By Kate Hodges
29th June 2022
EVENT, MAKE, DO FIELD TRIP
National Meadows Day takes place on the first Saturday in July, and celebrates the country’s grasslands and fields, with events taking place across the UK. This year’s is set to be even bigger, with craft workshops, scything competitions, bee fun, open days with family activities and guided tours taking place at nature reserves and country parks. Alternatively, get over the fence into the untamed grass and listen to insects buzzing, watch butterflies flitting, feel the ground underfoot (find out why we love barefooting here and beginner tips here), or forage for hedgerow herbals to make your own wild medicine (find out how here).
DO AND RECIPE SO SWEET
While you’re out in your nearest meadow, search for meadowsweet, in bloom now. It’s been celebrated since at least Celtic times, when it represented the flower bride – the maiden aspect of the triple godddess – and used in love spells. It’s also well-known for its curative properties – it’s great for digestive health, and as an anti-inflammatory – it was the basis for aspirin. Try it in tea for gentle pain relief and stomach aches. Alternatively, use it in the kitchen – these recipes for cordial, fritters, ice-cream and panna cotta sound delicious
EVENT COME HOME
Open House repurposes the giant arena constructed in London’s Hyde Park for the series of BST concerts into a site for free summer fun. Held over eight days, enjoy outdoor film screenings of favourites such as Mary Poppins Returns, the Lion King and Back to the Future, all-day aerial circus workshops, screenings of tennis matches, drop-in yoga sessions and live music. Runs tomorrow, and Monday 4–Thursday 7 July. Find out more here
EVENT PIER GROUP
Grab your swimmers, wetsuits and paddles, this Sunday, it’s time to Paddle Round The Pier in Brighton. Join fun sea swims, take part in the Big Paddle (or the Doggie Paddle, if you have a water-loving, four-legged friend), or just turn up to watch the crazy crafts bobbing around in the Paddle Something Unusual race. Hove Lawns Beach, first race is at 7.15 am. Free
EVENT AND RECIPE CHOC-A-LOT
How will you celebrate World Chocolate Day? By whipping up a spectacular, rich cake? By creating your own sweets? Or perhaps by trying something different – we fancy making spicy Mexican hot chocolate this year. Take a look at our recipes for vegan salted miso brownies, wild berry chocolate bars, or double chocolate brownies with avocado chocolate mousse! Maybe you could make some decadent treats for friends and neighbours as a special surprise – who wouldn’t be delighted with an unexpected box of goodies? The celebration takes place close to International Cooperatives Day – why not combine the two and learn more about Fair-trade chocolate? July 7
WHAT WE’RE EATING If you like Rice Crispy Treats, you’re going to love these bars. They’re the grown-up version of your favourite childhood treat, with a mega boost of nourishing superfoods says Sarah Britton. Get the recipe here
WHAT WE’RE READING 30 questions to deepen your friendship: In a similar way to our intimate relationships, friendships thrive on trust, honesty, and openness – but we often don’t consider maintaining them in the same way that we do with romantic partners. Here are 30 questions that you can ask each other to explore the wonders of your bond and deepen your friendship. Read more here
