The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall are well-known for their love of the great outdoors – to help with an outdoor renovation project, William and Kate actually ended the coronation weekend of King Charles III by visiting a Scout group, which is a cause close to their heart. The royal couple were taking part in the Big Help Out, which is a coronation initiative aimed at encouraging people to assist charities and worthy causes. They joined six million volunteers across the UK who came together to lend a hand in their local community. Following Charles’ ascension to the throne, William and Kate hav ..read more

Enid Blyton was one of the most prolific authors in history. During her long career, spanning 48 years, she wrote more than 600 children’s books. To date, they have sold more than six million copies. Writing in an age before digital technology was invented, and at a time when many of the population didn’t even have a television set; Blyton’s stories focused on children enjoying outdoor adventures. Born in August 1897, in East Dulwich, London, she simply wrote about children being children. Her books have been translated into 90 languages and remain best-sellers today, 55 years after her death ..read more

Louis Armstrong’s iconic ballad, What A Wonderful World, has been described as one of the most beautiful songs ever written. It became the New Orleans jazz legend’s top-selling song of his long and illustrious career. © CC0 The trumpet-player and vocalist recorded and released the gentle ballad in the United States in 1967. Released on the HMV label in Britain, it was the biggest-selling single of 1968. It rocketed to number one in the singles charts in the UK and Austria and made the top ten across Europe. With lyrics promoting positive thinking, the single achieved sales of more than 1.2 mi ..read more

There’s nothing quite as beautiful as an English wood in full bloom. A carpet of bluebells is one of nature’s most magical sights, so when they start emerging through the ground every Spring, it’s something every nature lover should witness. Perennial flowers, bluebells bloom every year. While the season lasts from late March until early May, the average date for them to start flowering in the UK is 14th April, according to the Woodland Trust. What do bluebells look like? English bluebells have bell-shaped flowers. They live underground as bulbs, before emerging in large numbers to create a m ..read more

As we start to enjoy longer days and the weather is getting warmer, camping season is almost upon us again. More than two million Brits will be taking caravanning holidays this year, boosting the UK’s £9.3 billion campsite and holiday park industry. The economic crisis is changing people’s holiday habits, with more than one-fifth of Brits saying they’re ditching plans for a foreign holiday this year in favour of exploring the UK’s wonderful scenery: and why ever not? © CreativeMedia.org.uk / Shutterstock.com Why do Brits love caravan holidays? Figures published in January 2023, based on a sur ..read more

When the weather’s chilly and we’re coming out of a gloomy winter, there’s nothing better than a spring chorus of birdsong to lift the spirits. March is the first time of the year when songbirds start singing at early dawn. Rather like a feathered alarm clock, between March and July, birds will be defending their territory and singing to attract a mate. While spring flowers such as daffodils and crocuses are an outward sign of the change in seasons as they poke through the earth, birdsong at dawn is an audible reminder that winter is over. © WildMedia / Shutterstock.com Why do birds sing at d ..read more

I Wandered Lonely As a Cloud (sometimes referred to as Daffodils) is one of the most popular lyric poems that is still read and analysed to this day. Written by William Wordsworth in 1804, it was first published in 1807 in Poems, in Two Volumes.   © tonkid / Shutterstock.com Who was William Wordsworth? An English Romantic poet, renowned for his lyric poems, William Wordsworth is said to be one of the founding fathers of the English Romanticism movement, with a deep passion for using words that were used by everyday people in his poetry. Born in the Lake District in 1770, he discovered hi ..read more

Caravanning is a fantastic way to travel without breaking the bank or compromising on your voyaging freedom, but many are daunted by the prospect of towing their own. Indeed, there is a lot to consider before you tow your caravan for the first time, but it’s certainly doable; and your first attempt can add to the sense of adventure! © Sue Thatcher / Shutterstock.com Can anyone tow a caravan? The rules for towing were updated in 2021. All drivers can now tow trailers with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of up to 3,500kg without the need to take a separate test. This does depend on when you fir ..read more

Bear Grylls is a man with an incredible reputation. For years, he has been at the forefront of survival and adventure with gripping TV series and enthralling books that detail his adventures. So, it’s only fitting that he would meet with another hero – one who stands behind his country as it is ravaged by war. Who is Bear Grylls? Bear Grylls isn’t just a TV star; his survival skills are based on personal experiences and expert knowledge that he has gained over the years. As soon as he was able, he joined the army and climbed the ranks to become a seasoned SAS soldier. Through this, he learned ..read more

Are you a hiker, jogger, runner or outdoorsman looking to challenge yourself? Want to cover some distance for a charitable cause and also test your limits in the process? If you love life on the move, then this article is for you! © Sam Spicer / Shutterstock.com The New Year is looking very good indeed, with many people chalking up fresh health and fitness goals. What better way to challenge yourself and contribute to a good cause by taking on a hiking challenge in 2023? 1. London Winter Walk Early training for the London Winter Walk Ultra Challenge is a fantastic way to start a new fitness r ..read more