Children gain 'profound' benefits from time in the wild
Primary schoolchildren should spend at least one hour a day in wild places to help improve their wellbeing and confidence, according to The Wildlife Trusts.
The network of organisations has called on the next government to create a network of outdoor spaces for children to enjoy, following a study by the Institute of Education, which found positive benefits for the confidence of primary schoolchildren after taking part in activities in wild places.
The organisation said an hour a day outdoors for all British children aged four to 11 would help re-establish the connection between young people and nature in the UK.
'This research shows that children experience profound and diverse benefits through regular contact with nature,' said Nigel Doar, the Wildlife Trusts’ director of strategy. 'Contact with the wild improves children’s wellbeing, motivation and confidence. The data also highlights how children’s experiences in and around the natural world led to better relationships with their teachers and classmates.'
Battersea explains great golden retriever meeting
London commuters expressed their delight at spotting a group of golden retrievers sitting on the platform of Barnes station this weekened.
Pictures of the dogs, who appeared to be patiently waiting for a train, have gone viral on social media and many were left puzzled as to why the hounds had congregated en masse.
It turns out the eager retrievers were posing for a calendar to raise funds for Battersea Dogs Home and photographers said they were a pleasure to work with. They've certainly earned their Markies.
On this day...
On 7 November, 1942, British model Jean Shrimpton was born in Buckinghamshire. She is considered to be among the world's first supermodels, with TIME magazine labelling her as one in 1971.
Spaniels and Labradors among most stolen dog breeds
Dog owners have been urged to consider the security of their pets during Gundog Theft Awareness Week (31 October – 7 November).
The guidance follows news that almost half of dogs reported missing to DogLost are gundogs, with cocker and springer spaniels and labradors the most commonly targeted within the group.
Dorset Police Rural Crime Team has said there are simple measures that can be taken to deter thieves.
‘It is important to think like a criminal,’ said a spokesman for the team. ‘Look at your property as if you are trying to steal your dogs. How would you do it and how could you be stopped? If you find a flaw make sure it’s rectified ASAP.’
Full story and further advice (Country Life)
Rare and historic weapons on sale from film suppliers
Rare weapons from the Mark and Peter Dineley Collections will be offered at Bonhams Antique Arms and Armour Sale in London on 27 November.
Mark Dineley and his son Peter owned and ran Bapty & Co., a firm specialising in supplying arms and armour to the film industry, contributing to titles such as A Bridge Too Far, Star Wars, Indiana Jones and Saving Private Ryan.
The collection is made up of 130 items, and includes works of art as well as the weaponry-related lots.
And finally... Pick up a precious port
Chiswick Auctions is offering a rare vintage of the Queen Mother's favourite tipple, Graham’s Port 1977, at an upcoming sale on 5 December.
The port was ordered to The Winter Gardens Theatre in Margate ahead of a royal visit, but much of it was unused and it remained untouched for more than 30 years.
It will now be offered in four lots, three in their original wooden cases, estimated at £700-£850, and one comprising of four bottles, estimated to fetch £100-£150.
Pici the Jack Russell named Britain's Naughtiest Dog for 2019
RSPCA begs public to adopt rather than buy dogs as 'designer' and 'handbag' dogs are abandoned in huge numbers
The public have been urged to consider rehoming a dog rather than buying a puppy, after an influx in fashionable
Credit: ANDY SCOTT / Knight Frank
The magnificent Kent home of the godfather of British children's illustrators
Penny Churchill takes a look at the former home of Randolph Caldecott, one of Britain's greatest-ever illustrators, which has come
-
If the future of Ferrari is electric vehicles, then it is our future tooIt's widely believed that Ferrari will unveil its first electric car this year. It's the signal that the internal combustion era is coming to an end.
-
Gaze over Cap Ferrat in this four-bedroom French villaIgnore the wind and the rain. Imagine yourself in this hillside home with some of the best views the Mediterranean can offer.
-
The brilliant tractor tribute to the NHS from a group of Warwickshire farmersPeople around Britain have been paying tribute to the efforts of our NHS workers at the time of the coronavirus pandemic — but few have been as creative and clever as this one.
-
London's iconic red bus at risk and 6,000 year old chewing gum gives clues into our DNA historyCuts to industry subsidies and an increase in fares has left bus use at its lowest point ever, while DNA extracted from ancient 'chewing gum' allows scientists to decipher the genetic code of a Stone Age woman.
-
90-million-year-old 'swimming dinosaur' skeleton found by dogs out walking in Somerset, and the nonchalant moths who don't bother fleeing enemiesA superbly intact dinosaur skeleton — described as being 'museum quality' — has been discovered on a beach in Somerset.
-
Battle to ban 4x4s from the idyllic Lake District spot bequeathed by Beatrix Potter, eagle fights octopus and the 'snail's pace' climate talksThis morning we look at Little Langdale's fight for peace, reflect on the climate change talks in Madrid and discover the soundtrack for Brexit.
-
Country Life Today: How Greta Thunberg shifted the dial on climate change — and the backlash shows just how muchThis morning we ponder whether Greta Thunberg is the Joan of Arc for the environmental movement, look at a key election — one from 19 years ago — and ponder the marvel of 'dad tidying'.
-
Country Life Today: Great news for those who love our great country pubs — the years of decline are overThere is a great sign of health in the pub industry, we look back at Edward VIII's abdication message and fret about Greenland's melting ice.
-
Country Life Today: Spain accused of being 'a deplorable choice' for UN climate conferenceA no-holds-barred assault on the Spanish fishing industry, Banksy raising awareness of the homeless and the woes of the Christmas jumper are in today's news round-up.
-
Country Life Today: 'This is perhaps the ultimate wake-up call from the uncontrolled experiment humanity is unleashing on the world’s oceans'In today's round up, we examine why oxygen loss is putting oceans at risk, discover that action to cut air pollution brings almost immediate benefits to human health and find out which bird's arrival marks the start of winter in Gloucestershire.
