With the amount of change going on at the moment it is sometimes difficult to know where to turn, especially when it comes to planning the future of a rural business. One of my personal challenges over the next six or so years is to adapt my family’s business in Essex, based on 700 acres ..read more

‘We live in interesting times’. I find this phrase to be somewhat timeless given that, whatever generation we are born into, ‘times’ are always ‘interesting’, given that the world is always in flux. If the world and society didn’t change then life and time would not be what they are. However, this said, it is ..read more

Have you ever found yourself asking yourself this question? Is there ever such a thing as perfect weather at the right time? Perhaps not. As I write this I’m looking out at a snowy landscape…still. This time last week it felt as if Spring were around the corner with bright blue skies, birds singing and ..read more

Researchers in Costa Rica have found that some bacteria on the skin of amphibians prevent growth of the fungus responsible for what has been dubbed ‘the amphibian apocalypse’. Published in the journal Microbiology, the research identified a number of bacteria which could growth of the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). One particularly dangerous strain of the fungus, called BdGPL-2, is responsible for ..read more

I began this year with optimism, a new set of goals, a hopeful wish for new experiences and a determination to put 2020 firmly in the past and make the most of each and every day this year. In personal terms, society terms, global health terms and farming terms 2020 was a year of upheaval ..read more

COVID-19 has completely upended daily activities and routines. Practically every aspect of life has been touched by the pandemic, whether you’re talking about social distancing and wearing face masks when you visit your favourite pub or working and attending school remotely. Another major area of life that’s been affected — or more accurately halted ..read more

It has been months since I wrote on this blog, something that has been difficult to swallow, for it was here that I began publically thinking about and discussing issues connected with the countryside in the first place, almost seven years ago. I have titled this post ‘writer’s block’ but that hasn’t been the reason ..read more

In the last couple of years, people have become concerned about what impact their actions can have on both the environment and climate change. A lot of the decisions and activities performed by people appear to harm the structure and composition of the Earth; hence the destruction of wildlife, the ozone layer etc. The idea ..read more

Many homeowners choose to grow their own fruit and vegetables, and some even raise animals. They also build barns and garages. It’s a lot of work which can be stressful and time- consuming. Most homeowners need to use the right tools and equipment to reduce the work overload and save time.  Owning a compact tractor ..read more

Many homeowners choose to grow their own fruit and vegetables, and some even raise animals. They also build barns and garages. It’s a lot of work which can be stressful and time- consuming. Most homeowners need to use the right tools and equipment to reduce the work overload and save time.  Owning a compact tractor ..read more