Countryside HQ

11/03/2024

There are always times that we aren’t riding as much as we would like to be or out competing as much as we want to be. This can be due to many different reasons, whether that’s work commitments, weather, or time. But when it comes down to not riding, we probably always think of:

Lunging, Long-lining, Free schooling, In hand Walking, Turnout Time

“But most of these need just as much time and focus a riding…”

Natasha from Natasha Wakefield Veterinary Physiotherapist explains there are ways we can keep our horses ticking over that can be added into your routine easily without too much hassle. Read more on the HQ website >> countrysidehq.com >> Blogs

10/03/2024

When farms branch out from traditional farming, by adding new revenue-making activities, this is classed as Diversification. This can be an expansion of agricultural activities into new innovations, or moving into non-agricultural business types.

The Workman family have been milking for over 20 years on and Jade our North East reporter recently visited their milk vending machine...

countrysidehq.com >> blog

09/03/2024

With Spring on the horizon (at last!) 5th Generation farmer, Emily Davies talks us through life on the farm over Winter...

Emily "It is also the time where, in our particular herd, calving season is just around the corner. The circle of life surrounding a livestock farmer is a statement that I can be pretty certain is one that is agreed on by all of us; it is something that never gets old and having the next generation come up and through our herds is a privilege to be a part of.

For us personally, the bloodlines within our cattle herd date back over 20 years, to a line that my Grandfather started up, and something my Dad and I have been very passionate about preserving over these following years. We use the winter season to bring the cattle back home to the farm, where they spend the next months housed inside our sheds to prepare for either calving, or for market sales post TB (tuberculous) testing. We then spend the rest of the time looking forward to the year ahead, and what improvements we can do to make each year better than the last"

Read Emily's full blog >> countrysidehq.com >> Blogs

07/03/2024

Ranscombe Farm reserve covers areas from Stood to Cuxton and beyond. Carly our South East Reporter visited in the summer which was covered in poppies (the picture above) and was lucky to see wild deer grazing amongst the poppies. What a sight!

Read more about Carly's visit and to find the link to an education pack which includes a bit of history of the reserve, work being done in the woodlands, maps, activities and much more.

countrysidehq.com >> Blog

How to find Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve
📍 Location: Cuxton, Medway, Kent ME2 1LA
🔎 What Three Words location: ///hood.pull.drives

06/03/2024

Say hello to who has joined our team of Authors here at the Countryside HQ! 👋

"I’m Beth, a photographer, social media marketer and content creator based in Cambridgeshire. More importantly, I’m a lover of all things country life. I’m happiest when outside and being active, and when I’m not working you’ll most likely find me taking my horse out for a hack, or being with my dog (we love going to agility together). I’m always on the hunt for new places to visit, and great food and coffee (because coffee is essential), and love travelling and discovering new places."

05/03/2024

Who doesn't love some pub grub?! Sam our East of England Reporter, is on the hunt for the best country pub in Heretfordshire...

"Picture this, a beautiful and welcoming old pub in picturesque countryside surroundings with a working fireplace and delicious, hearty food, some well behaved dogs laying calmly by their owners feet, and with a clientele that is a mix of walkers, locals and the ‘city slickers’ looking for the ideal country inn. Sounds idyllic doesn’t it! With this picture in my mind, I’m on the hunt for the perfect country pub. I’m looking for somewhere we can unwind, enjoy amazing food and the serenity of our surroundings. In addition to the welcoming and warm atmosphere, perhaps Instagram worthy images, and great food, customer service is also really important to us. Oh, and good value for money too.

Why are we on this quest, you may ask? My husband is a London boy with dreams of living in a rural location, and I’m a Hertfordshire townie with connections to the countryside courtesy of having horses until around 10 years ago. We’re also massive foodies, and we enjoy eating out as well as cooking. Unfortunately, eating out in some places makes us wish we hadn’t bothered. We are slowly gathering a small list of fail safe places to eat out, and adding a lovely quiet country pub would be amazing."... continue reading >> countrysidehq.com >> Blog

04/03/2024

Imogen is joining us as our East Midlands Reporter 👋

"My Name is Imogen Moon, I'm an equine and dog photographer based in Derbyshire. I've got 2 handsome little JRTs called Charlie & Albert, who go everywhere with me pretty much. We love staycations in the roof tent, hiking, and anything that's outdoors. If we're not outside you'll most likely find us on the sofa with some chocolate and gin. The countryside and outdoors is a great healer and I'm really excited to share some of my favourite spots and things to do with the Countryside HQ audience."

Find Imogen on Instagram and follow the adventures of Charlie & Albert

13/02/2024

yet despite its own ambitions, much of the Government’s response seems to have missed the opportunity to grow the British horticulture sector. - 🗣️ NFU horticulture and potatoes board chair Martin Emmett

NEWS:
Government must take horticulture sector seriously or risk its future.

