Search results for ""Author National Trust Books""

A full-size folding map with over 600 National Trust and National Trust for Scotland places marked. Packed with practical information and quirky trivia Beautiful illustrations Features the UK 80', a dream route around the best of the UKA must-have for National Trust and National Trust for Scotland members and anyone who wants to plan amazing adventures in the UK. This full-size, double-sided, illustrated map marks over 600 National Trust and National Trust for Scotland properties and places, from country houses and castles to perfect beaches and breathtaking countryside. As well as all the practical information you need, like cities and towns, roads, railways and rivers, it provides a wealth of surprising and fun trivia too, like top 10s and the best place to go stargazing. And it's all linked together with a dream route that you can try in whole or part, The UK80', a wonderful journey through the best of Britain.

Read more less

Learn how to make and use nourishing compost for your garden with this handy little guidebook from an experienced National Trust head gardener. Learn how to make and use nourishing compost for your garden with this handy little guidebook from an experienced National Trust head gardener. It's packed with useful tips for successful composting, from deciding what to put in your kitchen compost caddy to how to use the final product in your garden. The author discusses the various composting set-ups you can choose, from simple plastic cone-shaped ‘Dalek’ bins to ingenious hand-rotated barrels and elaborate solar-powered hot composting systems, and gives full instructions to make a professional-looking three-bay compost heap from old pallets. Also covered are unusual and innovative techniques such as keyhole gardening and lasagne planting, and there’s a guide to wormeries and, for the very adventurous, snaileries. He also reveals the many uses to which compost can be put in your garden, and not just to grow plants in – as a top dressing to keep your lawn looking fresh and green, as mulch for your flower beds, or, in liquid form, as a powerfully nutritious plant feed. And there’s a handy guide to which bits of kitchen waste you can put into your compost, and which you really shouldn’t. Finally, if you’ve always wanted an exceptionally environmentally friendly composting toilet, instructions are here. Beautifully illustrated throughout, this practical guide contains all the advice you'll ever need to get your compost going and use it to help your garden thrive.

Read more less

Get to grips with pruning in your garden with this handy little guidebook from an experienced National Trust head gardener. Get to grips with pruning in your garden with this handy little guidebook from an experienced National Trust head gardener. It's packed with useful, easy-to-follow advice on pruning all the plants that need it, from individual roses to the hedge that encircles your garden, including shrubs, climbers and fruit trees along the way. The author discusses the best equipment for pruning, from simple secateurs and loppers to pruning saws and powerful chainsaws (though you'll need professional training for those). He includes an invaluable seasonal guide to pruning – find out why you should prune roses and lavender in autumn but keep your secateurs away from trees, and why spring is the best time to tackle buddleia to ensure a butterfly-filled summer. There is a useful section on the legislation around pruning, including dealing with potentially problematic plants such as leylandii, and fascinating practices such as coppicing, pollarding, pleaching and decorative topiary are also covered. Beautifully illustrated throughout, this practical guide contains all the advice you need to keep on top of your pruning and make your garden even more beautiful.

Read more less

Learn how to create the perfect container garden with this handy little guidebook from an experienced National Trust head gardener. Learn how to create the perfect container garden with this handy little guidebook from an experienced National Trust head gardener. It's packed with nifty tips and advice for gardening in containers, even if your outdoor space is as small as a few pots on a balcony or doorstep, to ensure stunning floral displays and abundant fruit and vegetable crops. The author discusses how to choose the best pot for the job, and how to position pots to harness the sun's rays or provide shade to suit particular plants. He goes on to cover how to work with colour and create height and width in your container garden, and the best ways to ensure successful drainage, feeding and watering. The book ends with a useful directory of the sorts of flowers and vegetables that thrive in pots, including some you might not have thought of. Beautifully illustrated throughout, this practical guide contains everything you need to create an exquisite display of pots in your garden.

Read more less

Chef Matt Williamson serves up an abundance of culinary inspiration from around the world, from breakfast classics such as French toast to Mexican barbecues, delicious baking suggestions to three-course meals. Whatever the season, this is your essential companion to the perfect lazy weekend. Weekends are the perfect time to treat yourself to some delicious food and in this new book chef Matt Williamson provides recipes ideal for any occasion – whether it is a lazy breakfast in bed, a healthy brunch, a leisurely roast dinner or a quick Sunday supper. The book includes chapters on Breakfast, Brunch, Long Lunches, Roasts, Barbecue, Picnics, Easy Dinner Parties and Bakes. The recipes range from brunch classics such as French toasts and Omelette Arnold Bennett to tasty long lunches like mussels in a saffron and fennel broth or Persian-style stuffed shoulder of lamb. There are lots of ideas for dining outdoors – from jerk skewers or Mexican corn cooked on the barbecue to noodle salads and black pudding Scotch eggs for the perfect picnic. There are recipes for three-course dinners, perfect for a supper party with friends, and tasty baking ideas such as ham, cheese and olive loaf, filled thumbprint biscuits and ice-cream sandwiches. With 100 approachable and easy-to-follow recipes packed with flavour and drawing on culinary inspiration from around the globe, The Lazy Weekend Cookbook is the perfect way to discover new delicious and indulgent meals.

Read more less

A fascinating illustrated history of the First World War told through the great houses of the National Trust. The First World War touched every family in the country and this book tells a story of national collective action and intense private experience. The First World War touched every family in the country and this book tells a story of national collective action and intense private experience. Country House at War presents a history of the war through the houses and estates maintained by the National Trust. It shows what happened to the people who lived and worked in many great houses, both upstairs and downstairs, and portrays how they were affected by the war and what happened to those estates in its aftermath. The progress and impact of war can be charted through the buildings and their estates – lawns that had once hosted tea parties and croquet given over to machine gun training and convalescent exercises, for example. With many fascinating and poignant personal stories and many hitherto unpublished photographs of the time, this is an important celebration and commemoration of the First World War.

