Maria Court

In the late 1970s, when the rest of the teenage world was out meeting girlfriends in pubs and clubs, wildlife presenter Chris Packham was bent over a microscope looking at badger faeces.

Is there anyone nicer than Jane McDonald? During our interview the down-to-earth Yorkshire lass just exudes warmth. She admits she wants to live in a bubble where ‘everything is lovely’ and has spent years batting off the naysayers and critics.

A celebration of music and family-friendly activities, now in its sixth year, is taking place on a sheep farm in Purbeck next week. Maria Court reports

In the late 1970s, when the rest of the teenage world was out meeting girlfriends in pubs and clubs, wildlife presenter Chris Packham was bent over a microscope looking at badger faeces.

These illustrations, published between 1914-1917, offer a comment on society during the Great War.

There’s a rare chance to see furniture maker John Makepeace’s house and garden this weekend, reports Maria Court

If you ask a kayaker when they are likely to be coming home from a trip, the answer will usually be: “It depends on the weather, and the tides....”

For most people, being on an aeroplane is a happy experience, with the promise of an exciting time ahead.