A look back on 2014

Whilst we are looking forward to greeting 2015 as our 80th year in operation, we fondly reflect on 2014 as a year of trials, tribulations and great success. Here are the highlights of a great year for all things Country...

After many months of hard slog, late nights, hair pulling and gatherings in the board room we finally launched our new all singing and dancing ecommerce website.  As with all things digital there were a few teething issues, but we gratefully thank our loyal customers for bearing with us during that time. We are still constantly tweaking the site to bring our customers the best shopping experience possible. After all, we stick by our motto of 'Best in the Country!'.

On the back of our ecommerce growth our team expanded too. We hope to introduce you to the 'family' over the course of 2015 so you can get to know the people behind the scenes that make the magic happen.

2014 was our 33rd year of proudly supporting Barbour as an official stockist.  Over the years we have seen Barbour, as a brand, go from strength to strength on the back of demand for all things British Heritage.  Celebrating their 120th during 2014 we are excited to show you what they have in store for 2015.  As always you won't be disappointed so watch this space!

Talking of the ongoing Barbour success we were delighted to hear the announcement of Drapers awarding them Winner for Menswear Brand of The Year 2014. Rightfully deserved too!

Hunter, another growing British Heritage brand, launched their new and improved Norris Field Boot. With a new and improved rubber compound and other new technologies, Hunter have put themselves back on the map as a solid choice for country pioneers. We look forward to more new and improved ranges in 2015.

Meanwhile, in the field of technical field clothing we saw Musto shake up the market with the arrival of their new 3 layer system; the ultimate in providing comfort and performance in the field. Comprising of a merino wool base layer, a Primaloft midlayer and a new technical outerlayer the Musto 3 layer system has been a winner in the field. 

The Musto 3 Layer System

Whilst we saw our existing brands go from strength to strength we were pleasantly surprised by one of our new field clothing brands, UK newcomer, Baleno.  Well known in other parts of Europe, Baleno provides a beautiful range of contemporary, comfortable and functional field sports wear. Specialising in technical field wear suitable for all roles, Baleno clothing is built on a foundation of technical craftsmanship and a continuous drive for innovation. Baleno, as a new brand, has done really well for us and we were pleasantly surprised with how well it's been received in the field. We look forward to extending our range in 2015 to give you even more quality choice.

New for 2014; Baleno

Whilst many of you will be taking it easy over the festive break, perhaps treating yourself to another Barbour jacket (one is never enough) in our sale, we are full steam ahead preparing for the new year ahead of us.  We would like to take a moment out of our hectic schedule to pay thanks to our loyal and highly valued customers. Without whom we wouldn't have survived 2014, or the 78 years prior.

We sincerely wish you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

From the FRS Countrywear Family.

Christmas in the Country

There is nowhere more inviting to spend the Christmas season than in the countryside. The quintessential cosy fireside, a welcoming country pub and the wintery beauty of the rural landscape are idyllic images that will adorn many of the Christmas cards we send this year. 

In villages and rural towns up and down the country, you will find dedicated carol singers, wrapped up in thick winter coats, hats and gloves, often raising money for charity and drawing the community together, reminding us of the traditional importance of community spirit and charity during the winter months.

Traditionally at Christmas we celebrate life in the darkness by bringing Christmas trees, holly branches, ivy and mistletoe into the house as decoration. Stealing a quick kiss under the mistletoe is one of the few old English traditions to have thrived in the modern day. For many, the 'real' Christmas tree represents an idyllic Christmas in a luxurious country house or homely farmhouse. It is the focal point of the family celebrations; bringing young and old together to decorate it, having delicious mini treats hung from its branches and being the place where the family gather to open presents.

Of course no family Christmas would be complete without some boldly patterned knitwear, a splash of tartan or audacious animal motifs and, with British country style back in fashion, there will likely be many examples of the 'Christmas jumper' this festive season!

Making the most of the hearty winter fare available, a country Christmas dinner may include goose, pheasant or game pie, with a traditional Christmas pudding. With the family all eagerly gathered at the table, the man of the house will face his most stressful task of the year; attempting to carve the Christmas meat, without making a meal of it!

After all that gorging on wholesome country cuisine, a leisurely Christmas afternoon walk with the family is still a popular activity in rural communities. Donning a 'best' thick winter coat and comfy wellington boots, this provides a great opportunity to chat with neighbours and to savour the peace and tranquillity of the rural landscape after all the mayhem of preparing for the big day.

