Searching for SNOWDROPS

Philippa Pearson recommends the best gardens in Hertfordshire and beyond to see spectacular snowdrop displays this winter

Natural treasure

The twinset had become something of a middle-aged cliché, now pearls are popping up everywhere

Lightning limo

The Continental GT continues a century-old tradition of automotive excellence (and speed) at Bentley

Herts' most ROMANTIC PLACES

Love is in the air, everywhere I look around... Well maybe not everywhere but certainly there are beautifully romantic places in Herts, even perfect spots to pop the question this leap year

Here come THE BRIDES

A collaboration between a new bridal boutique and St Albans Museum + Gallery has resulted in a stunning series of photographs

EILEEN'S DIARIES

Thirty years after her death, the little-known yet fascinating Hertfordshire wildlife diaries of Enid Blyton illustrator Eileen Soper are being collated into a book

A gentleman gardener

Created by one of the most influential botanists of the 20th century, E A Bowles’ garden at Myddelton House continues to grow

STAYING ON TRACK

It’s as perennial as Christmas pud – come the new year we view our waistlines and determine to get fitter. Former GB athlete Gemma Weetman shares her tips for not giving up

MAKING ME TIME

It’s one of the most popular new year’s resolutions - to get back some ‘me time’. But how do we do it, when things are always so hectic? The simple things can really help

Wonderful wetlands

Herts’ wetlands are at their best at this time of year as wildfowl overwinter in their thousands. Wrap up and go and see the spectacle

GIANTS of science

A new exhibition at St Albans Museum + Gallery celebrates globally important scientists who have lived, worked and studied in the city. Curator Sarah Keeling shares three of the remarkable stories

An ordinary REBEL

From Herts county councillor to arrested climate protester, Amanda King is one of the growing number of normally lawabiding people eschewing regular politics for direct action

River Ver Trail

Its course has powered industry, supported holy orders and continues to be an important, if threatened, wildlife habitat. Take the train and explore the rich river Ver

Running for health (yours & others)

A simple and inspirational idea has helped raise thousands of pounds to give those with serious illnesses a new lease of life – and get hundreds fit

A YEAR OF CULTURE

Culture takes centre stage in the county in 2020 in a year-long campaign to showcase Herts’ creative talent and opportunities

DEEP ROOTS

From a childhood spent among them, Broxbourne’s Debbie Baxter has, after a career in nutrition, returned to paint the woods that nurture her soul

A day out in Hitchin

Londoners have flocked here in recent years, pushing up house prices to extraordinary levels. It’s gentrified, yes, but its strong, almost defiant character means Hitchin has a vibrancy all of its own

THE DEEP ROOTS OF PANTO

It’s as Christmassy as sleigh bells but just where does the peculiarly British tradition of pantomime come from?

Fresh festive fun ideas

Don’t get bored over the Christmas period, here are fresh ideas to keep you and the family entertained right up to the new year

5 festive walks

Hertfordshire and North Middlesex Ramblers chairman, Roger Bangs, picks five picturesque walks in Herts over the Christmas period

12 wild ways

It’s lovely to hunker down in December, but hunkering down after a country ramble is even better. Around woods, fields and lakes or even your garden here are 12 ways to connect to nature this winter

KEEP ON ROCKIN'

With a UK tour this year and next, a best-of album hitting number seven in the charts and a new album due out, Tewin’s Marty Wilde is still rock n rollin’ at 80

10 GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST

Everyone wants to enjoy Christmas, even the dead. Author Jenni Kemp reveals 10 Herts apparitions that will give you the willies

Once Bittern...

Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust conservation manager Tim Hill has been down in the reedbeds in search of one of Hertfordshire’s most elusive birds

County's True Crime Story

As forces are promised more offiers after years of cuts, Herts police and crime commissioner David Lloyd discusses policing priorities, pressures and perceptions in the county

There Be Dragons

Author Christopher Hadley’s epic hunt over a decade to find a Hertfordshire dragon and its slayer opened doors to past worlds steeped in legend, lyricism and danger

Make Yourself Comfortable

As winter draws near, it’s time to create a cosy yet stylish space to see you through the long nights

A Neighbour Of The Wild

One of Britain’s most influential nature writers, Richard Mabey discusses his latest book reflecting on five decades of writing and his enduring love for his home county of Hertfordshire

Charlotte's Web Of Support

With International Women’s Day and Mothering Sunday this month, Herts’ Charlotte Beaumont talks about the female writers, actors, agents, dramatists, and her mum, who have helped propel her to Broadchurch and beyond.

Full Of Character

Why, writes Julie Lucas, the 21st World Book Day could be the most memorable yet