{"id":23940,"date":"2023-03-09T16:15:48","date_gmt":"2023-03-09T15:15:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/?post_type=purple_issue&p=23940"},"modified":"2023-03-09T16:15:48","modified_gmt":"2023-03-09T15:15:48","slug":"april-in-the-country-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/2023\/03\/09\/april-in-the-country-2\/","title":{"rendered":"April in the country"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Pictures \u203a Wildlife \u203a People & Places \u203a Country Know-how \u203a Food<\/p>\n\n

GREEN, WHITE AND BLUE <\/h4>\n\n
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Dense clumps of wild garlic and the deep-violet flowers of bluebells create enchanting kaleidescopes of fragrance and colour in a Cornish woodland in spring. The two plants flower at the same time in late April and thrive in the dappled light of ancient woodlands. Wild garlic is wonderful for foraging, but don\u2019t touch native bluebells \u2013 they\u2019re a protected species and highly toxic, too. For wild garlic recipes, see countryfile.com<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n

MARSH MAZE <\/h4>\n\n
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Creeks wiggle their way towards the English Channel through the intricate mosaic of Tollesbury mudflats and salt marshes in Essex. This coastal wetland supports abundant wildlife, including worms, bivalves and mud snails that provide a rich larder for wading birds. It\u2019s also important for carbon capture \u2013 ahectare of marsh can lock away two tonnes of carbon a year, in plants and sediment beneath. <\/span><\/p>\n\n

BRIMMING OVER <\/h4>\n\n
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The warmth of spring days brings the brimstone butterfly out of its winter hiberantion. It\u2019s most commonly seen flitting about in woodlands and along mature hedgerows, with its veiny leaf-shaped wings providing an effective camouflage. It\u2019s thought that the creamy yellow of the male brimstone\u2019s wings inspired the name butter-fly. <\/p>\n\n

DANCE OF LOVE<\/h4>\n\n
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If avian courtship rituals were an Olympic event, the great crested grebe would win gold every spring. Pairs fan out their orange ruffs, perform a headshaking display then, before nesting, the elaborate synchronised weed dance \u2013 a slow dive to collect weed, then swimming towards each other before rising together to a vertical embrace. Look for them on a lake near you. <\/span><\/p>\n\n

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GET INVOLVED <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n

MAP OUR SWIFTS <\/h4>\n\n
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Late spring sees tens of thousands of swifts arrive on UK shores to breed, having travelled 3,400 miles from Africa. However, in just the last two decades, more than half of the population has vanished. According to the RSPB, this may be due in part to the loss of nest sites in roofs, as more old buildings are renovated. Whatever the cause, you can help. <\/p>\n\n

By using Swift Mapper \u2013 aconservation mapping tool supported by the RSPB \u2013 you can help locate breeding and nesting hotspots for swifts and protect their homes. To record your sightings, visit swiftmapper.org.uk<\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n

<\/div>
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Listen!<\/strong><\/em><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Join Hannah Bourne-Taylor in the woodlands of South Wales where she talks about her brave campaign to help our swifts; episode 174 of the Plodcast. countryfile.com\/podcast\/hannahbourne-taylor<\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n

FOUR WILD READS FOR CHILDREN <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

Nourish a love of nature and celebrate International Children\u2019s Book Day, on 2 April, with these charming titles <\/em><\/p>\n\n

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WHAT DO YOU SEE WHEN YOU LOOK AT A TREE?<\/strong>
by Emma Carlisle, Big Picture Press, \u00a38.99 <\/strong><\/strong><\/h5>\n\n

With Emma Carlisle\u2019s gorgeous watercolour illustrations, this book urges children to reconnect with nature by asking questions that encourage reflection and self-awareness \u2013 a gentle delight. <\/p>\n\n

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AN ANTHOLOGY OF AQUATIC LIFE <\/strong>
by Sam Hume, DK Children, \u00a320 <\/strong><\/strong><\/h5>\n\n

A stunning underwater encyclopaedia packed with fascinating facts and detailed illustrations of more than 100 aquatic animals and plants, from elephant seals and pond plankton to sphagnum moss. <\/p>\n\n

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HARKLIGHTS <\/strong>
by Tim Tilley, Usborne, \u00a37.99 <\/strong><\/strong><\/h5>\n\n

This magical fairy-tale story with an environmental message at its heart stars a brave orphan, Wick, and miniature creatures called Hobs that are protectors of the forest. It\u2019s a heartwarming celebration of friendship and the natural world. <\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n
FROZEN PLANET II <\/strong>
by Leisa Stewart-Sharpe, BBC Children\u2019s Books, \u00a38.99 <\/strong><\/strong><\/h5>\n\n

