Music appreciation | The Flight of the Bumblebee

Join us for a brief music lesson on Rimsky-Korsakov’s 1900 composition The Flight of the Bumblebee and find out what all the buzz was about

The fast and frenetic Flight of the Bumblebee is probably one of the most loved and recognised pieces of music in the classical canon. Obviously, it’s intended to imitate the noise and flight pattern of a bee. But here are a few more facts about it so that if it’s ever played in your presence you can nonchalantly comment on it and look very clever indeed. 

Why was it written?

It’s actually just a very small part of an opera called The Tale of Tsar Saltan. Flight is an interlude between scenes one and two of Act Three. 

What’s it all about, then?

At this point in the opera, Gvidon has been separated from his father, but an enchanted swan, whose life he once saved, turns him into a bumblebee so he can fly to find him. 

Which instruments can I hear?

It’s been played by many different ensembles, but chances are you can hear a lot of strings (mainly violins) and a flute and piccolo. Originally it was written for a symphonic orchestra. 

What should I be listening for?

Note the unusually fast tempo, which never slows, and actually becomes more frenetic as the piece moves towards its end. It’s made up of running chromatic semiquavers (sixteenths of a note), which give the buzzing, humming effect. 

Have I heard this somewhere else?

Definitely. Artists of all kinds have sampled and referenced it over the years. It’s appeared in the computer game Tetris, in a Bob Dylan track, and it even appeared in the pilot episode of The Muppets. 

Do say… “Rimsky-Korsakov’s composition really is a stunning piece of violin virtuosity. Doesn’t it just lift the soul?”

Don’t say… “Oh. LOVE a bit of Rip Your Corsets Off. Pass the fiddle, I can play a passable version myself, I reckon.”

The beautiful bumblebee picture above was used on our subscriptions page this month, which you can find out more about by clicking the subscription link below. .
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Sponsored story | Forest Bathing

If you’re looking for a break that will bring total relaxation and also bring you closer to nature, Austria is worth a look. Here’s some advice on getting started from the Austrian National Tourist Office

We all know the boost we can get from heading outdoors and immersing ourselves in nature, be it a walk in the woods, a picnic by a shimmering lake or perhaps a day trip to a local beauty spot. So imagine the wellbeing benefits that can be gleaned from a holiday to a destination where the landscapes are simply jaw dropping and the opportunities to get up close to nature are second to none. Whether you’re looking to get active or to completely switch off and recharge your batteries, Austria offers something for all of us. But what is it about being in nature that helps to focus our minds, ease any worries and boost happiness? One popular concept is the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, the process of switching off – quite literally – from the modern world and reconnecting with nature through your senses. Research shows that, as well as producing oxygen, trees also release biochemicals called phytoncides to warn other trees and to defend themselves against harmful bacteria. Breathing in these phytoncides has an anti-microbial effect on our bodies, which can help to boost the immune system.

Follow your nose

Forest bathing isn’t about exercise or getting to a destination, either, but about being in the moment – you may choose to wander without purpose, letting your senses guide you, or you may prefer to stop and sit, absorbing the sounds, smells, colours, textures and tastes that surround you. The experience will be different for everyone – some may be drawn to the damp earthy scents, others will delight in the rich palette of seasonal colours dappled in sunlight, or you may feel yourself unwind simply by closing your eyes and listening. However, you chose to enjoy forest bathing, the benefits are clear with studies linking it to reduced levels of the stress hormone cortisol, anxiety and high blood pressure, while mood and creativity are boosted.

“Humans still operate on the same software as in the Stone Age,” says wood expert and former forester Edwin Thoma. “And that’s why spending time in nature is so refreshing. The biochemicals trees exchange are a true elixir for us humans.”

Spoilt for choice

With six national parks and almost half the country covered in forest, Austria’s diverse landscape has plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in nature. Even its capital, Vienna, is famed for being the world’s greenest city. No matter the appeal, Austria offers the ideal destination to recharge and revive. So start planning your trip now and unlock the rewards that a backto-nature holiday can deliver. For more information, visit austria.info.