Boxing Day brings a more steady pace and many people will unwind by heading out for a relaxing horse ride or meeting for lunchtime drinks at a country pub.

So this year, wherever you're celebrating, why not unleash your country lady or gentleman, slip into some chunky knit or tartan and raise a glass to the British countryside!

Musto's Three Layer System for Field Attire

Musto's Storm Jacket.

Our favourite innovation for the AW14 field sports season is the 3 layer system of clothing from Musto. Designed to provide optimal performance and comfort for the long hours spent in the field, it addresses the need for; protection against the elements, insulation and breathability. The three layer clothing range utilises some superb new materials to offer you the highest quality.

Closest to your body, the base layer is breathable and wicking to draw moisture quickly away from the skin. This helps keep you comfortable and dry but also keeps you warm as moisture next to the skin can cause a drop in body temperature. Moisture is then transported through the layers to evaporate on the surface of the outer layer. The Musto Evolution Merino T-Shirt uses high quality, wicking Merino wool to offer you the greatest comfort.

An insulating mid-layer traps a layer of warm air close to the body. The Musto Primaloft® Bodywarmer utilises Primaloft® insulation. This extremely lightweight fibre lines the bodywarmer and provides exceptional insulation in a light, non-bulky garment.

Weatherproof Musto Storm Jacket

The outer layer needs to protect against the elements. Musto's Storm Jacket is an exceptional field jacket that will protect against wind and rain and the foulest weather conditions. In breathable GoreTex - renowned as the world's most waterproof fabric, it is lightweight and easy to wear. The Storm Jacket is packed out with functional shooting features such as an action back and underarm articulation for freedom of movement, an extra high, shaped collar for additional protection against the elements, cartridge pockets and a poachers pocket and a pull down waterproof seat flap.

While stocks last, receive a free Musto Primaloft® Gilet worth £150 when you purchase the Musto Storm Jacket.

Waterproof Country Clothing for a Rainy AW14

The arrival of October has brought with it some blustery rain and wind across the UK and there is a definite chill in the air. It's certainly got us all rushing for our trusty waterproofs! In this week's blog we'll introduce you to some of our favourite AW14 rainy day essentials...

Starting from the bottom, puddle proof your feet with the brand new Norris Field Boot from Hunter. Available in a selection of understated colours the Norris is the update of the Original, but with it's emphasis on function rather than fashion. Designed for everyday field and yard use this boot features a durable sole with wide zig-zag tread for good grip in varying terrains and a reinforced panel to the front to increase structure and support. The soft rubber compound construction ensures excellent levels of comfort.

Hunter Norris Field Boot

Fleece lined on the inside and waxed on the outside, the Sallygap Jacket from Jack Murphy is the perfect way to wrap up on cold, rainy days. Boasting a beautiful and popular style this is the AW14 update to last year's much loved Sallywood Jacket.

Jack Murphy Sallygap Jacket

When the rain starts to pour, a waxed hat is the simplest way to keep you dry without having to carry an umbrella. We love the Barbour Valerie Wax Hat and Olney Annabel

Barbour Valerie

Olney Annabelle

Barbour's Tartan Telescopic Umbrella is the ideal size to drop into your handbag for unexpected downpours, or for really foul days, the Barbour Painted Horse Golf Umbrella will keep you dry under a canopy featuring a picturesque rural scene.

Barbour Tartan Telescopic Umbrella

Barbour Painted Horse Umbrella

Jack Murphy's AW14 Collections at bestinthecountry.co.uk

This autumn we are excited to bring you a beautiful new collection from countrywear favourite, Jack Murphy. Established in 1922, this Irish clothing company is one of our most popular brands, with a collection that is distinctive and classic. Their AW14 range is proving incredibly popular, and their beautifully cut, flatteringly feminine tweeds and jackets are certainly grabbing our customers attention!

Three stunning new tweeds are showcased throughout, in a selection of key pieces. These are, the Glendalough Tweed in an olive shade with purple tones and a herringbone design. The Burren Tweed in brown hue accented with purple check and the Donadea Tweed, light and bright in shades of gold, green and olive with a bold, large check.

Also featuring prominently is the whimsical Buckley Beagle print. A loveable design created in-house and exclusive to Jack Murphy.

Inspired by, and capturing the essence of the autumnal landscape, this collection features a rich array of colours, from sumptuous berry shades to cool blues, warming orange and earthy browns and cream, accents of bright colour and all perfect for the autumn/ winter season.

