winter pruning for brash pile

Early one evening in late July I found a struggling stag beetle in a bowl that had filled up with water, on an apron in front of our open woodshed. I was so excited that I photographed it in my hand, then carefully carried it to the nearest of our…

Rare plants, exotic trees, stunning sculptures – money can purchase all these things but it can’t buy wildlife. This is what makes creating your own private  nature reserve so special. You don’t need a fortune to do it, nor do you require countless acres. What you do need is land…

freezer

We asked chef Philippa Davis for her top tip on freezing game. She said: “This applies to anything you freeze and was installed in me by my grandparents! It’s all in the wrapping. Make sure the game is tightly wrapped and there are no gaps, otherwise the meat is likely…

shooting from a high seat

Shooting from a high seat is not for everyone but it is an ideal way to control deer numbers and provides a sound base for a first shot with a rifle at live quarry. Purists will say that shooting deer from a high seat is not proper stalking and to…

muddy dog

For a dog, the finest perfume is eau de fox, essence of dung … anything is better than smelling clean. But having a dog smell lingering in your car isn’t the pleasantest way to enjoy a journey. So we’ve asked around those in the know and discovered some remedies to…

An elegant vase of tulips, albeit with some going droopy

Query What can I do about droopy tulips? We are very fortunate to have a super collection of different varieties of tulips in our new garden. However, I find that they do not seem to last long when cut for the house. Can you suggest ways to prevent them looking…

A springer spaniel chewing

Query We have a very chewy young dog. We have never had such a chewer before. Shoes, coats, table and chair legs, and the bottom of cupboards have all fallen victim. Friends have recommended an array of hot condiments, all of which have failed. How can we stop our dog…

Boxes of old slides and cine film in cardboard boxes

Question I have a box of old cine films and an assortment of slide photographs that I’m keen to update for my family to enjoy, before it’s too late. Unfortunately, I do not know where to start as I am hopeless with technology. You kindly helped a friend in the…