Get the most from Forest Bathing

Time it wisely Avoid the crowds and try early morning or mid-week when your patch will be quieter.
Turn off all devices No one needs the distracting ping of a WhatsApp to shatter the peace.
Slow down Don’t aim to get from A-B, just let your feet take over, or better still, follow your nose and seek out those deep earthy smells.
Focus on your senses What can you smell, hear, see or feel?
You may prefer to stop and sit. Remember, the quieter you are, the more alive the nature around you will become.
Take in your surroundings Studies have shown that shades of green and blue, found in abundance on a clear day in the forest, are proven to help people relax the most.
Breathe Concentrate on your breathing with deep breaths in and out, taking in all those beneficial phytoncides produced by the trees

Where to visit

Long for a fresh forest landscape? Austria has something for you The Styrian Mountains, known for its forests of larch and Swiss pine. The Waldviertel region, which translates as ‘Forest Quarters’. Böhmerwald in Upper Austria has deep forests and granite rocks. Bregenzerwald, famed for its distinctive wooden architecture. The Karwendel region of Tirol, with over 2,000 sycamore maples. Salzburg’s Lungau region, is home to the country’s biggest UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Playlist | How does Your Garden Grow?

“Hello sunshine
So glad to see you sunshine
Hello sunshine
It’s been dark for a very long time”

A bit of sunshine, a bit of rain and a lot of love. Hear the playlist here

DJ: FRANCES AMBLER

Why we love | ridiculous romantic novel titles

We know you should never judge a book by its cover but sometimes it is rather fun

In our April issue, we’ve been celebrating the romance novel in all its forms. From Austen heroes brooding in drawing rooms, to steamy scenes from more modern times, romance as a genre is something we can all relate to and something we love to love, even though we know it’s just a bit silly. So in honour of all that, we’ve collated eight of the more silly and very real titles of romance novels we encountered and have imagined how their plots might pan out. 

Mad, Bad and Dangerous in Plaid

Two kilt makers in the Highlands are driven to a turf war over ownership of a design. The last thing they expected was for love to blossom over a patent rights dispute. 

Beginner’s Guide to Rakes

When Susan gets her first allotment, she is confused by the range of garden and DIY tools on offer in her local Homebase. Fortunately, Roger is there to lend a hand. 

Aroused by Two Lions

A chance encounter while on a day trip to Whipsnade brings more than Elsa bargained for.

Emily’s Magical Bejewelled Codpiece

Tudor historian Emily discovers the costume department of the museum contains a secret door to the court of King Henry VIII and adventure awaits. 

Desert Prince, Defiant Virgin

Prince Ali has never left his village home on the edge of the desert and decides if he is to find love, he must take his search to further flung lands. Unfortunately, due to Richard Branson’s cuts, the flight is cancelled. 

Grace Before Meat

The Reverend John Alford is a regular at his village butcher. Then one day a new apprentice arrives in the form of beautiful Emily Bones, and love blossoms over the lamb shanks.

Romance Goes Tenting

A dark and rainy night, a young couple on their first holiday… a row over why on earth he didn’t book the caravan as she’d suggested. Things are going to get stormy before they get steamy. 

Apollo’s Seed

An unlikely romance blooms between Ted, who is putting in his annual Thompson and Morgan’s seed catalogue order, and Octavia, a young Greek woman, working at the call centre. 

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More literary inspiration…

New hobby | Plein Air Sketching

Make a walk an event by sitting down to sketch the landscape for a short while

There aren’t many things that don’t feel just a bit more ‘alive’ for being practised outdoors; eating alfresco is so much more than just supper, sleeping under the stars turns a daily fact of life into something magic… And art? Well, painting a landscape, live, out in the fresh air, is like the difference between watching a BBC schools TV film of Julius Caesar and being in the Globe watching the RSC perform it live. 

‘Plein Air’ painting, the act of painting a landscape like a sitting portrait, with the artist able to better capture the changing light, weather and atmosphere, began in the 1800s, pioneered by Constable, whose painting, Boatbuilding, Near Flatford Mill was conceived and painted entirely outdoors. The catalyst, lovely though the great outdoors is, was the rather more prosaic fact of tubes of oil paints suddenly becoming available. Paints had previously needed to be mixed from raw pigments which did not lend themselves to being thrown into a bag for an impromptu day’s painting out in the fields. A few tubes fitted nicely into your artist’s knapsack alongside a Thermos and a cheese sandwich. 