Discover our beautiful Jack Murphy collection and shop online to benefit from free delivery, here >

Seasonal Game Recipes for September

One of the best things (if not the very best thing) about September and autumn is the myriad of wonderful, seasonal and comforting food that becomes available in late summer and throughout the autumn months.In celebration of the upcoming season, we have gathered a few seasonal and delicious game recipes for you to try out at home. Buying seasonally allows you to buy locally, giving you far superior flavour and quality of products.

Readily available game in season in September includes Partridge (September 1st - February 1), Duck (September 1st - January 31st) and Red Grouse (August 12 - December 10). The recipes below all champion these great game meats...

Roast Partridge with Thyme Butter, Wild Mushrooms and Parsnip Puree (from gametoeat.co.uk)

Serves 4. Preparation Time 30 mins. Cooking Time 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

4 whole, oven ready partridge
125g butter
6 sprigs of time, with the leaves removed
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 clove garlic, peeled but not crushed
200g mixed wild mushrooms
50ml white wine
4 parsnips, peeled and cut into 1cm cubes
200ml double cream
200ml milk
Salt and pepper to season

Preheat the oven to 180C.

To create the thyme butter, mix 100g butter with 1 tbsp of fresh thyme leaves, 1 clove garlic and plenty of salt and pepper. Rub the butter all over and under the skin of each bird and place on an oven try. Cook in the oven for 12-15 minutes and baste regularly. Once cooked, remove from the oven and allow to rest.

To make the puree boil the parsnips with 1tsp of thyme leaves and garlic, until tender. Strain and liquidise. Add the cream, milk and seasoning to the parsnips and warm through. You should create a mash consistency.

To cook the mushrooms, heat 25g of butter in a frying pan on a high heat. Add the remaining crushed garlic and thyme. Mix in the mushrooms and a splash of white wine and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the mushrooms are soft and tender.

Use the puree as a base to serve the partridge on top of.

Picture from www.gametoeat.co.uk

Crispy Orange and Maple Whole Fried Duck (from greatbritishchefs.com)

Serves 2. Preparation and Cooking Time 1 Hour.

Ingredients:

Duck marinade:

1 large duck
50ml soy sauce
2 oranges (juice 100ml and zest)
20ml maple syrup

For the batter:

2 egg whites
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp cornflour
Vegetable oil for deep frying

Cut the duck into two, lengthways.

Combine all of the marinade ingredients. Coat the duck and leave to marinade in the fridge for at least 20 minutes, or for best results 24-48 hours.

Remove from the marinade and place in a steam ovenat 90°C for 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can place the duck in a stove top steamer for 20 minutes. Remove and allow to cool.

To make the batter, whisk the egg whites with salt and slowly add in the cornflour as the whites begin to increase in volume. Continue to whisk to medium peaks.

Generously coat the duck in the batter and deep fry at 180°C for 10-15 minutes until golden and crispy.

Once deep fried, slice the duck and serve with your choice of accompaniments.

Picture from www.greatbritishchefs.com

Classic Roast Grouse with Bread Sauce (from www.telegraph.co.uk)

Serves 2.

Ingredients:

Olive oil

2 grouse

2 sprigs of sage

4 rashers of streaky bacon or pancetta

2 handfuls of watercress, to serve

Game chips to serve (optional)

For the bread sauce:

700ml whole milk

4 cloves

½ a small onion, chopped

2 blades fresh blade mace

1 bay leaf

100g day-old bread, crusts removed, torn into chunks

50g butter

A few gratings of nutmeg

Preheat the oven to 220°C/ Gas 7. Make the bread sauce by pouring the milk into a saucepan and placing over a medium heat. Press the cloves into the onion and place in the pan along with the mace, bay leaf and a pinch of salt. Remove from the heat as it approaches the boil and leave to infuse for at least half an hour.

Add a generous splash of oil to a heavy-based frying pan and place over a high heat. Rub the grouse with oil, season and stuff the sage into the cavities. Brown them on all sides in the hot pan. Transfer to a roasting tin or dish and place two slices of bacon or pancetta over each bird. Place in the oven for 10 minutes for medium-rare. Cover with foil and rest, breast-side down, for at least 10 minutes.

Return the milk pan back to a low heat and remove the spices with a slotted spoon. Stir in the bread and a pinch of pepper and cook slowly for five minutes while the grouse is resting. Just before serving, stir in the butter until it has melted and add more salt if you feel it needs it. Grate over the nutmeg and serve with your grouse, along with watercress and, if you choose, a handful of game chips.

