Creative Countryside
All Posts Spring Summer Autumn Winter Creative Lifestyle Musings
Creative Countryside
Slow & Seasonal Living
annie-spratt-458117-unsplash.jpg

A quarterly printed magazine telling stories of nature, folklore & adventure

Buy a copy of issue 5
 
 
CreativeCountrysideWinterGathering-4.jpg

Live more seasonally: subscribe & receive a free 46-page e-book plus monthly updates

Get the newsletter
CreativeCountrysideWinterGathering-1-10.jpg

Traditional crafts, seasonal feasts & real life connection in beautiful locations

Attend an event
CreativeCountrysideWinterGathering-1-24.jpg

Seasonal inspiration & resources, plus the opportunity to connect with like-minded folk

Join our community
 
 

Our slow & seasonal mantra,,,

Strive to live more slowly. Keep watch for the first snowdrop, walk outside in the rain, and listen for the return of the swallows. Share stories and seasonal feasts around campfires. Scribble ideas and illustrations on an adventure in the woods, on a mountain hike, or on an early morning stroll around your garden. Choose local, handmade and sustainable. Try your hand at weaving, whittling, foraging and bottling.

And every day, venture outside and celebrate the seasons.

 
 
cc.jpg
 

Explore the online journal…

 

aUTUMN INSPIRATION

Blog
Pewter, Sepia and Rust
Sarah Hardman
Pewter, Sepia and Rust
Sarah Hardman
Sarah Hardman

Seasonal Stories

Blog
Keep the Campfire Alive
Melissa Davies
Keep the Campfire Alive
Melissa Davies
Melissa Davies

INSPIRED BY NATURE

 
 
candlelight-celebration-creative-countryside

Winter Solstice Celebration

Tuesday 11th December, 12noon - 7pm

  • Hot spiced drinks on arrival

  • A workshop to create your own festive Tudor bough decoration

  • Yule reflections and rituals

  • A 3 course seasonal solstice feast

You also have the option to add accommodation when purchasing your ticket, however rooms are very limited.

 
cc.jpg
 

Meet the Team

 
 
 
 

Sign up for monthly seasonal inspiration…

We love stories and folklore, adventures in nature & seasonal celebrations. Sound like you too? Join like-minded folk and become a part of the free newsletter community today. We'll send you a free 46-page seasonal living e-book, a digital mini-magazine four times a year, & monthly(ish) newsletters, including exclusive updates on our printed magazine and events.

We'd love to have you join us. Are you in?

 
 
