In this issue

The original Nature boy
Shakespeare’s understanding of the natural world and its wildlife shows him to be a true countryman, says John Lewis-Stempel

The kraken wakes
Spectacular properties new to the market are giving the West Country ever more allure, describes Penny Churchill.

Christopher Jackson’s favourite painting
The poet chooses a poignant scene with a powerful message..

Farming to the fore

A LANDMARK food summit intended to tackle issues such as foodprice inflation, supply-chain issues, domestic investment and self sufficiency in food production has received mixed reviews

2 mins

The end must be good

ABATTOIR closures are causing chaos to farming and food businesses across the country, a survey has revealed

2 mins

The original Nature boy

Shakespeare wasn’t only the greatest playwright of our history, he was an avid ornithophile, a green man and a master of transposing the true power of Nature onto the page

6 mins

Making a modern castle

Castle Drogo, Devon, part II A property of the National Trust, In the second of two articles, Clive Aslet looks at the challenges of building a 20th-century castle and the recent work of the National Trust to restore it

7 mins

Let's pull together

We all love to see a heritage train chugging through the landscape, but without the extraordinary volunteer dedication, many would be rusting in the sidings. Melanie Bryan selects some nostalgic journeys and Kate Green finds her local Somerset line thriving

8 mins

Move over Mrs Beeton

Credited as ‘the mother of the modern wedding cake’, the 18th-century housekeeper, caterer and confectioner Elizabeth Raffald should be better remembered for her great contribution to British cuisine, contends Neil Buttery

4 mins

The kraken wakes

After what seems like the longest winter ever, the West Country market has suddenly gone into overdrive

7 mins

Give it a west

Devon, Cornwall and Somerset are as desirable as ever

3 mins

Stop the clock

THE best gardening days start with many possibilities, but no fixed plan

3 mins

Where the wild orchids sing

The enchantingly beautiful native orchid is, tragically, one of Britain’s most endangered wildflowers, but it’s still possible to see them if you look in the right places

5 mins

Read all stories from Country Life UK

Country Life UK Magazine Description:

Country Life; architecture, gardens, countryside, property, the very best of British life Published by IPC Media. Country Life, the quintessential English magazine, is undoubtedly one of the biggest and instantly recognisable brands in the UK today. It has a unique core mix of contemporary country-related editorial and top end property advertising. Editorially, the magazine comments in-depth on a wide variety of subjects, such as architecture, the arts, gardens and gardening, travel, the countryside, field-sports and wildlife. With renowned columnists and superb photography Country Life delivers the very best of British life every week.