By Kate Hodges
23rd November 2022
EVENT AND DO ROOT AND BRANCH
National Tree Week runs from November 26 to December 4. This year, it focuses on what happens under our feet, with the focus on the hidden connections that support the lives of our trees – from the roots and the soil that contains them to the mysterious and fantastic fungal networks known as mycorrhiza; join talks about trees and mushrooms working together and roots.
It’s also a time to focus on our relationships with trees, to celebrate them with friends, to plant them to help the fight against climate change, and to join the Tree Council’s campaign to fill the nation’s schools with orchards.
Smaller children may want to celebrate in simpler ways, and it’s a great excuse to get outdoors. Visit your favourite climbing tree, or decorate one that has meaning to you; perhaps create a new family ritual. Or go spotting in the woods and discover new varieties and leaves; why not take the Woodland Trusts’ ID app for a spin? You might be inspired by our pieces on reforesting the world with your family, learning through trees, and raising children with a love for trees.
DO HERE IT COMES
December starts this week, and with it, the countdown to Christmas. But, this year, rather than an advent calendar stuffed with plastic toys or sugary chocolate, why not try something different? Our Natural Advent Challenge will fill your days with wonder and respect for the world around us. Alternatively, give something back. We love Action for Happiness’ Kindness Calendar with its ideas for daily acts of generosity and The Mad House’s selection of ideas for generous advent acts. Or why not start a reverse advent calendar and put aside a donation to a food bank every day – find a bank near you and what’s needed here.
EVENT HAY YA!
Hello book worms! The Hay Winter Festival is the frostier, scaled-down version of the main summer literary festival. It’s bursting with talks, storytelling sessions and draw-alongs to suit picture book fans to highbrow literary readers. Make mushrooms from old books, join the lovely Rob Biddulph for a draw-along (this event is also online), learn how to make a clay figure, or find what inspired Michael Morpurgo’s Warhorse. Find the full programme here.
DO RISE AND SHINE
Have your children ever been on a special trip to watch the sun rise? As the days grow shorter, and the sun appears later, it’s easier to get out of bed to watch its ascent. Check the weather forecast the day before to avoid fog and rain, pack some home-baked snacks, and wrap up warm. Then head to your nearest east-facing hill, stone circle, clifftop or beach for a dramatic, moving spectacle. It’s a lovely way to bond as a family as well as learning about the movement of the earth around the sun. Check out these 12 suggestions for the best sunrise-watching places in the UK.
DO NOEL HOUSE PARTY
Dennis Severs’ House in Spitalfields, London, is a ‘still-life drama’ created during the 1980s and 90s. Step through its arched door, and you’ll step back in time to the 19th century, when the fictional Jervis family lived there. There’s a hushed atmosphere as you enter (it’s best for older children); and at Christmas, it’s extra special – candles blaze on a tree, green garlands hang heavy over the fireplace and the smells of puddings and roasting dinners fill the air. It’s a truly immersive, special experience; more akin to a show than a gallery. Until January 8
WHAT WE’RE EATING Sweet Beetroot Hummus on Sourdough with Blackberry Jam and Hazelnut Butter. We like our beetroot hummus vibrant and rich, that’s why there is an obnoxious ratio of beetroot to chickpeas in this recipe. Embrace it say Megan Hallett and Nicole Jardim. Get the recipe here
We’re excited to invite you to take a peek inside our 2022 Christmas Gift Guide. Tucked inside every current issue of the magazine, for a limited time, you can download a copy for free. Conscious gifts sorted! Download your free guide here
WHAT WE’RE READING Need a lift? Here’s 53 easy ways to add cheer to your life as winter looms: “It’s cold and dark out there – and it doesn’t feel much better in here either. But help is at hand. From baking rude biscuits to walking backwards, try one of these quick, cheap and (moderately) silly ways to beat the gloom”? Read more here
