel to it, making you feel like a cuddly ease of movement. Breathable, lightweight and water-repellent, it version of a mountain monster from an ice cave. Tactile qualities has three zipped pockets on the outside including one on the left aside, the tech is impressive, and this midlayer has an excellent breast, and two deep inside pockets for maps. The inside is lined warmth-to-weight ratio. The garment is body-mapped to keep you with comfy merino, which helps with sweat and pong management. warmest where you most need it, and side panels are made with a I learned to love this top dearly during testing in bleak weather. thinner, stretchier material, allowing you to move easily. It zips up to • The closest equivalent for women is the Smartloft 60 Jacket your nose and a tight-fitting hood keeps ears and face warm. There (£180, pictured right), which is lighter but includes less insulation. are two pockets, both with zips, and the fleece material is recycled. VERDICT: 7/10 VERDICT: 6.5/10 Men’s Mt Powder Half-Zip Midlayer, Columbia, £55, Men’s Tangra, Berghaus, £150, berghaus.com columbiasportswear.co.uk Stu ed full of high-performing, lightweight Hydroloft insulation, this This midlayer may be less bulky than others on test, but the Mt is one of the warmest and lightest midlayers we tested. In most Powder still o ers excellent thermal properties. The high collar conditions the Tangra is a capable coat in its own right, and even if keeps your neck warm, but if you start overheating, the zip opens you do have to pull on an outer layer, you will get away with a lighter to your sternum. This midlayer packs down small, sits beneath an shell while wearing this. Features include a substantial chin outer layer easily, and can double as a baselayer if needs be. It has protector, an elasticated hood with a peak and three generous subtle thumb loops and is made from ‘Omniwick’ polyester, which pockets, all with zips, including a deep inside chest pouch. It’s feels dry and reduces odours when things get sweaty. windproof and breathable, and is made with sustainable fabrics. • Columbia doesn’t currently o er a direct equivalent for women. • Berghaus’s closest equivalent for women is the Teallach X, £160. VERDICT: 6/10 VERDICT: 7/10 104 Go online See more detailed reviews on our website: countryfile.com/country-kit

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Country puzzles RACK YOUR COUNTRYFILE BRAIN WITH THESE WILD AND WONDERFUL GAMES COUNTRYSIDE QUIZ answers at bottom of page 107 A murmuration of starlings at dusk is c) Redwing one of nature’s most spectacular sights d) Fieldfare 1. What is a grough? a) Gartmorn starling murmuration. 10. What is an ermine? a) A small mammal b) Bennan Loch Where is the largest roost a) A stoat b) A hill over 2,000ft high c) Gladhouse in the UK located? b) An otter c) A natural channel in a d) Glencorse c) A beaver a) Shapwick Heath and d) A ferret peat moor 5. What is Britain’s Ham Wall, Somerset d) A spider smallest mammal? 11. What is ‘gekkering’? b) Minsmere, Su olk a) Mating dance of 2. Arctic and blue are other a) Bank vole c) Gretna Green, Dumfries names for which animal? b) Harvest mouse and Galloway the gecko c) Pygmy shrew d) Leighton Moss, b) Aggressive vocalisation a) Dolphin d) Common pipistrelle bat Lancashire b) Gull of the fox c) Rat 6. During a wassail 8. The New Year’s Day c) A type of Wellington boot d) Mountain hare ceremony, what is usually swim in the Firth of Forth d) A starling’s mating ritual soaked in cider and placed at South Queensferry, 3. Dunkery Beacon is in the branches of a tree? Scotland, is called what? 12. Which is Britain’s tallest the highest point in standing stone? which county? a) A pair of socks a) Grinny Dip b) Toast b) Silly Soak a) Rudston Monolith, East a) Wiltshire c) A baked potato Yorkshire b) Somerset d) The Apple c) Loony Dook c) Powys Tree Man d) Chilly Billy b) Stones of Stenness, d) Aberdeenshire Orkney 9. Which member of 4.What is the name 7. This is the the thrush family is c) Calanais Stones, Isle of Scotland’s oldest season of the pictured? of Lewis reservoir? magnificent a) Mistle thrush d) West Kennet Long b) Song thrush Barrow, Avebury 13. Which of these is the oldest wooden church in the world? a) St Lawrence’s Church, Denton b) St Andrew’s, Greensted, Essex c) St Paul’s, Boughton d) St Oswald’s, Lower Peover 14. Who was the “dark lady” of Shakespeare’s sonnets who lived in Gawsworth Hall, Cheshire? a) Mary Boleyn b) Margaret Douglas c) Elizabeth Cavendish d) Mary Fitton 106 www.countryfile.com