The government’s response1 to the House of Lords Horticulture Sector Committee Report does not adequately address the significant challenges facing the sector and misses the opportunity to grow our fruit, vegetable, plants and flower industry, says the NFU.

This is despite the horticulture sector being earmarked by the government at its Farm to Fork summit as an area for growth and a promise of a Horticulture Strategy within its own Food Strategy, published in 2022.

Martin Emmett Continues, “As an industry we are facing the third year of unprecedented and highly volatile costs of production, together with supply chains that return little value back to growers. The recent Promar2 report showed this is having a direct impact on growers with many business owners saying they are thinking about cutting production this coming season. The risk and lack of reward is simply too high.

“Having experienced shortages of some of the nation’s favourite fruit and vegetables in the past 12 months, and with ongoing global instability, our supply chain is fragile. We shouldn’t rely on imports to feed the nation. Instead we need government to match its own ambitions for the sector, alongside supporting our ornamental plant and flower businesses to achieve their environmental and biosecurity objectives.

“As a start, we need to give our British growers certainty by having a consistent plan for seasonal labour, including a five-year rolling Seasonal Workers Scheme, as well as sustainable returns and longer-term contracts with their key customers, the retailers and processors.”

09/02/2024

That Friday feeling 🥳 where are you off to this weekend?

Tag below to let us know!! 👇👇👇

09/02/2024

📍Hertfordshire

Hi! I’m Sam. I’m born and bred in Hertfordshire, and live there with my husband and 2 dogs.

Hertfordshire and the surrounding counties have a wide range of places to visit, including historic towns, churches, restaurants, and lots of places for days out.

My husband and I are foodies! I enjoy cooking, and we like to eat out and experience new places. Not only do we have a passion for good food, we also have a passion for great customer service.

In addition to having the dogs, I also spend some time down at the yard, going for a hack when I can. The serenity of riding in the woods if often just what is needed between working in hospitality, running a face painting business and building a wellness business called

08/02/2024

🌳 Supposedly used as a hideout by Robin Hood’s merry men, The Major Oak’s is possibly the most famous tree in the UK.

The canopy spread is a huge 28 metres!

Found in Sherwood Forest The Major Oak’s is one of 70 trees chosen as part of the , a 70th Jubilee programme to inspire the planting of new trees across the country.

07/02/2024

30/01/2024

Say hello to Carly 👋 our C.HQ Reporter for the South East/Kent area...

"Hi, I’m Carly and I live in Kent. Also with my sidekick dog Zac and boyfriend Bill, we love nothing more than exploring and having adventures in Kent. One of my passions is horses and horse riding so I’m sure they will make a feature too.

Kent has so much to offer stunning countryside, traditional seaside towns, local cuisines, historic sites, vineyards and so much more. We are excited to bring you on our adventures which we hope you will take yourselves one day."

29/01/2024

Toutbeck village in the Lake District has a rich history, and many buildings showcase traditional architecture. Stone cottages with slate roofs, charming gardens, and narrow lanes contribute to the village's historic charm.

At the end of the Troutbeck village is Jesus church built in 1736, where you'll find stained-glass windows by Edward Burne-Jones and William Morris.

Beatrix Potter used to live in the village at Troutbeck Park Farm.

One of the notable natural features in the area is Troutbeck Tongue, a prominent hill that offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and Lake Windermere. Hiking to the top of Troutbeck Tongue is a popular activity for visitors.

📍 What3Words ///birthing.ignoring.young
📸 Bob McCraight and Dave Bolton (Church photo)

28/01/2024

How many photos have you got on your phone?! I've got thousands 🫣 How many have you got?
I've got thousands on my phone. I'm always snapping pretty landscape photos wherever we go (either that or taking photos of our daughter, our dogs or the horse 😆 plus all the outtakes!)

Check out Top Tips for taking better photos outdoors whether you're using a smartphone or DSLR....

Light ➡️ An understanding of light and shadow can make or break a photo.
Composition ➡️ Consider how to “compose” the image.
Keep it simple ➡️ Don’t try to overcomplicate it!
Embrace the colours ➡️ There are so many colours within the British countryside, so be prepared to experiment with them!

Read more at countrysidehq.com >> blog

27/01/2024

Middle Black Clough near the Woodhead Reservoir in the Peak District, is a popular wild swimming spot and with a drop of 10m makes for some stunning photos!

(Heads up, there is a water crossing en route if you are following the path from Middle Black Clough)

📍 What3Words///alpha.javelin.serious
📸Michele Pohl '

25/01/2024

On a clear day, you can see all the way from the Pennines to the Welsh mountains from Beeston Castle, a medieval castle sited 350ft above the Cheshire Plains.

Surrounded by 40 acres of rich woodland there is plenty to explore.

What3Words ///bats.quitter.offers
📍Chapel Lane, Beeston CW6 9TX
📞0370 333 1181

24/01/2024