Read more less

Fully revised and updated edition of the classic, stunningly illustrated guide to the country houses in the care of the National Trust, encompassing both interior and exterior design. The National Trust cares for a wealth of houses and historic buildings of all types, ranging from the grand to the quirky to the humble. This captivating book, fully revised and updated and featuring more houses than ever before, is a guide to some of the greatest architectural treasures of Britain, encompassing both interior and exterior design. The houses covered include spectacular mansions such as Petworth House and Waddesdon Manor, and more lowly dwellings such as the Birmingham Back to Backs and estate villages like Blaise Hamlet, near Bristol. In addition to houses, the book also covers fascinating buildings as diverse as churches, windmills, dovecotes, castles, follies, barns and even pubs. The book also acts as an overview of the country's architectural history, with every period covered: the medieval stronghold of Bodiam Castle, Tudor eccentricity in Hardwick Hall, 18th-century grandeur at Kedleston Hall, Victorian fantasy at Tyntesfield, and the clean-lined Modernism of The Homewood. The book teems with stories of the people who lived and worked in these buildings: wealthy collectors (Charles Wade at Snowshill), captains of industry (William Armstrong at Cragside), prime ministers (Winston Churchill at Chartwell) and pop stars (John Lennon at Mendips). Written in evocative, imaginative prose and illustrated with glorious images from the National Trust's photographic library, this book is an essential guide to the built heritage of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Read more less

Numbering some 1,500 individual items and housed at over 80 historic properties across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the collection of portrait miniatures cared for by the National Trust is considered to be one of the most significant in the world. Numbering some 1,500 individual items and housed at over 80 historic properties across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the collection of portrait miniatures cared for by the National Trust is considered to be one of the most significant in the world. As a whole, these precious works of art represent the highest standard of artistry and provide a history of miniature painting in Britain. They range from Holbein’s 1533 portrait of A Man Holding a Pink at Upton House in Warwickshire through to Wainwright’s portrait of Evelyn Ward (1916), painted several decades after the advent of photography had begun to supersede the art of the miniature. This comprehensive catalogue, featuring every miniatures in the National Trust’s care, is being prepared in volumes, divided by region. The first volume, covering Northern Ireland, was published in July 2003. This second volume looks at miniatures from the Trust’s historic houses in the counties of Cornwall, Devon and Somerset, including those that recently came to the Trust as part of its acquisition of the magnificent Victorian mansion of Tyntesfield, south of Bristol.

Read more less

Chickens are back in style with a vengeance: poultry breeders are struggling to cope with the increase in demand and gardens resound to the contented cluck of chickens. Chickens are back in style with a vengeance: poultry breeders are struggling to cope with the increase in demand and gardens resound to the contented cluck of chickens. This trend can be in part explained by the huge demand for organic and locally produced food; after all, what could be more natural than keeping your own chickens and collecting their eggs? This beautiful and practical guide advises on all aspects of chicken keeping, from advice on the full range of breeds available, choosing and buying the right chickens for you, to feeding and naming them and finally housing and caring for them. With charming illustrations throughout, you will find all you need to start and maintain your own chicken run.

Read more less

A celebration of a beloved and uniquely British garden style featuring cottage gardens from around the country. Features gardens created by famous writers including Thomas Hardy, Virginia Woolf and Beatrix Potter. A celebration of a beloved and uniquely British garden style. The cottage garden's abundant, informal style is rooted in Victorian dreams of a perfect country life. But it has found new expressions from the Arts & Crafts movement to the present day. This book showcases a selection of National Trust cottage gardens, famous and obscure, including writer Thomas Hardy’s cottage in Dorset; the flower-filled cottage garden created at Sissinghurst, Kent, by Vita Sackville-West and harold Nicolson; the Tudor manor Cothele in Cornwall, Beatrix Potter's Cumbrian home, Hill Top, and the picturesque Alfriston Clergy House in East Sussex. Cottage Gardens also features some of the most famous non-National Trust examples from around the country, including Kelmscott Manor, Dove Cottage and Eastgrove Cottage Garden. With practical advice on creating your own cottage garden, including key plants and techniques, this is a wonderful companion for all garden enthusiasts. With climbing roses, bright hollyhocks, pathways edged with honeysuckle, blossom-filled orchards and wildflower meadows, this is the perfect book to capture the idyllic British country garden.

Read more less

50 deliciously indulgent pudding recipes, from childhood favourites such as jam roly-poly and cornflake tart, to traditional British classics such as sticky toffee pudding and sherry trifle. In the latest book in this bestselling series, food historian and cook Regula Ysewijn brings together 50 deliciously indulgent pudding recipes, from childhood favourites such as jam roly-poly and cornflake tart, to traditional British classics such as sticky toffee pudding and sherry trifle. There are recipes sourced from National Trust properties, such as St George's pudding, made for Churchill at Chartwell, or Waddesdon Christmas pudding, served to the Rothchild family during WWII. Other sweet treats include possets, steamed puddings, syllabubs and blancmange, as well the delightfully named Wet Nelly, Bedfordshire Clanger, Apple Dappy, Whim Wham and, of course, Spotted Dick. The book also includes recipes for the perfect sauces and custard to accompany your crumbles and tarts, making this the perfect book for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Read more less

The perfect introduction to mindfulness, with an explanation of how it works, inspirational quotations and practical exercises for every day. Mindfulnessness is a practical, easy way to find peace in today's frantic world. You don't need a mat or a special room or to go on a retreat. You can work it into your daily routine – even at your desk. Mindfulness is about intensely living in the moment – being aware of your sensations, your thoughts and feelings and the world around you. It's like taking a holiday from your stresses and worries, helping to refresh you and give you a new perspective on what has been troubling you. This little book is a perfect introduction to mindfulness, with an explanation of how it works, inspirational quotations and practical 10-minute exercises for every day. There are attractive illustrations throughout to make it a perfect gift for yourself and others.