The Plein Air movement soon spread to the continent, its high point coming with Impressionist landscapes; think the likes of Monet, Renoir and Pissaro with their dappled light and soft, outdoorsy colours. 

Perhaps it’s the fresh air going to our heads, but we think we might just be inspired enough to give plein air a go ourselves now the weather’s warming up. How hard can a few water lilies be to paint anyway? If you fancy trying it too, here are a few tips to get you started.

1. Put together a bit of a kit. You don’t need a full-on pochade box, though. In fact, it’s best if you travel fairly light. Just a modest art kit (more on that below), something to keep warm if you’re sitting still for long periods, a hat if it’s sunny (or chilly), and we recommend a flask of tea and a generous slice of cake. Art is not fuelled on inspiration alone, you know. 

2. If you’re painting you just need something to paint on (paper, card, a sketchbook or canvas), a couple of brushes of different sizes, something to put water in and a cloth to wipe your brushes. Watercolours travel more easily than oils but don’t be put off oils or gouache if that’s what you prefer. You don’t need to take them all either; just consider your location, and pick out a few tubes of paint to match the colouring of the scenery.  Plein Air fans often say they prefer to use ‘found’ water for rinsing brushes than taking their own. There’s definitely something charming about using water taken from the sea to paint your beach scene, or even just asking the cafe that features in your scene for a glass of water to paint with.

3. Of course, sketching with coloured pencils or charcoals is lots of fun, too. We think if Monet had had the wealth of colours offered in a Faber Castell kit, he’d have given it a go, too. 

4. Choose a location that inspires you. It doesn’t have to be a pastoral idyll; just somewhere that ‘speaks’ to you. It also needs to be somewhere you can easily sit undisturbed (so if the roundabout at Elephant and Castle speaks to you maybe think again). You also need somewhere comfy enough to sit, whether that’s a grassy hillock or a camping chair on a street corner. 

5. Take a photo of the scene you’re painting just for reference later on. It’s very satisfying once you start to get a little bit good.

6. Before you start, do a quick sketch of the scene you want to recreate; what plein air artists call a ‘thumbnail sketch’. It just gives you an idea of composition and what’s going where. Try to pick just one or two elements to focus on in the picture.

7. Once you’re painting or drawing, your watchword is ‘speed’. That might seem to go against the whole ethos of the thing, but you’ll be surprised how quickly the light changes. If painting, use a broad brush and just block in colour. You can add more detail and colour on top later, but you need to get the basics in first so the light doesn’t change the colours and where shadows fall too much while you’re working. 

8. Be prepared to chat to passers by and show off your work (or adopt the look of a serious artist who must not be disturbed by trivialities and wear obvious headphones). 

The photograph above is by Dr Ali Foxon, who we spoke to in our April issue for our ‘Walking with Purpose’ feature. Ali runs boggydoodles.com which organises green sketching events for groups. Turn to page 44 to meet Ali and more people who have added ‘purpose’ to their walks in different ways. 

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More artistic inspiration…

Make | Chocolate & Peppermint Lip Balm

A simple project for a sweet-smelling Easter gift to make a change from a chocolate egg

Homemade lip balm is easier than you might expect. Once you’ve got the hang of it, you can experiment with different flavour combinations. This version is like mint choc chip ice cream for your lips.

Makes two pots of lip balm

1 tbsp coconut oil
1½ tbsp shea butter
1½ tbsp cocoa butter
1 tbsp cocoa powder
3 drops peppermint essential oil
2 x 30ml jars

1 Put the coconut oil, shea butter, cocoa butter and cocoa powder into a jam jar or bowl.

2 Set the bowl over a pan of boiling water, taking care not to let it touch the water. As soon as they’ve all melted, remove from the heat. Alternatively, heat in the microwave for 60-90 seconds, or until melted.

3 Let the mix cool for a few minutes before adding the essential oil.

4 Stir well before pouring into your jars. Be careful not to spill the mixture around the top of the jar as this’ll make it difficult to open once cooled. To speed up the cooling process, put your jars in the fridge or freezer.

