By Kate Hodges
12th October 2022
DO HEDGE WITCHERY
It’s National Hedgerow Week, a time to recognise, celebrate and protect those prickly, brambly edges and thickets that are home to over 2000 species including 80 per cent of our woodland birds. Hedgerows improve our health, happiness and sense of heritage. Why not join The Tree Council for ‘Hedgerow Happy Hour’ and sign up for a free online hedge talk, sign a petition that calls on the Government to commit to extending the hedgerow network by 40% by 2050, Plant a hedgerow at home or identify a space in your community or workspace where one could go (apply for funding from The Tree Council here), or get snapping and join in Chris Packham’s Hedgerow of the Year photo competition?
RECIPE FOREST TREASURES
Shiny chestnuts are falling from the trees. It’s a race against the squirrels to find them, so get into the woods and make your harvest. There are some excellent storage tips and cooking tips here (we adore candied chestnuts) or try our recipes for chocolate chestnut truffles, parsnip, chestnut and cranberry bake, or warming cauliflower and chestnut soup.
EVENT BLEEDING GOOD
Environmenstrual Week is a chance to talk about plastic-free periods and to smash a few taboos. Run by the Women’s Environmental Network, the week is an umbrella for events across the country, as well as a spur to direct action. This year it’s themed around period shame; period poverty, reproductive health, continence and the shameful persistence of stigma and taboos around menstruation.The site is great for resources; find out how to make your own washable pads, a period proud badge, and how to host period-themed quiz and film nights.
Head here for downloadable guides to unbiased period education, money off codes and templates for letters to retailers and manufacturers of conventional period products asking them to ditch the plastic and craft and events ideas.
Find our guide to reusable period products here, find out why teens are switching to period pants, washable pads and cups here, find how to save money using reusable products here and learn how to enjoy and honour your period here.
EVENT THE ILLUMINATI
As the nights start to get darker, so our celebrations become more cosy and magical. See the city of Leeds in a different light – literally – at Light Night Leeds, which runs this Thursday and Friday. The UK’s largest annual arts and light festival bathes the city in large-scale light projections and interactive installations, while music, dance and street performers line the streets. This year, there are ten zones to explore. See your gestures light up the Civic hall in 80s video game style, walk through illuminated mazes, witness Leeds cathedral light up in ethereal style, accompanied by musicians, or dive into ear-splitting, eye-popping drum performances. Find the whole line-up here
EVENT ART-DOORS
Experience cutting-edge sculpture for free in The Regent’s Park this month. Frieze Sculpture runs until November 13, and is curated by Claire Lilley, the director of programming at Yorkshire Sculpture Park. This lush green space is transformed into a gallery with huge, bright sculptures from artists from around the world. Find re-imaginings of Greco-Roman figures, one of Robert Indiana’s famous ‘one-word poem’ works and crooked ladders that seemingly lead nowhere. There’s enough food for thought for adults and older teens, but smaller kids will love the sensory experiences and the freedom of being outside. Find out more here
WHAT WE’RE EATING: Chamomile and Maple Porridge This recipe is my way of finding a moment of peace and serenity in the morning, says Megan Hallett. It makes the perfect soothing start to the day. If you’ve been wrestling with the frustrating symptoms of hijacked hormones – period problems, skin issues, weight gain and low energy and sex drive, to name a few, this will help get you back on track.
Find out more here
WHAT WE’RE LISTENING TO: Short And Curly: Should we ban homework? Is it ever OK to read someone else’s diary? How can you win an argument with your parents? Do toys and games shape who we become? Hold hands as a family and dive into ethics, dilemmas in this fast-paced and fun Australian podcast. Find out more here