Read more less

Dunham Massey, near Altrincham in Cheshire, is home to one of the most outstanding collections of silver in Britain. Largely collected by the 2nd Earl of Warrington, the silver collection is remarkable in terms of scale and quality of craftsmanship and decoration. Dunham Massey, near Altrincham in Cheshire, is home to one of the most outstanding collections of silver in Britain. Largely collected by the 2nd Earl of Warrington, the silver collection is remarkable in terms of scale and quality of craftsmanship and decoration. This handsome volume constitutes a comprehensive catalogue of this extraordinary collection which contains over one thousand individual objects, many of which date from the period regarded as the Great Age of Country House Silver, 1680–1750. It is probably the largest collection of plate to have survived in the house for which it was originally made, with over weighing 26,000 ounces in total. Ranging from magnificent tureens to exquisite salt cellars, the range and quality of pieces in this magnificent collection are examined in detail for the first time in this lavishly illustrated catalogue. Specially commissioned photography and detailed catalogue entries provide information about the specification, manufacture, provenance and significance of the various pieces. Illustrated essays provide valuable background on the life of Lord Warrington at Dunham Massey, and a series of appendices include a transcript of the celebrated 1750 inventory, as well as information about other relevant collections of plate and the Huguenot goldsmiths who produced these superb works.

Read more less

Discover the history, legends and folklore of Britain’s most intriguing landmarks This beautifully illustrated book reveals the secrets and stories of fifty icons of Britain’s landscape. Some are natural wonders, such as Cheddar Gorge, Sherwood Forest and the white cliffs of Dover. Others were made by our distant ancestors: the standing stones of Avebury and Calanais, the Uffington White Horse, the burial mounds of Sutton Hoo. Discover how they came to be, the legends and traditions that surround them, and how they have inspired famous writers and poets. Reconnect with our ancient landscape with this fascinating and surprising guide. .

Read more less

Information, inspiration, tips and trivia to help you make the most of your gardening year This guide to how to look after and enjoy your garden month by month is the ideal thoughtful gift for any gardener. It’s packed with inspiring writing and National Trust know-how that will help beginners and old hands alike. For each month, you’ll find: Something to pruneSomething to savourA task to start; a task to finishA thrifty projectHead gardener’s job of the month – advice from an NT expertPlant focus – spotlight on plants in seasonWildlife – what to look for, how to helpWeather charts – sunrise and sunset, average temperaturesTrivia – Facts too good to keep to yourselfQuotations – Wit and wisdom from famous gardeners, past and present There’s information on enjoying other gardens too – with dates for garden events around the country, including from the National Trust and RHS.

Read more less

A must-have cookbook and guide for food lovers who want to be greener A Good Appetite is packed with practical information and recipes for making the way you shop and cook more planet-friendly. There are brilliant bite-sized guides to everything from eating with the seasons, batch cooking and the best ways to use your freezer to foraging and growing some of your own food. And there are more than 50 delicious recipes that are designed to be adapted in hundreds of ways to suit what’s in season or your store cupboard. It’s the foundation of years of great meals. By avoiding food waste and stretching expensive ingredients, there’s a payoff for your pocket too, which is important in these thrifty times. Jenny Chandler has created an invaluable guide that can change the way you cook – for yourself, friends and family – for good.

Read more less

Positively Green is a guide to caring for the planet – and yourself. From journalist and Positive News partnerships editor Sarah LaBrecque, National Trust’s Positively Green is an informative and captivating guide to sustainable living. With chapters on energy, fashion, food and more, you’ll discover what works, what’s worth doing, and what’s not. Positively Green provides advice on how to reduce your environmental impact, all while easing climate anxiety and boosting mental wellbeing. From changing how you clean your home to putting food impacts into perspective, this book is the perfect resource for those wanting to limit their effect on the environment and reduce climate-based worries. Chapters include: A Green Home, Energy, Food and Drink, Fashion, Technology, Transport and Travel, and Nature. As well as useful tips and links for further information, the book features ‘Positivity Pauses’ – inspiring vignettes that pull in wisdom from leading thinkers, academics and writers about how to face the climate crisis with optimistic realism.

Read more less

A gift book celebrating how much happiness can be found in 100 simple, everyday things – from the feel of fresh sheets to the joy of daydreaming. The perfect antidote to the pressurised, disconnected modern world. From feel of fresh sheets to the joy of daydreaming, this book reminds us how much happiness can be found in the smallest things. The writing is tender and uplifting with touches of humour. It's a balm for the soul in our increasingly screen-based, disconnected world. There are beautiful illustrations dotted throughout. The 100 simple pleasures include: Climbing a hill The smell of autumn leaves Fresh sheets The sun on your back People watching Holding hands Planting a seed The first coffee of the day Writing a Letter.