This recipe is just one of the creative projects by Lottie Storey that feature in our Heart, Body and Soul pages, which this issue focuses on chocolate (of course). There are also instructions for making a chocolate and rose petal salami, chocolate tagliatelle and a pain au chocolat miso pudding. Photography by Kirstie Young.

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More chocolate (because there can’t be too much)…

Recipe | Campfire Salmon

You don’t need to catch your fish for it to taste just better when eaten on the beach

This campfire salmon with tomato skewers is just the ticket for an impromptu day spent at the beach. It’s best eaten with windswept hair and mopped up with crusty bread after. 

Serves 4 

4 salmon fillets 

Salt and pepper 

1 lemon, sliced 

A punnet of cherry tomatoes 

Olive oil to drizzle 

1 Take two pieces of foil big enough to wrap the fish in. Place them on top of each other and place the salmon fillets in the middle. 

2 Season the salmon with salt and pepper then cover with lemon slices. Wrap the foil over the fish making sure there aren't any holes or gaps. 

3 Using wooden skewers, thread the cherry tomatoes onto the sticks, drizzle with a little oil and season with salt and pepper. Place a wire griddle over the fire – above the burning embers and away from the flames – and place your skewers on top, turning regularly until they begin to blacken. 

4 Meanwhile, place the foil salmon packet directly in the fire and flip roughly every 5 mins, cooking for around 25 mins, or until the fish is fully cooked. Serve with the tomato skewers and home-baked soda bread. 

Cook’s note: Soak your wooden skewers before using to stop them from charring and bring an old wire rack to balance on the fire to make cooking quicker. 

This recipe is part of our Gathering feature, Bright and Breezy, from our April issue, a complete guide to having an impromptu spring day by the sea. Alongside campfire and picnic recipes, it also features ideas for enjoying the beach responsibly and games to play on the sand. Photography by Brent Darby Photography and Narratives Photo Agency.

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Recipe: Hot Cross Bun Cakes

Make Good Friday the best Friday ever with these seasonal buns that are just a bit different from an ordinary HCB

Makes 12

2 duck eggs or 3 large chicken eggs
90ml buttermilk
185g butter
Zest of 1 orange
185g self-raising flour
1⁄2 tsp baking powder
70g ground almonds
185g light brown sugar
2 tsp mixed spice
120g sultanas
1 tbsp apricot jam or marmalade 

for the icing
60g cream cheese
40g butter
60g icing sugar
Zest of 1⁄2 an orange equipment

Cupcake tin
12 cupcake cases Piping bag and nozzle 

1 Preheat oven to 180C/Fan 160C/350F. Beat the eggs in a bowl and then add the buttermilk. Melt the butter, add it to the bowl and mix well. Stir in the orange zest. 
2 In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, sugar and mixed spice, and stir in the ground almonds. Then fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture. Stir in the sultanas. 
3 Spoon the cake batter into the cake cases, about three-quarters full, and bake for 18–20 mins until a skewer comes out clean. Cool in the tin for a few mins before transferring cakes in their cases to a cooling rack. 
4 Meanwhile, heat the apricot jam or marmalade in a saucepan with a dash of water until it becomes liquid. Using a pastry brush, glaze the cakes while they are still warm and then allow to cool. 
5 Mix all the icing ingredients together. Spoon the mixture into a piping bag with a small, plain nozzle and pipe a cross onto the top of each cake.

Recipe from Love, Aimee x by Aimee Twigger (Murdoch Books)

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From our April issue:

More Easter inspiration:

Wellbeing | cold water therapy

Plunging into something a little chilly brings benefits that go far beyond a thorough wake-up call

In our March issue, we’ve looked at the rise in popularity of cold water immersion and some of the benefits it can bring to both mind and body.

You don’t even need a lake or river to swim in; these days, folk are getting wet and wintry in barrels and baths in their garden, and even just dipping their toe into cold water immersion with a quick blast at the end of a morning shower. 

You can read more about it all from page 74 of our March issue. In the meantime, here are a few tips to help you get started on your cold water journey. <Passes you a Thermos and a warm towel>

Ready to take the plunge? Some good preparation will help 

1 Let yourself acclimatise to cold water by slowly increasing the time you spend in it and if you’re swimming outdoors, starting when the water is warmer in the summer and autumn. 