Picture from www.telegraph.co.uk

Transitional Autumn Clothing

As we head into September and autumn we are turning our attention to the beautiful ranges of autumn/ winter clothing that are beginning to fill up online and high street stores. There's still hope of an Indian summer in September so don't pack away the summer wardrobe just yet, but this is definitely a great time to start adding in some key pieces to see you effortlessly into the new season.

Gilets

Gilets are a perfect option for those in-between days where you don't need a full cover up, but enough to keep out the chill. On really cold winter days they provide an extra layer of warmth underneath a jacket. They are equally stylish for men and women and look fantastic teamed with a shirt or pullover and jeans.

Our favourite options for men include (shown left to right) the Barbour Hermitage and Barbour Bosun

A beautiful range of ladies gilets include the Joules Higham and the Just Joules Womens Gilet

Wax Jacket 

Ideal for rainy days, the highly durable waxed jacket is a smart and stylish way to protect yourself against foul weather. Thanks to their recent return to fashion favour you can now find them in a wide range of styles and colours and there is a beautiful range of flattering ladies wax jackets.

Some great options for men are the Barbour Catton, the classic Barbour Beaufort or the Barbour Edderton

Ladies options include the Barbour Quilted Utility Jacket, the ever popular Beadnell and the Scholar Jacket

Knitwear

A light knit, such as a V neck pullover for men, or a ladies cardigan or sweater is a very easy way to add a warming layer into your outfit. Opt for lightweight garments for early autumn, wool blends should provide enough warmth without being uncomfortable.

Barbour's Netherfield is a stunning, simple option for men or their Sett Crew Jumper is a classic autumn/ winter pullover.

Ladies can wrap up in gorgeous Jack Murphy Katie Sweater or Joules delightful Marsha Sweater with duck design.

 

Accessories

Top off your autumnal outfit with a smart tweed flat cap, like the Barbour Crieff Cap. Beautiful on men or women it will give an instant injection of country flair to your look.

What to Wear to Your First Shoot

Kit yourself out from head to toe and look like a seasoned pro on your first shoot. 

Ear Protection: Hearing protection is a must on shoots. Specialised Ear Defenders offer the best protection but may be uncomfortable on warm days, in which case disposable ear plugs are also suitable.

A Cap: A tweed flat cap is traditional but you can opt for a waxed cap or hat if you prefer. On informal shoots a baseball cap, in an appropriate, natural colour will protect your eyes from low sun.

Jacket: On cold or wet days a warm, waterproof jacket will provide protection against the elements. On warmer days, a light sports blazer will also look smart and help complete your outfit for a formal shoot. Numerous options exist for every budget and weather, from high end GoreTex jackets such as Musto's Whisper and Storm Jackets (Storm jacket coming soon), to packaway rain macs such as Musto's Fenland Packaway. A shooting jacket should allow for unrestricted movement with good stretch across the back and articulated sleeves.
Shop Mens Shooting Jackets / Shop Womens Shooting Jackets

Waistcoat: On warm days and on more informal shoots, a waistcoat can be worn as an outerlayer if you wish. On cold days it is worn beneath the jacket as an extra layer of insulation and on formal shoots it is a smart part of a traditional shooting outfit. Waistcoats are traditionally tweed, in green - brown shades. Again, ensure your waistcoat allows for freedom of movement with plenty of stretch across the back. On informal shoots a bodywarmer will be a suitable alternative.
Shop Mens Bodywarmers / Shop Womens Bodywarmers

Shirt: A green or brown check or tattersall shirt is traditional, however more flamboyant colours are becoming popular. Avoid wearing bright colours to a grouse shoot where the quarry may spot you too early. Shooting shirts should be longer in length than standard shirts to allow them to be tucked in securely and not ride up. Shop Mens Shirts / Shop Womens Shirts

Tie: A tie will be an essential part of your outfit on a formal shoot, but optional on informal shoots. On rainy days it will help to protect against rain droplets by securing the shirt collar close to the skin.

Gunslip: On formal or informal shoots you will need to carry your gun in a Gunslip. The gun should remain sheathed until you reach your peg and be put away again at the end of a drive.

Cartridge Bag: A small canvas or leather bag in which to carry your cartridges will be very useful.