Read more less

‘Garden Book of the Year’ – Garden Media Guild Awards 2022 Discover Britain’s most beautiful and inspiring wild gardens, and how you can make your own. Winner ‘Best Garden Book of the Year’ Garden Media Guild Awards 2022 Despite our best efforts, and no matter how much we prune, tidy and shape our gardens, they are inherently wild. In fact, it is often the most unrestrained and untamed areas that add drama and romance. In this glorious celebration of exuberant, naturalistic planting, we take a walk on the wild side. Be transported to lush valleys and tropical jungles with exotic gardens shaped by Victorian plant hunters. Wander through beautiful bluebell woods, blossoming orchards and magical wildflower meadows, and explore prairie-style gardens inspired by North American grasslands. Discover special places influenced by natural landscapes, and sustainably managed spaces designed with wildlife in mind. You’ll find out how wild play areas can help children to connect with nature and how immersing yourself in quiet woodland can immediately benefit your sense of well-being. A helpful guide also offers advice and tips on how to create and manage your own wildlife-friendly garden so that you can attract birds, bees, bats, bugs and many other wild and wonderful creatures.

Read more less

A celebration of some of Britain's most important and beloved buildings – its sheds. From the humble to the not so humble. ‘An eloquent exploration of the creative, reflective and innovative space of the shed via some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes.’ – Gardens Illustrated magazine The National Trust looks after many of Britain's most important and beloved buildings – its sheds. They lurk in the shadow of grand country houses; they brave the elements on the tops of cliffs; they have inspired famous writers and housed everything from beehives to birdwatchers. These beautiful and sometimes eccentric structures are as individual as their owners. A Victorian coastal shed in Cornwall is where the Reverend Hawker went to write verse, and smoke opium. It's also the smallest building cared for by the National Trust. George Bernard Shaw’s shed could be rotated throughout the day to make the most of the sun, while sculptor Barbara Hepworth used hers for napping in. Rather than a place in which to create, many of these sheds are the creation. Alongside the literary writing dens and horticultural hideaways there are also floating sheds, coastguards’ sheds, artists’ studios, summer houses, beach huts, camping pods, bothies, teahouses, follies and much more. ‘This illustrated book will bring on a serious case of wanderlust.’ – The English Garden magazine

Read more less

This book breaks the work you need to do to keep your garden in perfect shape into daily five minute chunks. Following this little and often approach, you’ll be amazed how much you can achieve. Laetitia Maklouf is a garden writer and busy mother of three who has realised that the secret of gardening without becoming overwhelmed is to do something small every day. She’s packed this book with little bursts of activity – spruce, chop, nurture, fuss or tackle a larger project – that can all be managed in five-minute forays. Spruce the lawn by raking fallen leaves in October, or fuss with your snail defences in May. Nurture your hardy annual seedlings in December, and chop your hydrangeas in March. Every day, rain or shine, do something for your garden with whatever time you can spare. Before you know it, you will have a daily gardening habit and a beautiful garden you can enjoy all year round.

Read more less

Over 70 delicious and hassle-free meals that you can cook in a single roasting tray or pot. Simply take a handful of fresh ingredients, spend a few minutes preparing them, pop them in a pan and let the oven do the work. Roasting Pan Suppers is filled to the brim with over 70 delicious meals that you can cook in a single roasting pan or pot. Take a handful of fresh ingredients, spend a few minutes preparing them, pop them in a pan and let the oven do the work. In hardly more time than it takes to cook a ready meal, you can have a home-cooked, nutritious feast. Featuring vibrant meals, from ginger and turmeric chicken with potato and chickpea curry to lamb steaks in mojo verde with roast potatoes and green pepper, Roasting Pan Suppers is perfect for anyone wanting to squeeze nutritious home made meals into a busy lifestyle. The book also contains delicious vegan and vegetarian meals, including mushrooms stuffed with rice, spinach and pine nuts and baked pearl barley, peas, beans and green sauce. Filled with fresh, delicious and hassle-free meals, this book is perfect for anyone who wants to cook up nutritious food and avoid a sink full of washing up.

Read more less

The perfect gift book for any jam-maker. Includes 70 mouthwatering recipes for jams, marmalades and preserves. In the latest book in this bestselling series, food writer and cook Sara Lewis brings together 70 mouthwatering recipes for jams, marmalades and preserves. Whether it’s the quintessential English strawberry (to dollop onto a scone!) or the more unusual minted marrow & blackberry jam, there is a something for everyone. As well as delightful fruity jams like spiced apple & bramble, raspberry & rhubarb and High Dumpsy Dearie (a mixture of apples, pears, plums, ginger and lemon) there are tangy jellies such as sloe & blackberry or elderberry & orange, and curds such as gooseberry or St Clement’s. Or why not try windfall apple butter on your toast? In addition, there are reduced sugar jams ideal for anyone trying to cut down sugar in your diet. There are recipes sourced from National Trust properties, making the most of their seasonal produce from their kitchen gardens. Enjoy the Oxford marmalade enjoyed by Churchill at Chartwell, or rose geranium and orange jelly made with fruit from the orangery at Saltram.

Read more less

Colourful flowers are aplenty in this delightful sticker and activity book. Join in the fun by finding the missing petals, matching seeds to flowers, and adding a bee or two to the scenes. With plenty of dot-to-dots, colouring and sticking to do, Flower Explorer is sure to keep little hands entertained for hours. Bright, colourful flowers are aplenty in this delightful sticker and activity book. Join in the fun by colouring in the missing petals, matching seeds to flowers, adding a bee or two to the scenes. What makes a flower so brightly coloured? Did you know that flowers can be beautiful and fierce all at the same time? Well, that's if you're an unsuspecting insect! Flower Explorer is much more than just a sticker book, there's fun and interesting facts dotted throughout. With dot-to-dot, easy entry-level sudoku which uses pictures of flowers (rather than numbers) and a wordsearch, this is sure to keep little hands entertained for hours. Suitable for children ages 3–6.