2 Stay warm as long as you can before you go in. Wrap up warm if you’re outside or have a warm shower before you turn the temperature down. 

3 Practise some breathwork to help you keep calm when you get in. Visit wimhofmethod.com for tips. 

4 Take your time getting in, splashing water onto your legs, torso, arms and shoulders before immersing yourself. 

5 You’ll be at your coldest 10 minutes after you come out, so get out while you’re still feeling good, dry off then layer up and keep moving. 

6 Don’t be too brave. If you prefer to wear a wetsuit, then wear one. 

7 If you don’t fancy going the whole hog, try immersing your face in cold water for a few seconds (more than just a splash!). 

8 Have fun! Experiment with water butts, barrels and icy baths, and play music and dance about to distract you from the cold.

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Recipe | Whitby Lemon Buns

Whitby lemon buns are similar to Iced Fingers, but are usually square. The icing will harden, so for a softer version, add 1 tsp of water. 

These have been a speciality of E Botham and sons of Whitby since the 1860s, but are made by other bakers now, too. Plump, filling and beautifully zesty, they make an occasion of any cup of tea and are a cheering sight in the cake tin. Here’s how to make them yourself.

Makes 12 buns 

For the buns: 

15g dried yeast 

250ml lukewarm whole milk 

500g plain flour 

½ tsp baking powder 

60g demerara sugar 

100g butter (room temp), cubed 

2 eggs 

5g fine sea salt 

Zest of ½ lemon 

150g raisins or currants 

For the glaze: 

200g icing sugar 

35ml lemon juice 

1 Add the yeast to the milk and stir to gently activate. Meanwhile, in a bowl or electric mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the flour, baking powder and sugar, then add the butter on top. Pour in half of the yeast mix and knead. When fully absorbed, add the rest of the yeast mix, along with the eggs, and knead for 5 mins more. Leave to stand for a few mins. 

2 Add the salt, lemon zest and raisins and knead for 10 mins more, or until it’s formed a smooth, elastic dough. 

3 Cover and set aside for 1 hr. Line a 39x27cm tin with baking parchment. 

4 Divide the dough into 12 equal parts. Take each piece and lightly flatten, pulling in the outer parts like a purse and squeezing together. Turnover and place in the baking tin. 

5 Cover with a cotton cloth, then wrap in a plastic bag. Rest for 1 hr, or until doubled in size. Preheat the oven to 210C/Fan 190C/Gas 6. 

6 Bake for 8–10 mins, or until golden. Allow to cool, then make the glaze by mixing the icing sugar with the lemon juice and using to top each bun. 

Cook’s note: You can freeze these buns before icing: thaw and revive in a hot oven before adding the icing.

This recipe is taken from Oats in the North, Wheat From the South by Regula Ysewijn (Murdoch Books). Photography by Regula Ysewijn.

You can read more of the recipes from the book, including Tottenham Cake, Manchester Tart and Devonshire Splits, in our April issue, on sale now. 

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From our April issue…

More bakes to make…

March | a final thought

We’ve reached the end of our March ‘Balm’ issue. We hope you enjoyed reading it as much as we enjoyed making it.

Our April issue will be on shelves (and on your doormat too) if you order directly from us. In the meantime, we hope this gorgeous illustration by Amber Fossey cheers and comforts you a little.

More from our March issue…

Sponsored post | Blackdown Shepherd Huts

If you’re after something a little different for a garden retreat, home office or business venture, look no further than a beautiful Blackdown Shepherd Hut

While we may not all have a flock of sheep to tend to, a traditional shepherd hut can still provide a practical addition to your home, as well as a touch of luxury and escapism from the humdrum of life. Whether you’re after somewhere to retreat to at the bottom of the garden to watch the fruits of your labour grow, a peaceful sanctuary from which to work, or an additional living space where you, or others, can rest, the team at Blackdown Shepherd Huts can turn your dreams into reality.

