In this issue

Ladies first: Newnham at 150
Jake Fiennes: why Nature likes a mess
Samphire: return of the mermaid’s kiss
Why windmills are back in business

Henry Williamson by Edward Seago

My favourite painting David Profumo

2 mins

Ode to our wastelands

Losing small patches of scrubby land to new houses might not seem significant, but these little Edens are vital for Nature, contends Mary Colwell

3 mins

On the edge - Interview Jake Fiennes

Holkham’s director of conservation on changing farming to feed us and protect wildlife

5 mins

Architecture for education

To mark the 150th anniversary of the foundation of Newnham College and the arrival of women scholars in Cambridge, Kathryn Ferry examines the distinctive style of the college buildings

8 mins

The taste of a mermaid's kiss

Once viewed as a lowly substitute, salt-loving marsh samphire is back in favour in our gardens and on our plates, says Julia Platt Leonard

4 mins

Sail away with me

Our remaining windmills are unashamedly romantic slices of old England. Last spring, those still working went into overdrive to meet local demand for flour, reports Eleanor Doughty

6 mins

Celebrating the charm of the evening chorus

Although not as intense as their dawn serenade, our birds’ evensong offers a ‘jazzier’ performance, especially in April when there are no leaves to soften the sweet sound, says John Lewis-Stempel

4 mins

Interiors The designer's room

By introducing curves, Irene Gunter fitted a bath and a double shower into this London townhouse

1 min

Heritage reinstated

The grand estates and houses of East Anglia have been brought back to life in recent years

5 mins

With fens like these..

Cambridgeshire and Norfolk have a rich history not only in agriculture and ecology, but homes, too

3 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.