Read more less

From the Chelsea Flower Show, the Glyndebourne Festival and Glorious Goodwood to Royal Ascot, the Henley Royal Regatta and Wimbledon, the British Season is a social minefield – and who better to guide you through the ettiquette, dress codes and insider tips than Her Ladyship? The Royal Jubilee and the Olympics have shown the world exactly what makes Britain Great, and the UK is the current place to see and be seen. But there is much more to Britain than just pomp and ceremony – and who better to guide you through the social minefield of the British Season than Her Ladyship? This practical guide will take you on a tour of all the best events, including Chelsea Flower Show, Glyndebourne Festival, Lord's Test Cricket, The Epsom Derby and Royal Ascot, Wimbledon, Henley Royal Regatta, Glorious Goodwood, Cowes Week and many more. Her Ladyship is always on hand to explain what happens where, giving invaluable advice on dress codes and traditional customs along the way. Insider's tips on getting tickets and what not to miss at each event make this the must-have companion of the Season.

Read more less

The perfect stocking filler for beach lovers. A beautiful little guide to one of life's simple pleasures – pebble spotting. Where science meets mindfulness. Learn to appreciate their beauty, discover the amazing journey that brought them to you, search for the rare ones. Leave no stone unturned. Turn a day on the beach or a seaside holiday stroll into a treasure hunt with this lovely little guide to identifying pebbles. Pebble spotting is one of life’s simple joys. There’s nothing quite like searching the rocks on a beach until that special one catches your eye – a perfect shape, a gorgeous colour, an intriguing pattern. But what is it? Use this beautifully illustrated little guide to find out, and to discover your pebble’s fascinating life story and secrets. It could be even more special than you thought… Geologist and passionate pebble spotter Clive Mitchell has created a charming and wonderfully browsable book that is a perfect companion to a day out or holiday, or an idle moment at home. This book contains entries on 40 different types of pebble, complete with detailed facts about the composite rock’s structure and where to find them, with examples including: Flint Feldspar veins Spotted slates Serpentinite Granite ovoids The rare rhomb porphyry – the holy grail of pebble hunting The book includes a space to ruminate on your own findings, taking note of the treasures that you pick up along the way and discovering the secrets of the stones beneath your feet. The Pebble Spotter’s Guide is the perfect introduction to everything you didn’t know there was to know about the mindful pleasure of pebble spotting and the wonder of pebbles. Simply sit on a beach or next to a stream for 10 minutes and find amazing treasures at your feet; there is much to discover.

Read more less

A beautiful little guide to one of life's simple pleasures – pebble spotting. Where science meets mindfulness. Learn to appreciate their beauty, discover the amazing journey that brought them to you, search for the rare ones. Leave no stone unturned. Turn a day on the beach or a seaside holiday stroll into a treasure hunt with this lovely little guide to identifying pebbles. Pebble spotting is one of life’s simple joys. There’s nothing quite like searching the rocks on a beach until that special one catches your eye – a perfect shape, a gorgeous colour, an intriguing pattern. But what is it? Use this beautifully illustrated little guide to find out, and to discover your pebble’s fascinating life story and secrets. It could be even more special than you thought… Geologist and passionate pebble spotter Clive Mitchell has created a charming and wonderfully browsable book that is a perfect companion to a day out or holiday, or an idle moment at home. This book contains entries on 40 different types of pebble, complete with detailed facts about the composite rock’s structure and where to find them, with examples including: Flint Feldspar veins Spotted slates Serpentinite Granite ovoids The rare rhomb porphyry – the holy grail of pebble hunting The book includes a space to ruminate on your own findings, taking note of the treasures that you pick up along the way and discovering the secrets of the stones beneath your feet. The Pebble Spotter’s Guide is the perfect introduction to everything you didn’t know there was to know about the mindful pleasure of pebble spotting and the wonder of pebbles. Simply sit on a beach or next to a stream for 10 minutes and find amazing treasures at your feet; there is much to discover.

Read more less

The perfect gift for bird watchers. 70 of Britain's birds – natural history facts, folklore and literary appearances. Packed with natural history facts, folklore and literary appearances for more than 70 of Britain's birds. A fascinating and charming guide that will make a perfect gift for anyone who loves birds and natural Britain. Did you know that according to legend blackbirds were originally white? Or that the number of times you hear a cuckoo determines how many children you'll have? Or that woodpeckers have special shock absorbers built into their beaks? Or that in 1958 a puffin was blown inland and knocked a man off his bicycle near Bromley? There are 40 beautiful custom illustrations in the book too, which will help beginners to identify the birds.

Read more less

With information on transport links, facilities, local attractions and fun stuff for the kids, along with maps of each route, this is the perfect guide for exploring Britain's countryside and discovering your new favourite walk. The National Trust cares for some of the most spectacular countryside in Britain. This guide features 100 walks from across the country, from the ancient majesty of Avebury's stone circle and the wonder of Giant's Causeway to the dramatic peaks towering about Lake windermere. The walks are organised by region, making it easy to explore historical sites, spot wildlife and stunning views wherever you are. The routes are graded according to ease, from two to eight miles in length, to include family-friendly rambles across parkland, adventurous hikes and everything in between. With information on transport links, facilities, local attractions and fun stuff for the kids, along with maps of each route, this is the perfect guide for exploring Britain's countryside and discovering your new favourite walk.