 
cc.jpg
 
 
Our table just outside the back door has become a storage space for harvested produce; these are my favourite of the squashes. Soup for tea I think! And if you have a look in my stories, you'll see what we're using for dessert...⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #squashwatch #upandautumn #cherishandrelish_october
Sometimes, when I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed, or the days are flying by too fast, I like to immerse myself in nature's tiny details. Like this spider's web sparkling in the early morning mist.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Feeling the need to stay grounded this week as the tickets are launched for our Winter Solstice Celebration (opening ticket sales is always a scary moment!). If, like me, you're inspired by nature and the seasons, you might be interested in coming along... you'll take part in some Yule reflections and rituals, create a traditional nature-inspired decoration, and enjoy a 3 course seasonal feast, all in a medieval hall near Hereford. There's also space to rest your head for the night if you'd like. Would love to see you there!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #aseasonalyear #slowlived #alovefornaturesbest ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #simpleandstill
Drifting between seasons this week: autumnal leaf-peeping in the top field, a hot Saturday spent wearing too many layers, and scarlet berries tempting me with thoughts of winter. Anyone else feel a little in limbo at the moment?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ P.S. Tickets go on sale tomorrow for our Yule celebration on the 11th of December. Make sure you're signed up to the newsletter to find out more!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #aseasonalyear #aseasonalshift #embracingtheseasons
It might be a bit rusty, but this set up in a wooden hut at Weald and Down Museum is my idea of a perfect tea break. Apple and cinnamon please, with a big slab of cake. How about you?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #slowlived #onequietcup #simplethingsmadebeautiful #simpleandstill
Five things for anyone who's new around here (hello!) or for anyone who might not know me very well...⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 1. This is me in my natural habitat - wax jacket, muddy boots, walking through the hills after a hard frost. I love all the seasons, but somehow I feel like I fit better in autumn and winter.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 2. I used to be a teacher. Five years in secondary schools taught me a lot about what I didn't want from life, but it also made me more focused, confident and brave.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 3. My little boy is 18 months old. Being a mum is the hardest, most incredible journey. It changed everything for me.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 4. I live on a smallholding in a Lincolnshire village with four generations of my family. We have 12 chickens, 6 ducks, 5 sheep and 3 dogs. It's madness.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 5. This year I turn 30, and actually, I'm pretty excited. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Your turn! I'd love to learn something new about you if you'd like to share?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #creativeinthecountryside #communityovercompetition #alifeofintention #posttheordinary ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Image by @anniespratt at the #ccwintergathering in January
Every time a new issue arrives from the printers I have a very nervous few minutes flicking through to check everything looks as it should. I try not to worry, but I desperately want everything to be perfect, and I feel a huge responsibility that I'm publishing the work of so many talented creatives who make the magazine possible. This issue is our fifth, and it marks the second year of the magazine, something which at one point I never dreamed was possible. So thank you for supporting me and the team along the way. Every message, email and kind word you've shared about this issue fills me with joy! If you're new here (and quite a few of you are this week, hello!), there's more info on the website about how to order. (Image taken by the very lovely Maddy @a_slow_adventure) #aseasonalyear #embracingtheseasons #indiepublishing
September is all about balance. The equinox in less than a week's time is symbolic of opposites - light and dark, day and night - and is a time for realigning priorities. It's also the Tree Month of Vine, a time of celebration for the harvest, but also looking ahead to the darker side of mother nature. My word for 2018 was 'balance'. And yet, I don't feel balanced at all. So far this month I've had too much on my plate, and I've had to let things slide: emails, messages, plans... now as the full moon approaches, it's time to reset my priorities, get organised, and cut myself some slack. Are you feeling balanced at the moment? Do you struggle to prioritise too? (Image: @jamesfridphotography for Issue 5 of the magazine - available to order now!)
Sloes, hawthorn berries, elderberries, blackberries... the hedgerow is ripe for the picking. And the apples aren't far behind! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The countdown to autumn is on and to help you ease in to the season we are giving away an autumnal inspired bundle with a bonus gift from @snapdragonstudiouk. To take part in this giveaway, post your best autumn inspired photo with a caption to explain a bit about the thought process behind the photograph, use the hashtag #aseasonalautumn and tag us, and two friends who might like to take part. The lovely @anniespratt will be picking the winner. Ends 22nd September 2018. This giveaway is in no way affiliated with Instagram. Open to UK residents only.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Good luck!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ (Image: Liana Mikah)
"Fiercely decorated male pheasants stalk for seeds and grain in the tall grasses that separate the agricultural land from the domestic. Their echoing cok-cok reverberates around the valley until a farm vehicle thunders by, and they screech through the tree-tops to escape the mechanical movements..."⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I've been writing the editorial for issue 5 of the magazine this afternoon, and pulling together all the content means I'm definitely feeling ready for autumn! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ There are some brilliant contributions for this issue: Nourishing the Roots of Friendship, Velvet Season, The Habit of Home, Rooted in the Forest, and so much beautiful photography. You can pre-order now to be one of the first to receive a copy. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Are you ready for the seasons to change?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ (Photo by @saltyseaflower from issue 1)
When we were younger, my grandma would bake for the family on a Sunday. She'd ask for suggestions, and every single time I'd request bramble and apple pie. With lots of cream please. And I'll have a second helping too thanks very much.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ How about you? Do your memories revolve around food too?!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ P.S. Four and a bit hours to go until the doors close for the Creative Countryside Community. If you've been putting it off, now's your chance! Join us for seasonal inspiration, resources, discounts, meet-ups, and above all else, the realisation that there are others out there who feel the same way you do about life.
"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Mary Oliver's words circle in my head as I approach a big birthday at the end of this year. When I was 15, I had lots of ideas for what I should have achieved by the time I was 30. Now I'm almost there, my dreams for the next 15 years look a little different.... more campfires, more adventures, more stories, more laughter, and more joy. Someone once asked me to describe what I wanted from life without saying "I don't want..." - it was much harder than I thought, but it focused my mind brilliantly.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I'd love to know, what plans do you have for the future? Try starting with "more" and see how hard you find it to avoid negatives too...⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ P.S. If you've not already joined us, there is just one day left to join the Creative Countryside Community! If friendship, connection, slowing down, and time spent outdoors are on your list, you'll feel right at home.
Grab your wellies and let's go... the Creative Countryside Community closes its doors on Wednesday so you've got just two days left to join us all for a ton of seasonal inspiration every month. September's e-zine is ready to send and I'm busy finalising plans for the first meet up in October (all totally free for members!). If you're looking for a supportive group of like-minded men and women who value the earth, the seasons and a different way of living, you've found your place. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ (Photo taken @thewelshhouse) ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #communityovercompetition⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #slowlivingforlife⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #quietchaotics⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #gritandvirtue⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #simpleandstill⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #thatauthenticfeeling⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #alittlebeautyeveryday⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #searchwandercollect⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #beautyinsimplicity⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #beautyyouseek⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #simplethingsmadebeautiful⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #myeverydaymagic⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #inspiremyinstagram⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #holdthemoment⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #curatedlife⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #smallmomentsofcalm⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #slowlived⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #provenciallife⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #kinfolklife