LAZY DAYS COUNTRYSIDE CROSSWORD CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS by Eddie James NOVEMBER ACROSS DOWN edifice? (9) ACROSS 1 Skegness 1 Chestnuts, say, seen on a bridle 2 Semi-aquatic mammal whose 16 See 24 across 6/22 Autumn crocus path? (6) den is a holt or a hover (5) 17 Female swan ... seen in sheep 9 Insect 10/30 Antonine Trail 5 Ammonite-like snail – might be 3 One who makes/provides enclosure (3) 12 Verge 13 Yomp 15 Ostler found on head of a Jacob equestrian gear (7) 19 Moorland shrub, also called 17 Westbury 19 Woodchat sheep? (8) 4 See 22 across ling (7) 23 Itch 25 Weave 26 Meal 9 Boss’s horse-breeding 5 Arrives at ... river sections 20 Prehistoric standing stones 27 Landfill 29 Tellin establishment? (4) between bends (7) – start of May, shrine rebuilt (7) 31 Redshank 10 Approaches, gets closer (5) 6 Beech fruits – found on sailing 21 Yellow/black caterpillar and 11 Derbyshire river ... and pigeon (4) ships? (5) the yellow flowering Verbascum DOWN 2 Kinder Scout 12 A great grebe’s cheek feathers 7 Prevaricating about natural plant it feeds on (7) 3/22D/11 Great Crested Newt – from the top of fast-flowing windbreaks (7) 23 River on Scotland-England 4 Estover 5 Sparrow brooks (6) 8 Limestone crag in Peak border, and a woollen cloth (5) 6 Antlers 7 Tansy 8 Man 13 Coarse jute sacking material (7) District’s Millers Dale – crows on 24 Final stage of an insect’s 14 Murmuration 16 Lyd 14 Rocky promontory on rocky hill (9) development (5) 18 BTO 20 How Hill 21 Trailer Cornwall’s Pentire Head ... rear 15 Viaduct and tunnel in 25/29 across Island chain, 24 Hydra 26 Mulch 28 Ant ends (3,5) Derbyshire’s Monsal Dale – grave location of Loch Druidibeag (5,8) 17 Swinish accommodation? (6) DECEMBER 18 A rampant annual weed – for a plump fowl? (3,3) ACROSS 6 Mouse 20 A Su olk RSPB reserve – 7 Scarecrow 9 St Kilda upset Reims men (8) 10 Gosport 11 Icy 12 Hound 22/4 down A South Devon 13 Reedy 14 Sickles 16 shingle strip and naturist beach, Pebbles 18 Snowy 19 Spawn near Start Point (7,5) 20/12D Sea holly 21 Rollers 24/16 down Douglas starts and 23 Butting 25/24 Wayfaring finishes a coastal walk here in the tree 26 Elgar Irish Sea! (4,2,3) 26 e.g. Jersey Tiger or Scarlet DOWN 1 Turkey 2 Fell Tiger (4) 3/13 Ragged robin 4 Jess 27 The heath genus ... in generic 5 Arboreal 6 Massifs alteration (5) 7 Statues 8 Withy 15 Crowley 28 Terrestrial, pre-adult newts – 16 Peatbog 17 Staggers partly left seashore (4) 18 Shrew 19 Siskin 20 Sting 29 See 25 down 22 Eyam 30 One who has property (5) This magazine is published by Immediate Media Company ADVERTISING AND MARKETING LICENSING MANAGEMENT Bristol Limited under licence from BBC Worldwide. Group advertising manager Director of international licensing CEO Tom Bureau Laura Jones, 0117 300 8509 and syndication Tim Hudson EDITORIAL Advertising manager BBC STUDIOS UK PUBLISHING Editor Fergus Collins Neil Lloyd, 0117 300 8813 PRODUCTION Chair, Editorial Review Boards Production editors Senior sales executive Production director Sarah Powell Nicholas Brett Margaret Bartlett and Maria Hodson Samantha Wall, 0117 300 8815 Junior production co-ordinator Managing director, consumer products Features editor Joe Pontin Sales executive Sarah Greenhalgh and licensing Stephen Davies Art editor Tim Bates Stephanie Hall, 0117 300 8535 Ad services manager Paul Thornton Head of publishing Mandy Thwaites Deputy art editor Laura Phillips Classified sales executives Ad designer Parvin Sepehr Compliance manager Cameron McEwan Picture editor Hilary Clothier Antony Jago, 0117 300 8543 Ad co-ordinator Florence Lott UK publishing co-ordinator Eva Abramik Section editor Daniel Graham Alex Armstrong, 0117 300 8538 [email protected] Group digital editor Carys Matthews Subscriptions director PUBLISHING www.bbcstudios.com Editorial and digital coordinator Jacky Perales-Morris Publisher Andrew Davies Megan Shersby Senior marketing executive Tom Bull Promotions and partnerships manager SUBSCRIPTIONS AND BACK ISSUES Press & PR manager Dominic Lobley Rosa Sherwood Annual subscription rates (inc P&P): and Emma Cooney Publishing assistant Lara Von Weber UK/BFPO £61.75; Europe and Republic Managing director Andy Marshall of Ireland £72.50; rest of world £76.50. Photos: Getty We abide by IPSO’s rules and regulations. To give feedback about our magazines, please visit immediate.co.uk, email July–Dec 2019 [email protected] or write to [the magazine editor], Immediate Media Co., Eagle House, Colston Avenue, Bristol BS1 4ST 40,226 ANSWERS QUIZ: 1c, 2d, 3b, 4a, 5c, 6b, 7a, 8c, 9b, 10a, 11b, 12a, 13b, 14d www.countryfile.com 107