Read more less

A brainy book about great Britons. Pitt your wits against 100 quick and fun word puzzles based on famous British figures. These crosswords, word wheels, codewords and brainteasers will delight puzzlers of all ages. 100 quick and fun word puzzles based on famous British people in a cute pocket-sized package. Whether you are a wordsearch wizard or a brainteaser buff, this is the perfect book to help exercise your brain! There are wordsearches, crosswords, word wheels, codewords and all manner of verbal brainteasers to test puzzlers of all ages. You don’t have to know all about great Britons or British history to enjoy these puzzles – in fact they’re a brilliant way to pick up lots of interesting trivia as you solve the clues. There are solutions at the back of the book if you get stuck. This is a great little gift for yourself or others; the perfect way to while away the odd spare minute.

Read more less

Get into the great outdoors with this inspirational and practical guide to camping. Includes a guide to all the National Trust's sites – from camping to glamping and beyond – as well as the equipment, recipes and fun games you'll need. This is a practical and inspirational guide to camping. It's about getting outside and enjoying the Great British Outdoors, whether you want to do it under canvas or in a glamorous yurt. As well as a guide to all the locations and types of campsite the National Trust has – many in stunning scenery – there's information about everything from the best kind of tent to what kind of boots will keep blisters at bay. There's also a brilliant range of recipes that you can cook outdoors, even pizzas and cakes, so you can eat like a king in the wilderness. There are games and outdoor adventures for all ages – pond-dipping and tracking wildlife get you up close to nature, while kite-flying and building a woodland den brings out the adventurer in everyone.

Read more less

This guidebook tells the full story of this special place, from its origins as a timber-framed yeomans hall-house through to its 1920s restoration; a place that has continued to surprise and delight visitors since it was left to the National Trust nearly a century ago. Saved from destruction by Arts and Crafts scholar, Aymer Vallance, this medieval hall-house isnt quite what it seems. Starting life around 1480, Stoneacre was built from the ragstone quarry in which the house sits. Yet when Arts and Crafts scholar and disciple of William Morris, Aymer Vallance, bought Stoneacre in 1922 his wife remarked that it was practically a ruin. After years of neglect, Stoneacre had fallen into a state of disrepair. Together with his architect, Marshall Harvey, Vallance set about restoring the dilapidated house, and adding to it with parts from other local Tudor buildings and his own stained glass window designs. This guidebook tells the full story of this special place, from its origins as a timber-framed yeomans hall-house through to its 1920s restoration; a place that has continued to surprise and delight visitors since it was left to the National Trust nearly a century ago.

Read more less

A glorious celebration of nature and the simple pleasures of walking. This pocket-sized book has a perfect country walk for every time of year. The 100 walks show you the highlights of every season, from the beautiful bluebell woods of spring and the wildflower meadows of summer to the spectacular colours of autumn and the stark grandeur of winter. The routes cover all of Britain (including Scotland) and they’re all easy or moderate in their difficulty – ideal for relaxed strolls and families. As well a map and comprehensive directions, each walk has information about other fun activities in the area and nearby cafes and restaurants.

Read more less

The ideal gift for everyone who loves nature and the outdoors. 60 of Britain's unmissable wildlife wonders and where you can see them. This book shows you 60 of Britain's unmissable, world-class wonders of nature and tells you where you can find them. From starling murmurations in Somerset to otters in Shetland, from glowworms in Dorset to golden eagles in the Cairngorms. Along the way you'll also discover natural wonders that are right under your nose in your garden or even in the centre of a town – like hearing the dawn chorus and glimpsing a charm of goldfinches. A sequel to the very successful Great British Bucket List.

Read more less

A cornucopia of some of Britain's oldest and most beloved native trees, this book weaves together their rich history, folklore and traditions. This lovely book will enable the reader to identify Britain's trees and enjoy reading the rich folklore and traditions connected with them. From hawthorn to holly, from beech to blackthorn, each of Britain's 40 or so native trees are illustrated and a text weaves together the fascinating natural history, folklore, traditions, and remedies connected with them. The stories of some of Britain's oldest and most beloved trees, some dating back thousands of years, are included too. As well as a fascinating book to dip into, the illustrations mean it also functions as a handy identification guide.

Read more less

This illustrated guide celebrates the produce of orchards, allotments and gardens, from rhubarb, gooseberries and strawberries to peaches, damsons and plums. Each fruit entry details its history and folklore with gardening notes and tips for successful growing. A reissue of Home-grown Fruit (2007). A practical and inspirational guide on how to grow your very own orchard, bramble or berry. What could be tastier than fruit, picked straight from your back garden? Growing your own fruit can be a rewarding pastime and you don’t need a big garden or allotment to cultivate your favourite fruit, as they can grow well in containers and even hanging baskets. This beautiful and practical guide celebrates the produce of orchards, allotments and gardens, from rhubarb, gooseberries and strawberries to peaches, damsons and plums. Each fruit entry reveals all you need to know about growing and harvesting as well as providing useful tips on companion planting and pests and diseases. With beautiful illustrations throughout, you will find all you need for a fruitful, healthy garden all year round.

Read more less

A fascinating look at the life, influences, techniques and works of 18th-century landscape gardener Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. His transformation of unpromising countryside into beautiful parks changed the face of a nation and created a landscape style which for many of us defines the English countryside. One of the most remarkable men of the 18th century, Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown was known to many as ‘The Omnipotent Magician’ who could transform unpromising countryside into beautiful parks that seemed to be only the work of nature. His list of clients included half the House of Lords, six Prime Ministers and even royalty. Although his fame has dimmed, we still enjoy many of his works today at National Trust properties such as Croome Park, Petworth, Berrington, Stowe, Wimpole, Blenheim Palace, Highclere Castle (location of the ITV series Downton Abbey) and many more. In Capability Brown, author and garden historian Sarah Rutherford tells his triumphant story, uncovers his aims and reveals why he was so successful. Illustrated throughout with colour photographs of contemporary sites, historical paintings and garden plans, this is an accessible book for anyone who wants to know more about the man who changed the face of the nation and created a landscape style which for many of us defines the English countryside.