ROOTED IN HISTORY
Established in 2011, it’s been over a decade since Will and his cousin George built their first shepherd hut in Will’s garage in Ilminster, Somerset. Inspired by the Victorian origins of these structures and with backgrounds in farming, they were both captivated by the heritage of these discerning spaces and the flexibility that they can bring to peoples’ lives. Mentioned as far back as the 16th century, shepherd huts were originally built as a mobile shelter so that the shepherd could tend to their flocks. They included a fire for warmth, a bed to rest in and wheels to move base whenever they needed. Nowadays, our needs may have changed, however the craftspeople at Blackdown Shepherd Huts are able to tailor your ideas to create a bespoke garden room, home office, overspill accommodation, relaxation retreat or glamping business.

QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP
Once you have the initial seed of inspiration for your design, the next step on your Blackdown journey is to contact the team and to join them for a chat over a cup of tea at their display garden and workshop, still located in Ilminster. There, you’ll see the heart and passion that they put into making each hut, fully aware that they’re producing a beautifully bespoke piece of design, built to withstand the test of time, and which, one day, will surely become an beloved heirloom of the future.

Seven steps to shepherd hut heaven

From those first sparks of inspiration to enjoying your bespoke design, there are several steps on the Blackdown journey

1 Visit blackdownshepherdhuts.co.uk or follow on social media – watch their videos and gather inspiration.

2 Drop the team an email or give them a call to chat about your ideas. They can also pop a beautiful brochure in the post to help your thinking process along.

3 Join the team for a cuppa and to chat through your ideas. You can also have a nosey around the workshop and see first-hand the craftsmanship that goes into every hut.

4 If you need any further convincing, why not road test a Blackdown shepherd hut at Dimpsey Glamping, just down the road from HQ, in Somerset (dimpsey.co.uk).

5 When you’re ready to take the next step, the team will draw up your plans. They may even pop over to visit the spot that you have planned for your hut.

6 Once completely happy with the plans, place your order . You can now sit back and relax while the team build your dream space. They’ll send regular photos and updates throughout.

7 Delivery day! Have your bubbles at the ready – your hut will be delivered on its due date and placed in exactly the right spot. Congratulations, you are now officially part of the Blackdown flock!

For more information and inspiration, visit blackdownshepherdhuts.co.uk or follow on Instagram: @blackdownshepherdhuts.

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You know spring has properly arrived when...

Daylight wakes you up in the morning

You leave the back door open

Soups and stews make way for salads

Your phone is full of pictures of blossom and spring flowers

Your book takes a little longer to read

You’re making detailed plans for your garden

You leave the house without a coat

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From our March issue:

More outdoor inspiration:

Competition | Win a weekend break in the South Downs

You could enjoy three nights in this boutique bolthole in Sussex and £100 to spend at nearby Stuff & Co.

Do you love to shop till you drop? If so, we’ve a three-night stay at West Street Loft in Midhurst, West Sussex, plus £100 to spend at neighbouring Stuff & Co, up for grabs. With its aged timbers and wonky walls, West Street Loft is a 16th-century conversion that’s been given a modern makeover, providing a luxurious base from which to explore the local surroundings, such as Cowdray Park polo, Goodwood and the glorious South Downs Way. Top of your list, though, should be to explore Stuff & Co, quite literally on your doorstep. Featuring a beautiful range of designer and vintage homewares, fashion, jewellery and furniture, treasures include locally-produced soaps, faux plants, cards and scented candles, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

To enter
Just click on the button below and answer the following question:
Q Which century was West Street Loft Built in?

For more information, visit stuffandco.co.uk or follow at: @weststreetloftmidhurst.

Terms and conditions

This competition closes at 11.59pm on 5 May 2021. One winner will be selected at random from all the correct entries received and notified soon after. The winner cannot transfer the prize or swap for cash. Prize subject to availability. Details of our full terms are on p127 of the magazine and online at icebergpress.co.uk/comprules.

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Competition | Win a UK holiday worth £500 courtesy of Classic Cottages

A luxury self-catering break in the UK could be yours

As the days grow longer and warmer, our minds inevitably turn to holidays, and the memories that will be made. Whether you’re looking for golden sands and turquoise seas or beautiful woodland and tranquillity, Classic Cottages has something to suit all tastes thanks to its exclusive collection of luxury self-catering cottages.