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Next month Don’t miss your February issue, on sale 14 January GRAND GARDENS OF THE COTSWOLDS Brighten your February days by planning a summer tour around the beautiful flower-filled estates of these famous Gloucestershire hills Photos: National Trust Images, Pheobe Smith, Naturepl.com, James Forrest WALKING WITH PONIES WHERE MIGRANTS GO LONG DISTANCE PATHS Take a pony trek across Wales – just As we eagerly await the return of Plan a big adventure on foot on one one of many ideas for an unusual summer visitors, discover where of the many waymarked trails that and crowd-free holiday in 2021 thread Britain’s thrilling landscapes these birds spend the winter www.countryfile.com 113

Ellie Harrison overestimate how much we can do in a year and Photo: Jon Cartwright underestimate how much we achieve in 10. Instead of making unattainable resolutions, this new year I’m planning to appreciate nature anew MY GUIDE FOR 2021 I like rituals and I like life So for this new-year edition of the magazine, coaching. So every year around I began to pull together some nature-related this time I head out for a curry traditional resolutions for the year ahead, like with family members of my “make a date to watch the sunset” and “plant a generation for our annual Objective Setting. tree every week”, before acknowledging that my No ‘New Year’s resolutions’ for us – they’re not track record wasn’t really up to much. So instead, rigorous enough. I began to look back at my 10 years exploring Our Babber brings last year’s notebook and we country life across the UK to come up with my score ourselves on our best-laid plans. I’m always own guide to enjoying nature this year. at the bottom and Our Kid always does the best, mainly because he plans to “pay o my credit 1. Make true conversation with the people card” with £150 outstanding on it and I plan to who work with the land. For me, the human “write a best-selling novel, start and run a charity, understanding has been easily as uplifting as lose half a stone and build my dream house”. My the landscape itself. Of course, it is set up that brother-in-law still hasn’t left the job that he hates I happen across the head of the National Trust on all these years later, no matter how many times a drystone wall at the top of a moor, but even in I’ve o ered to call his boss myself. normal life, the people are there. In fact, without It’s all supposed to work because we use the a camera and microphone they are less guarded. SMART method (specific, measurable, attainable etc.), we’re accountable to each other and because My best conversations have always been o we have three courses over which to discuss how camera, often not relevant to the story we’re we’ll support each other. It is progress, albeit at filming. Like the foreman of a wood mill who had a pace we can’t easily detect. I suspect the moved away from a drug problem during school notebooks will increase in emotional value as the years and spent his young years carving small years go by: like so much in life, we always sculptures on the side of a road, living in a freezing caravan before finding paid work; or the rescue team’s tales from the mountainside, always spoken compassionately and never in judgement (even if someone was in flip-flops on Cairngorm); or the gamekeeper at Sandringham who believed in being led by science and finding room for every species. Listen well and be grateful for the work they do, nearly always poorly paid or voluntary. 2. Be in the season of this day. Each one a di erent tinge on the last, the seasons move through by the sunrise and sunset, not the financial quarter. 3. Walk the paths trod by our ancestors to keep them open. We have our favourites but lockdown encouraged us to find new routes. Ordnance Survey has an app to help you discover new trails. 4. Find ways to interact with the land. Don’t just look at it: get in the water, sit and listen and touch it. Be alert in either your eyes, ears, fingertips or your nose at any one time. My favourite memories are full of these interactions: swimming with seals on the Farne Islands, cycling on Bealach Na Bà and practicing qi gong in Lineover Wood. 5. You don’t have to identify it to appreciate it. There isn’t a person alive who can tell you the name of every plant and animal. We are all creatures of the land, we understand it and feel its beauty deep in our psyche. It doesn’t need words to enrich it. Watch Ellie on Countryfile, Sunday evenings on BBC One. 114 www.countryfile.com

with the Canon PowerShot ZOOM With image stabilisation and USB charging, it is perfect for families enjoying outdoor activities or the casual wildlife enthusiast looking for a compact digital camera to view or capture a quick memory. Get close with this palm-sized 12MP, Full HD camera. With one lens boasting 100mm and 400mm1 plus a digitally extended 800mm, this tiny fully auto PowerShot is ideal for families who love outdoor adventures, wildlife and for casual birdwatchers. Features and benefits: • 3 Step Zoom Fast switch between 100mm, 400mm, 800mm1 focal lengths • Full HD movies Capture high quality movies in 30p/25p/24p • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth®2 Connect and share with ease 1 Magnification is 1.2x / 4.8x / 9.6x at 100/400/800mm respectively, the focal lengths mentioned here are 35mm equivalents, and the 800mm is 2x digital zoom of 400mm optical focal length. 2 Equipped with Bluetooth® low energy technology. The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Canon Europe Ltd. is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners. Wi Fi® is a registered trademark of the Wi Fi Alliance.The Bluetooth® word, mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Canon Inc. is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.

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