Read more less

A collection of 200 delicious country recipes from the National Trust. This wonderful collection of 200 traditional recipes brings you the best of British country cooking. There are mouth-watering recipes for every occasion, from soups, starters and light meals to hearty stews and pies, delicious puddings and teatime treats to fruity jams and spicy chutneys. The rhythms of rural life influenced country meals and dishes and led to tasty slow-cooked stews and hotpots and the rituals of baking bread, cakes and pies. There is a balance of classic ‘good plain cooking’ and rich, well-seasoned dishes often rooted in a particular region and focusing on local ingredients. Choose from time-honoured family favourites such as Slow Roast Belly Pork with Root Vegetables, Shepherd’s Pie, Apple Cake and Bakewell Pudding, or discover lesser-known regional country gems like Cornish Fish Pie, traditional Welsh Stew or Cumberland Girdle Cakes.

Read more less

A stunning glimpse of some of Britain's finest coastline, from the granite columns of the Giant's Causeway on the Northern Irish coast and the rocky cliffs of Wales and South West England to the great open horizons of the East Anglian shore. A stunning glimpse of some of Britain's finest coastline, from the granite columns of the Giant's Causeway on the Northern Irish coast and the rocky cliffs of Wales and South West England to the great open horizons of the East Anglian shore. However, this is not just a celebration of Britain's beauty, but an investigation into the preservation and maintenance of the UK's coastline. The Trust owns a remarkable amount of coastline, looking after it not only as a landlord and at times a harbourmaster, but caring for natural habitats, archaeological sites and historic buildings. Here is a chance to view some of the most unforgettable images of, and discover less-known truths about, our extraordinary coastline.

Read more less

Why settle for the same old jams when you could try something deliciously different? Jams With a Twist will take your jam making to a whole new level. Liven things up with alcohol, essences, cordials, syrups, teas, spices, nuts, nibs and kernels. Go foraging for exciting new ingredients. Create double- and triple-layered jams. Float fruit, flowers and herbs in your jellies. Or treat yourself to classic jammy desserts made in jars! Whether you are new to jam making or an old hand, these delicious recipes will inspire you to mix things up and try something new.

Read more less

Fully revised and updated edition of the classic, stunningly illustrated guide to the cream of Britain’s historic country houses cared for by the National Trust, encompassing both interior and exterior design. This captivating book, fully revised and updated and featuring more NT houses than ever before, is a guide to some of the greatest architectural treasures of Britain, encompassing both interior and exterior design. This new edition is fully revised and updated and includes entries for new properties including: Acorn Bank, Claife Viewing Station, Cushendun, Cwmdu, Fen Cottage, The Firs (birthplace of Edward Elgar), Hawker's Hut, Lizard Wireless Station, Totternhoe Knolls and Trelissick. The houses covered include spectacular mansions such as Petworth House and Waddesdon Manor, and more lowly dwellings such as the Birmingham Back to Backs and estate villages like Blaise Hamlet, near Bristol. In addition to houses, the book also covers fascinating buildings as diverse as churches, windmills, dovecotes, castles, follies, barns and even pubs. The book also acts as an overview of the country's architectural history, with every period covered, from the medieval stronghold of Bodiam Castle to the clean-lined Modernism of The Homewood. Teeming with stories of the people who lived and worked in these buildings: wealthy collectors (Charles Wade at Snowshill), captains of industry (William Armstrong at Cragside), prime ministers (Winston Churchill at Chartwell) and pop stars (John Lennon at Mendips). Written in evocative, imaginative prose and illustrated with glorious images from the National Trust's photographic library, this book is an essential guide to the built heritage of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Read more less

60 achievable adventures that celebrate the best of Britain and Britishness – must-do things that are on your doorstep rather than the other side of the world. If you want to ski off a cliff or swim with sharks, stop reading now. This book is about achievable adventures that celebrate the best of Britain and Britishness. The 60 mini adventures included are graded in difficulty from comically easy to mildly challenging, making them suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities. They include the most beautiful place to go for a stroll, the easiest place for a wild swim and, more importantly, the most spectacular place to have a cup of tea. Not to mention flying in a Spitfire and finding delicious food among the hedgerows. So what's on this Great British Bucket List? Well, a host of alternative UK adventures to get you out of the house. From fossil hunting on the Jurassic coast to forest bathing in Standish Woods, family-friendly music festivals to spectacular walks and lazy picnic hotspots, this essential guide is packed with must-do experiences. Discover the world of luxury eco-glamping in Devon and Suffolk. Book your tickets for the Minack, Cornwall's world famous open-air theatre. Follow in the footsteps of the Kinder Scout mass trespass in Dark Peak, or go canoeing down the Wye Valley in Wales. Besides old favourites, such as Stonehenge and Westminster Abbey, readers will find a bucket list bursting with suggestions for pleasant days out at some of the National Trust's historic houses. Whether you're luxuriating in Sissinghurst's famous gardens or moseying around Fountains Abbey, you're sure to have a uniquely British adventure.