COAST OR COUNTRY?
If your ideal getaway is to escape to the breathtaking British coast, there are plenty of options to call your ‘home from home’, while you explore the rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, charming fishing villages and bracing coastal walks that this country has to offer. Should the restorative nature of a rural retreat be more your cup of tea, then head to the countryside with many properties just a stone’s throw from stunning woodland, wildflower meadows and windswept moors.

ADVENTURE FOR ALL
For the adventurous, there’s also Classic Cottages’ quirky line-up of glamping getaways. With shepherds’ huts, treehouses, safari tents, airstreams and cliff-top cabins to choose from, you’re sure to recharge your batteries while watching the twinkling night sky from your hot tub, or perhaps snuggled around a firepit, toasting marshmallows.

Whatever your dream break, Classic Cottages has something for you. Now, one lucky reader could be a step closer to making it a reality as The Simple Things has a £500 voucher up for grabs. Your only quandary is deciding on just where exactly to visit. For more information and to book online, visit classic.co.uk.

How to enter
To be in with a chance of winning, just click on the button below and answer the following question by 5 May 2021:
Q. What can Classic Cottages offer for adventurous types?

Terms and conditions

This competition closes at 11.59pm on 5 May 2021. One winner will be selected at random from all the correct entries received and notified soon after. The winner cannot transfer the prize or swap for cash. Details of our full terms are on p.127 and online at icebergpress.co.uk/comprules.

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Playlist | A Breath of Fresh Air

Songs that bring a bit of spring breeze to your day. Stop, look and listen here.

“Here comes the breeze
Come on blow me out”

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More of our playlists…

Competition | Win a book subscription with Adventurous Ink

You could win a subscription to this outdoorsy book club, plus Simple Things readers all receive one month free when they take out a subscription to Adventurous Ink

Is there anything better than getting stuck into a really good book? If there is, perhaps it’s getting stuck into a really good book out in the fresh air!

Adventurous Ink, the book club for outdoor folk, is curated by it’s founder Tim Frenneaux. Since securing his first foothold in the outdoor industry almost six years ago, Tim has tested a series of business models. Unlike most start-ups however, he wasn’t pivoting in pursuit of profit, he was in search of something more meaningful.

Finally, in 2019, Tim decided to stop selling ‘stuff’ to focus solely on Adventurous Ink.

An Adventurous Ink subscription is a simple way to go beyond your everyday adventures. Tim curates the best in nature, travel and adventure writing, delivering a surprise book each month to inspire adventures and reconnect with the natural world.

March’s issue is the compelling Losing Eden, by Lucy Jones; an impressive and essential read, even concerning at times, which demonstrates just how important our connection with the natural world is.

'Beautifully written, movingly told and meticulously researched ... a convincing plea for a wilder, richer world' Isabella Tree, author of Rewilding.

Simple Things reader discount

To help you discover the wellbeing, meaning and connection that comes from a deep appreciation of our environment, your first month is on Tim. Just visit adventurousink.co.uk and use the code SIMPLEFIRST at checkout.

Win a year’s subscription

And, just for Simple Things readers we have a full year’s subscription, worth £150, to give away, too.

To enter simply click the button below and answer the following question:

What is the name of the book featured in Adventurous Ink’s March issue?

Terms & conditions:
The competition closes at 11.59pm on 19 April 2021. A winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries after this time and notified shortly after. Full terms and conditions are at icebergpress.co.uk/comprules.

Job Vacancy | Lighthouse Keeper

Fancy a career change and something a little different? Apply within…

Do you have what it takes to keep Simple Things Lighthouse ship hape and Bristol fashion and ensure all ships pass safely around the rocks beneath? If think you fit the person spec below, drop us a line via seagull. 

Position: Lighthouse Keeper

Skills required: 

High level of fitness (the commute involves a lot of stairs).

Exceptional eyesight.

A head for heights.

Top notch organisational skills and a tidy mind.

Resourcefulness (particularly with reference to food preparation as deliveries can be sparse).

Experience of exterior decorating (on a large scale) would be helpful.

Must be able to confidently change a lightbulb.

Personality:

Must be capable of working independently.

An enjoyment of one’s own company would be an advantage. 

Happy to use one’s own initiative. 

Able to find the joy in solitude. 