Breeks or Trousers: At a formal shoot, tweed breeks would be expected. When buying, ensure that they are a little long. This way you can hitch them up and fold the loose material over your boots to form a waterproof seal. On informal shoots moleskin trousers are becoming increasing popular for their durability and water resistance. In foul weather you may prefer waterproof overtrousers. Shop Womens Breeks and Trousers / Shop Mens Breeks and Trousers

Shooting Socks: Shooting socks are worn knee high, meeting the hem of the breeks, with a garter to stop them slipping down. They are an important and iconic part of a shooting outfit and are where you can have some fun. There are a great variety of colours and patterns for you to choose from.

Boots: When spending long hours standing in the field in all weather you need sturdy, waterproof boots with a solid sole. Leather boots are extremely popular but good quality wellingtons are also acceptable, we recommend Le Chameau or Aigle. On informal shoots a good quality pair of walking boots could be worn.

The Gamekeeper

This Tuesday marked the arrival of The Glorious 12th, the start of the game season in the UK, which will, for some, mark the start of the country sports season and for many others, the arrival of fresh, organic game in their local butchers shops and restaurants. But behind the scenes, working tirelessly year round to allow all of this to happen, are the dedicated efforts of the Gamekeeper.

The Gamekeeper is the guardian of his land and statistics show that gamekeepers are responsible for approximately 7.3 million hectares of land in the UK (that's roughly the size of Scotland!). Their work ensures a plentiful supply of game but also the conservation of numerous indigenous species through their efforts and they manage the land in such a way that it creates a hospital environment in which flora and fauna can thrive. They also often pass on their knowledge to schoolchildren, teaching them the importance of land management, conservation and ecology. Many estates and their gamekeepers actively contribute to conservation projects such as the reintroduction of red kites and the protection of native species like stone curlew and red squirrels.

Red squirrels and Lapwings benefit from land management

The Environmental Stewardship scheme, in which many gamekeepers participate, is a scheme which offers funding to land managers to deliver effective land management with the aim of supporting the ecosystem of an area and encouraging a healthy diversity of species.

If you are concerned with the origin of your meat or prefer to eat organic produce, game is a fantastic option for you. Through late summer, autumn and winter a range of game will be available in your local butchers and it should be easy to trace its origin. If you're feeling inspired, here's a seasonal grouse recipe to try...

Brandy Roast Grouse

INGREDIENTS

1 dressed young grouse
135 ml double cream
1 tablespoon Brandy
4 strips streaky bacon

DESCRIPTION

Roast the grouse covered in bacon in a hot oven for 15 minutes.  Remove bacon and roast for a further 5 minutes.

Cut them in half and trim out the bony back.

Set aside

Pour 135ml double cream per grouse into the roasting dish, mix with contents and bring to the boil.

Add the tablespoon of brandy and heat up again.

Pour contents over the set aside grouse.

This recipe is for one grouse, which will feed one or two people, depending on how hungry they are so multiply up for larger numbers.

Recipe courtesy of Game to Eat > www.gametoeat.co.uk 

AW14 Clothing Lines Arriving.

This week we've had an exciting few days of preparing our AW14 range ready to go onto our online store, we have started to receive the first of our items from Joules and Barbour and already have a few office favourites!

From left: Barbour's Watercraft Coat, Joules Gabby Trench and Barbour Propeller

We have also been speaking  with Musto about their new A/W collection and have an exciting promotion planned with them - watch this space, there'll be more on that later!

We are very excited about Musto's sporting range this autumn, with their new Storm Jacket taking centre stage. Having already generated much interest at the CLA Game Fair, this innovative Jacket has GoreTex for incredible waterproofing and many functional sporting features. It will be arriving with us very soon and we will be sure to blog and tweet about it, so stay tuned!

Coming back into summer, we are looking forward to the Burwarton Show on Thursday August 7th. This incredibly popular agricultural show draws thousands of people from around the country and takes place just a few miles away from bestinthecountry.co.uk HQ in the beautiful south Shropshire countryside. Why not pop along, it's a great day out! www.burwartonshow.co.uk

Summer Holiday Activities

Schools out, so if you haven't already got a busy summer planned, it's time to get thinking of some great ways to entertain the kids! Covering the length and breadth of the country, there are some brilliant days out and adventures to discover. We've selected some of our favourites to share with you here.

Portsmouth: 'High Tea' at the Spinnaker Tower

Enjoy afternoon tea on View Deck 2 of Portsmouth's Spinnaker Tower. Take in the spectacular views of the coast whilst enjoying delicious sandwiches and cakes. Why not make a day or a weekend of it and enjoy the fantastic Naval and maritime heritage of Portsmouth along with its museums and miles of beautiful seafront.

