What’s in this issue?
Where would we be without our dogs? They’re our most faithful, enthusiastic and eccentric companions. This month, Tim Relf reflects on some of the quirks of owning and living with a dog – in his case, two Golden Retrievers. From always finding training treats in every coat pocket and having a special ‘dog voice’, to explaining to your four-legged pal where you’ve been or are about to go, there’s invariably a whole raft of ways that you interact with your dog that are sometimes unique to you, but often very typical of the secret lives of dogs (and their owners).
This month, we’ve also got a column from the Cats Protection charity looking at how you might be able to provide a home for semi-feral or farm cats. These felines might not be domesticated, but do richly benefit from a home and our watchful care.
Plus, with the seasons noticeably changing, there’s a chance to win a great all-weather jacket from Stoney Creek, worth £300.
Also
in this edition…
- 26 things only a dog owner will know - Tim Relf is the proud owner of two Golden Retrievers and reveals the ups and downs of living with dogs!
- Would your dog choose you? Carolyn Menteith looks at how you can be your dog’s place of safety and trust – the kind of person they would choose to be their human.
- Sheepdog training – Dudley Edmunds explains how you can get started with training your sheepdog.
- The case for cats – The Cats Protection charity looks at how to care for semi-feral/ farm cats, and how our relationship with them can be mutually beneficial.
- View from the Farm – Joe Stanley explains the importance of good field drainage.
- Chalk it up to hard work - Lorna Maybery visits the Wiston Estate in the South Downs National Park to learn more about the challenges of farming in a unique landscape.
- Say cheese - Delicious British cheese recommendations from the Academy of Cheese.
- Viewpoint – Michael Barker makes the case for why local authorities should focus more on local sourcing.
- From rural shows to Bonfire Night celebrations, there’s dozens of dates for your rural diary.
- Megan Allen explores the medieval market towns and villages, particularly in Suffolk, north Essex and the Cotswolds that became wealthy from the medieval wool trade.
- Charlotte Reather goes behind the scenes at Axminster Carpets to see how they use British wool to make luxurious carpets and rugs.
- Smallholder view – Clare Hunt reflects on this season’s allotment highs and lows.
- On test – Lorna Maybery appraises some of the best winter wellies on the market.
- Buyer’s guide – from leaf blowers to winter tyres, James Andrews looks at the best winter kit.
- Dr Smita Patel dreamed of a natural swimming pool in her garden, and after years of waiting, the dream finally came true, as Nicola Stocken discovers.
- Feathered Focus – spotlight on the Old English Game Bantam, the colour of eggs, and the secrets of chicken vision.