Read more less

An exciting and beautiful new vegetable book by well-known food writer Sybil Kapoor. The 154 recipes are simple and modern and the book is divided into the four seasons so that readers are encouraged to cook vegetables when they are at their very best. An exciting and beautiful new vegetable book by well-known food writer Sybil Kapoor. The 154 recipes are simple and modern and the book is divided into the four seasons so that readers are encouraged to cook vegetables when they are at their very best and come into season – especially useful if they grow their own. Discover an incredible range of vegetable dishes, both as vegetarian options and as an accompaniment to meat and fish dishes, with this informative and detailed cookbook. Each of the 49 featured vegetables is accompanied by practical information for preparation and culinary notes with options for different ways of cooking. The featured vegetables range from peas and new potatoes through more unusual produce such as scorzonera and borlotti beans. The book is packed with atmospheric photography and contains mouth-watering recipes such as cucumber ice cream, salt-baked celeriac, wild mushroom and barley risotto, sticky blackcurrant shallots and carrot and cardamom cake. This is a timely book to tie in with the current renaissance in vegetable gardening, allotments and community agriculture schemes.

Read more less

25 tales of faeries, elves and goblins, beautifully illustrated throughout Faeries, elves, goblins, leprechauns, brownies, spriggans and many other supernatural beings leap vividly off the page in this collection of 25 haunting stories and folklore from the rich narrative heritage of Britain and Ireland, including authentic historical material dating from Anglo-Saxon times, the early Middle Ages and the 17th Century. Marvel over ancient spells to summon faeries to your house, tremble at the shapeshifting powers of dangerous faery queens, lose yourself amongst the illusions of Faeryland and learn how to protect family members from the terrors of faery abduction. Interspersed with facts on faery folklore, these tales cover faery morals, elvish misdemeanours, the spells cast by goblins and the sightings of the creatures, as well as their dealings with mortals. With charming illustrations from favourite illustrators throughout, including Arthur Rackham, this book reminds us of the enduring appeal of folklore and mystery for all generations.

Read more less

This is a very accessible history of the vices and virtues of British gardeners through the ages, particularly those who shaped the National Trust gardens. For a lighthearted look at the history of gardens through the characters who owned and created them, this book offers stories of greed, gluttony, pride, lust, wrath, sloth and envy, alongside the glaring opposite – tales of great kindness, love and generosity. From the garden owner who blew more money on ferns in one shopping trip than she paid her Head Gardener in a year, to Winston Churchill, wading knee-deep in the mud of his beloved garden at Chartwell, and from the intrepid plant hunters of the 19th century to the landowner who replaced an entire village with a more attractive bluebell wood, these stories of gardens, their owners and their gardeners are filled with history and intrigue.

Read more less

Switch off from social media and tune in to the tranquility of the natural world with over 50 seasonal activities to explore throughout the year Switch off from social media and tune in to the tranquility of the natural world with over 50 seasonal activities to explore throughout the year. This book is about switching off from social media and finding contentment in the here and now – taking time out to enjoy small tasks, connect with other people and enjoy all the beauty of nature throughout the year. A Breath of Fresh Air is structured by seasons, with a focus on finding joy in the natural world. Whether it’s paddling a canoe, spotting swallows on a summer evening, daydreaming on a deckchair, foraging for wild garlic, watching a film at an outdoor cinema or recording the sounds you hear in the forest, there are over 50 creative and imaginative ways to encourage mindfulness and find calm. The book also encourages wellbeing through physical activity, making use of the beautiful places looked after by the National Trust – this ranges from a wander through a bluebell wood, to using nature’s gym to practise yoga or balance on logs, taking up running or playing in the snow. Beautifully illustrated throughout, and with lots of handy tips on where to visit or find ways to wellbeing, this is the perfect book for finding inner contentment in today’s frantic world.

Read more less

Elevate your own green space and become a more confident and creative gardener with lessons from experienced National Trust gardeners in this comprehensive horticultural guide. ‘An accessible, informative guide for beginners, but full of ideas and tips for seasoned gardeners.’ – Sunday Mirror Elevate your own green space and become a more confident and creative gardener with lessons from experienced National Trust gardeners in this comprehensive horticultural guide. The National Trust looks after hundreds of beautiful gardens of every imaginable shape and size across Britain – from the grandest country estate to the smallest cottage garden. They manage such internationally renowned gardens as Sissinghurst and Hidcote. National Trust garden staff receive countless questions from visitors about plants growing in the gardens and techniques that can be tried at home. This in-depth guide will pass on their wisdom and provide the answers you are looking for. This book is packed with images of National Trust gardens of all types, spanning over 300 years of horticultural heritage, to inspire keen amateur gardeners and aspirational novices to realise their green-fingered ambitions. Written by expert gardener Rebecca Bevan, with the help of National Trust gardeners, the National Trust School of Gardening will make you feel confident about developing your garden rather than overwhelmed with unnecessary technical detail. From herbaceous borders to gardening sustainably, roses and climbers to growing under glass, each chapter provides snippets of horticultural history, examples of best practice from National Trust gardens, unique gems of wisdom from talented NT gardeners, and lots of easy-to-follow practical advice. Featuring a wide range of National Trust gardens both large and small, formal and informal, famous and undiscovered, high maintenance and low key. The topics covered and the insightful practical guides shared are easily applicable to private gardens, enriching even the tiniest urban spaces.

Read more less

More than 100 poems about Britain's nature in a beautifully illustrated book Seven chapters touch on different aspects of the British countryside, including seasons, birds and wildlife, woods, water, moors and mountains. This carefully chosen collection will inspire you to explore nature through a poet’s eye – the perfect antidote to ‘times when the world is too much with us’, as Wordsworth so beautifully put it. There are celebrated poems by the greats – Keats, Yeats, Tennyson, Robert Browning, Christina Rossetti, Philip Larkin, Sylvia Plath, John Masefield, Robert Burns, Dylan Thomas – as well as others by contemporary poets whose work you will want to seek out and explore further, including Carol Anne Duffy, Simon Armitage and Jean Sprackland. Where poems have links to National Trust sites, footnotes are included to explain the connections.

Read more less