                                  Find out more about High Tea at the Spinnaker Tower, here. 


Snowdonia National Park: Bounce Below

The world's largest subterranean playground opened this summer in the heart of Snowdonia National Park. Set within a disused slate cavern, this is a big adventure with a difference! Fitted out with bouncy nets and slides it is lit with a technicolour light display, making this a 'must-do' for all you thrill seekers!

Find out more about Bounce Below, here. 

Lake District: Visit the owls at Muncaster Castle

The World Owl Centre™ is set within the gardens of Muncaster Castle, near the town of Ravenglass, in the heart of the western Lakes. Open every day through the summer, entry to the Owl Centre is included with your gardens ticket. Here you will find a diverse collection of owls ranging from the bizarre to the familiar. Don't miss Meet The Birds every day at 2.30pm during the summer season.

Find out more about The World Owl Centre™ at Muncaster Castle, here. 

Cardigan Bay: See dolphins and seals from a boat trip in the bay

This beautiful part of the Welsh coastline is home to bottle-nose dolphins, porpoises, seals and birds. Take a boat trip of the bay to learn about the ecology of our coastline and, hopefully, spot some exciting wildlife!

Find out more about Cardigan Bay Boat Trips, here. 

Edinburgh: Our Dynamic Earth Exhibition

A highly successful children's interactive science museum which tells the story of the astounding science surrounding the past, present and future of our planet. Set in one of Britain's most beautiful cities, this would be an ideal weekend break for those who live further away.

Learn more about Dynamic Earth, here. 

London: Deen City Farm

If you're in London but want to give the children a taste of the countryside, then Deen City Farm is just what you're looking for! An urban farm with an educational focus, Deen Farm teaches visitors about the rural environment and farming/ food production. Riding lessons are also available.

You can learn more about Deen City Farm, here. 

Plymouth: British Firework Championships August 12/13.

Plymouth was chosen as the location for the British Fireworks Championships because it provides a natural amphitheatre with a stunning backdrop and numerous points for spectators to watch from around the harbour. This August, the skies of Plymouth will again be lit up in a pyrotechnic display guaranteed to draw visitors from far and wide into the city.

Find out more about the British Fireworks Championships, here. 

Somerset: Wookey Hole

Open 7 days a week, Wookey Hole is a wonderful and unique attraction in Somerset made up of beautiful caves, underground rivers, mystery and ancient folklore.

Find out more about Wookey Hole, here. 

Isle of Wight: Shanklin Chine

Visiting the Isle of Wight? Don't miss Shanklin Chine, a unique and tranquil leafy gorge, first opened in 1817. The winding woodlandwith its steep sides is an enchanting place of rare plants, wildlife and waterfalls.

Find out more about Shanklin Chine, here. 

National Countryside Week

This week, people up and down the country have been taking part in events to mark National Countryside Week. Running from Monday July 14th to Sunday, July 20th this awareness week is organised by The Prince's Countryside Fund and this year has encouraged people to 'Walk A Country Mile' either alone or as part of a group and tweet their pictures, selfies (or 'walkies) and videos to raise awareness of the fragile beauty of our countryside and the hard work of the dedicated people who preserve it for future generations. The scheme already has celebrity backing, from Alex James who has posted this video explaining the importance of appreciation for our countryside and rural workers.

Donations given as part of National Countryside Week (and to The Prince's Countryside Fund at any time) will go towards countryside projects such as apprenticeships for budding hill farmers, training for young people to work in the rural economy, community transport schemes in isolated areas and educating school children about food production and the importance of the countryside.

If you would like to walk your own country mile you can find some great walking route ideas on The Prince's Country Fund website. Please don't forget about the countryside code! You can help to preserve our natural beauty by observing the code's simple points. Also, remember to tweet your pictures using hashtag #walkies to raise awareness amongst others and, if you wish, text PCF to 70300 to make a £3 donation to the fund.

Below are some of our favourite pics of rural Britain to inspire you....

From www.telegraph.co.uk for National Countryside Week.

Grizedale, Lake District. Picture from wikipedia.org

Church Stretton and The Carding Mill Valley in Shropshire.

Taken by one of the bestinthecountry.co.uk team at Attingham Park, Shrops. 

Lake District.

The Cotswolds, picture from costswoldwalks.com

Dartmoor Ponies. Picture from horseandcountry.tv

Snowdonia National Park. Picture from www.telegraph.co.uk

The beautiful Cairngorms in Scotland. Picture from fairwindshotel.com