Perfect for lovers of the BBC series, this beautifully illustrated accompanying book dives below the ice to meet seal pups and narwhals, stalks with tigers in boreal forests and curls up with macaques in Japan. <\/p>\n\n

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ID guide <\/strong><\/em><\/h5>\n\n

RAILS <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

Rails are a curious family of birds, all with highly adapted feet and pointed bills. These five species breed in Britain in spring. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Words: Dominic <\/strong>Couzens <\/strong><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

MOORHEN <\/strong>
<\/span>Gallinula chloropus<\/em><\/p>\n\n

Long toes and unwebbed feet give the moorhen a laboured swimming style. Its orange, yellow-tipped billl distinguishes it from the coot. Listen out for the explosive \u2018curruck\u2019 call. 30\u201338cm; 240,000 breeding pairs (320,000 in winter); common. <\/span><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

COOT<\/strong>
<\/span>Fulica atra<\/em><\/p>\n\n

Its defining features include a white forehead shield, blue, lobed feet and slate-black plumage. It is largely vegetarian, with a piercing \u2018kut\u2019 call. 36\u201339cm; 25,000 pairs (190,000 in winter); common. <\/p>\n\n

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CORNCRAKE<\/strong>
<\/span>Crex crex <\/em><\/p>\n\n

This warm-brown rail has rich chestnut-brown wings and a short, stubby bill. Once common, it is now only found in parts of Scotland, Ireland and eastern England. 27\u201330cm; 1,200 breeding pairs; rare. <\/p>\n\n

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SPOTTED CRAKE<\/strong>
<\/span>Porzana porzana<\/em><\/p>\n\n

Not much bigger than a starling, this extremely elusive bird has a richly speckled plumage. Its short bill distinguishes it from a water rail. 19\u201322cm; 25 breeding pairs; very rare. <\/p>\n\n

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WATER RAIL<\/strong>
<\/span>Rallus aquaticus <\/em><\/p>\n\n

This secretive bird of freshwater marsh has a long, red bill and a loud explosive voice. Its varied diet consists of seeds, snails, crustaceans and small birds. 23\u201326cm; 1,100 breeding pairs; uncommon. <\/p>\n\n

<\/div>
\n

Countryfile on TV<\/strong><\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
BBC ONE, SUNDAYS <\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

12 March <\/strong>
Follow Adrian Chiles as he takes on plod job experience, living and working with a hill farmer in Wales.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

26 March <\/strong>
Ellie Harrison joins a group of Aberystwyth veterinary students on their animal rounds, and finds out more about seed banks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 April <\/strong>
Margherita Taylor takes a break to visit a monastery and finds out how they farm their land. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n

This month on the Plodcast <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n

Mindful escapes <\/h4>\n\n

Our latest series of podcasts explores how nature helps heal our bodies and minds. Enjoy soothing coastal walks and woodland wanders \u2013 and relax on the canal as the Plodcast team learn how to fish. Plus meet our brilliant guests, musician Cerys Matthews and broadcaster Matthew Bannister. Find the Plodcast on your podcast provider \u2013 and email the team at editor@countryfile.com<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n

\n\n
This month… <\/strong><\/em><\/h5>\n\n

Walk to work<\/span><\/h4>\n\n

Walking is simple , free and one of the easiest ways to get more active, lose weight and become healthier in body and mind. Despite all these benefits, the pace of modern life has seen many of us give it up as part of our daily routine for something that gets us to our destination more quickly. <\/p>\n\n

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7 April<\/strong> is Walk to Work Day and a chance to break the humdrum routine of hopping in the car or on the bus when walking is a viable option. Wake up a little earlier, don stout shoes and enjoy a slower commute to work. You can pick the most direct route or opt for a longer scenic option; walk it alone or team up with a friend or colleague. However you do it, why not resist the temptation to wear headphones and instead take in the sights and sounds around you? Even in the busiest cities you\u2019ll spot signs of nature, be it a dandelion in a crack in the pavement, or a wood pigeon cooing in a London plane tree. <\/p>\n\n

\n\n
Make do and mend <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n

HOW TO REPAIR AN INFLATABLE SLEEPING MAT <\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

Camping season is upon us \u2013 but what\u2019s this? A hole in your inflatable sleeping mat? Never fear, fixing these little punctures is easy and affordable. Here\u2019s how to do it\u2026 <\/em><\/p>\n\n

You will need: <\/strong>soap and water mix; sponge; towel; liquid adhesive; repair patch <\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

1<\/strong> Inflate the mat until it\u2019s firm. Dip the sponge in soapy water then use it to cover the surface of the mat around where you think the hole might be. <\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

