LandLove Magazine October 2016 Vorige editie

October can be an unpredictable month. We may get an Indian Summer seeking out the last of the fading season’s warmth, or we may be plunged into a cold snap of frosty mornings or wet, grey days. Hopefully, it’ll be the former rather than the latter. However, regardless of the weather, there are still plenty of exciting things happening in the British countryside to make you want to don your coat and boots and head outdoors. On page 88 you’ll find some gorgeous ideas for craft projects to make with forest finds, while on page 104 we’ve got some great ideas to get the kids involved with nature by collecting and planting tree seeds. The clear, dark skies at this time of year are ideal for stargazing, and on page 108 we discover some of the best sites around the country to see the constellations above us. Foraging is a popular autumn pastime, so we joined the team at River Cottage for a day’s fungi forage (p.48). If you enjoy foraging for mushrooms in your local woods, then take a look at our delicious recipe ideas on page 54 for some new ways to cook them. While on page 60 we’ve got some heart-warming recipes for comfort food dishes, perfect for warming you up after a day spent outside. As autumn really sets in and the temperature begins to drop, much of nature starts to prepare itself for the winter ahead, so on page 80 we take a look at some of the creatures that take to their beds to hibernate over the colder months (the sleepy dormice are especially adorable). I was lucky enough to visit Somerset for our regional focus feature for this issue (p.114). Like so many people, I was guilty of previously driving through the county en route to Devon or Cornwall. However, having spent time discovering all it has to offer, I can recommend you visit. The landscape is spectacular and then, of course, there’s the local cheese and cider to enjoy!