An appreciation of seagulls would be an advantage.

And did we mention the solitude? 

Experience:

It’s probably best if you don’t have too much life experience; you’ll only miss it. 

Applicants who self-isolated for long periods during lockdown are encouraged to apply. 

In return, we can offer a fabulous coastal location, excellent views and plenty of opportunity for self-improvement (with the emphasis on ‘self’). Plenty of time off during daylight hours. While you will be required to work all night shifts, you will have the opportunity to read for pleasure while working the light - just one line at a time. 

As you may have noticed, we got just a little overexcited by our ‘Outing’ feature on lighthouses in our March issue. It’s a ripping read, whether you’re a fan of lighthouses, or are yet to discover their charms.

Buy this month's The Simple Things - buy, download or subscribe

More from our March issue…

More ideas for outings…

Sponsored post | Easter and Alfresco Dining

With lockdown restrictions easing, our outdoor spaces are set to become the backdrop to some epic gatherings, so we asked the experts at Macknade to share their top tips for al fresco entertaining.

Terrific Tables
Make your outdoor table a work of art! For an Easter theme, hand decorate eggs as a centre piece, or as a cute alternative to name cards. Seasonal bouquets from Macknade’s florist will add pretty touches to your table and are now available to order online for local delivery!.

Beautiful BBQs
Gone are the days when burnt burgers and undercooked chicken were the typical British BBQ fayre. The Big Green Egg has hatched! So much more than the average BBQ and available from Macknade in a variety of sizes, they’ll revolutionise the way you cook outdoors.

Fabulous Feasts
Huzzah for the Macknade Easter Recipe Box! Designed to feed six, each dish can either be cooked outside or prepared in advance with minimal fuss, so you can spend more time with your loved ones. Each recipe box comes with a choice of main course, featuring either aubergine and Kentish potato moussaka, butterflied leg of lamb with a salsa verde, or char siu marinaded pork rib eye. There’s also a variety of extras available, including a selection of wines to pair with your dishes, seasonal vegetables, a scrumptious lemon posset with rhubarb compote and a cheese board.

Perfect Picnics
Not all of us have gardens, so find a perfect spot in the park with your loved ones to enjoy eating al fresco. Pick up some delicious cheeses from Macknade’s Delicatessen counter, order a deli box online, or opt for a Colomba cake to share, plus a bottle or two of wine and you’re all set for the perfect celebration.

To order online or to visit Macknade in Faversham or Ashford, head to macknade.com.

Recipe: Goose egg lemon curd

In general, weather conditions allowing, geese lay from about the middle of February until mid-May. What a joy it is to find that first egg, pure white in colour, just like goose feathers.

It’s a sign that spring is arriving. One goose egg is equivalent to three chicken eggs, but the proportion of yolk to white is higher, adding richness when used in baking. Lemon curd made with goose eggs is in a class of its own. The neon-yellow shines through the jar. Try to find the freshest possible eggs – your local farmers’ market is probably the best bet.

Goose egg lemon curd

MAKES 4 X 225G JARS
finely grated zest and juice of 8 large unwaxed lemons
400g granulated sugar
200g unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
2 goose eggs, lightly beaten

1 Put the grated lemon zest and juice, sugar and unsalted butter into a heatproof bowl and place it over a pan of simmering water, ensuring that the base of the bowl does not come into contact with the water.
2 Stir occasionally until the sugar has dissolved and the butter has
melted. The mixture should be nice and warm, but not hot or the eggs will curdle.
3 Strain the beaten eggs through a sieve into the bowl.
4 Using a balloon whisk, whisk the curd gently for about 15 mins, until it thickens to a custard-like consistency and feels heavy on the whisk.
5 Remove the bowl from the heat and leave to cool, stirring occasionally. Pour the curd into sterilised jars and seal.
6 Store in the fridge and use within 28 days.

From Fern Verrow: A Year Of Recipes From A Farm And Its Kitchen by Jane Scotter and Harry Astley. Photographs by Tessa Traeger (Quadrille)

This recipe was originally published in The Simple Things Issue 45, which you can order from our online store. Buy this month's The Simple Things - buy, download or subscribe

From our March issue…

More spring recipes…