2<\/strong> Using your fingertips, apply a bit of pressure on the mat. Bubbles will form on the surface where there is a puncture. Mark the hole with a permanent pen, then rinse the mat and dry it with a towel. <\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

3 <\/strong>Most mats come with a self-repair kit. These vary, but generally include liquid adhesive and repair patches. Spread the adhesive around the hole (3cm diameter). Follow the included instructions for how much to apply and how long to leave it on. <\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

4 <\/strong>Place a repair patch on the adhesive, applying a little pressure with your fingers. Wait for the patch and glue to dry; read the packaging instructions for guidance on the required drying time. Your mat is now ready for your next camping adventure. <\/p>\n\n

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National Trust Easter adventures <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
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1\u201316 April <\/strong>
SHERINGHAM PARK, NORFOLK<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brush up on your map-reading skills as you follow a trail to find the signs of spring, from insects pollinating flowers to birds singing in the trees. A chocolate prize awaits at the end. nationaltrust.org.uk\/sheringham-park<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1\u201317 April <\/strong>
CASTLE WARD, COUNTY DOWN <\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try sensory nature activities while walking through the gardens to claim your chocolate reward. Visit the mansion house or borrow balance bikes to explore the estate. nationaltrust.org.uk\/castle-ward<\/a> <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

1\u201323 April <\/strong>
EAST RIDDLESDEN HALL, YORKSHIRE<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep an eye out for some cheeky bunnies who are hidden around the house, or make the most of the spring flowers by following the Easter trail around the gardens. nationaltrust.org.uk\/eastriddlesden-hall<\/a> <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

24\u201330 April <\/strong>
COLETON FISHACRE, DEVON<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This Easter adventure is about all bees. Buzz around the garden to complete activites such as the famous \u2018waggle dance\u2019 and collect a sweet treat. nationaltrust.org.uk\/coleton-fishacre<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
<\/div>
\n
EASTER BBQ RECIPE <\/h5>\n\n\n\n

GRILLED HOGGET WITH LAVENDER, FETA AND HONEY<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

Lavender and hogget (a yearling sheep) are absolutely lovely together. On special occasions I like to roast a whole leg of hogget surrounded by freshly cut lavender \u2013 the lavender fragrances the meat in such a delicious way. These kebabs play on that same successful combination, and would work just as well with lamb. I like to finish them with crumbled feta cheese and a spoonful of runny honey and pretend I\u2019m in Greece. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
SERVES 2 <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 About 400g hogget (off the bone), from the leg or the top of the shoulder <\/strong><\/strong>
\u2022 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil <\/strong><\/strong>
\u2022 Finely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon <\/strong><\/strong>
\u2022 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced <\/strong><\/strong>
\u2022 4\u20135 lemon thyme or regular thyme sprigs, leaves picked and roughly chopped <\/strong><\/strong>
\u2022 2\u20133 heads of fresh lavender flowers, or 2 tsp dried petals, plus extra to finish <\/strong><\/strong>
\u2022 3\u20134 oregano sprigs, leaves picked and chopped <\/strong><\/strong>
\u2022 Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper <\/strong><\/strong>
\u2022 100g feta <\/strong><\/strong>
\u2022 1 tbsp runny honey <\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

METHOD<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

1. <\/strong>Place the hogget on a board and use a sharp knife to trim away any excessive sinew, membrane or fat. Slice the meat into 1cm medallions or thereabouts. Place them in a bowl and add the ex tra-virgin olive oil, lemon zest (not the juice at this stage), garlic, thyme, lavender flowers (fresh or dried) and oregano. Season the meat with salt and pepper and tumble every thing together. Leave to marinate in the fridge for a few hours, or overnight if you like. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. <\/strong>When you\u2019re ready to cook, take the hogget from the fridge and thread the pieces of meat on to two skewers, or four if you prefer. Don\u2019t force the meat on too tightly because the heat will then take longer to reach the middle.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. <\/strong>Light your fire or barbecue and when you have a hot bed of glowing embers, set the kebabs down on the grill. Cook them, turning every four to five minutes, for 12\u201314 minutes if you\u2019re using leg, and 20\u201325 minutes if you\u2019re using shoulder, until the meat is lovely and caramelised on the outside and cooked through. Lift the kebabs off the grill to a board or plate. Crumble over the feta, sprinkle with a few extra lavender petals and trickle with honey. Serve with a good spritz of lemon juice, some flatbreads and some minted yoghurt or lemony hummus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Recipe from Outside: Recipes for a Wilder Way of Eating<\/em> by Gill Meller (Quadrille, \u00a330).<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n

Photos: Getty, Naturepl.com, Alamy, National Trust Picture Library, Caroline Stone, Illustrations: Liz Pepperell<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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