Robin A. Crawford’s guide to mapping the peatlands

In his book Into The Peatlands, Robin A. Crawford explores the peatlands of the Outer Hebrides over the course of the year, explaining how they have come to be and examining how peat has been used from the Bronze Age onwards. In describing the seasonal processes of cutting, drying, stacking, storing and burning he reveals one of the key rhythms of island life, but his study goes well beyond this to include many other aspects, including the wildlife and folklore associated with these lonely, watery places. Read More Robin A. Crawford’s guide to mapping the peatlands

The Seabird’s Cry by Adam Nicolson wins Wainwright Prize

Adam Nicolson has won the Wainwright Golden Beer Book Prize with his book The Seabird’s Cry.

The announcement and presentation of the award of £5000 was made yesterday afternoon by Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Michael Gove MP and BBC Countryfile presenter Ellie Harrison at the National Trust Theatre at BBC Countryfile Live in Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, at the end of a public event celebrating nature writing and the Wainwright Golden Beer Book Prize shortlist.  Read More The Seabird’s Cry by Adam Nicolson wins Wainwright Prize

Top five places to go birdwatching in London

With its mix of people and culture, our capital is an amazing place, but normally the wildlife gets missed completely. Generally we think we need to be in a rural setting for that. But it’s possible to see snakes, butterflies, deer and an array of different birds in London. Where do you start? Ahead of his event at Stanfords on 4th September, David Darrell-Lambert, author of Birdwatching London tell us about five places to visit, all easy to get to on public transport. Read More Top five places to go birdwatching in London

Happy Birthday to the Old Wye Bridge

Opened on 24th July 1816, the Old Wye bridge in Chepstow joins Monmouthshire in Wales to Gloucestershire in England, over the River Wye. Designed by John Rastrick, it has been described as “the finest Georgian Regency arch bridge in Britain and the world.” Read More Happy Birthday to the Old Wye Bridge

Stanfords sponsors free ‘Earth Photo’ exhibition at the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)

Image: Rosamund Macfarlane. Eagle Huntress Receiving– Altai Mountains, Mongolia

A shortlist of 50 exceptional photographs and films that document the earth in all its diversity, will be presented at the Royal Geographical Society in London from 23 July to 21 September 2018 for the inaugural Earth Photo exhibition. Read More Stanfords sponsors free ‘Earth Photo’ exhibition at the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)

Pisa’s “Il Gioco del Ponte” – the game of the bridge

There is more to Pisa than its leaning tower and its easy travel connection to the UK. There are some really nice parts of the historic centre and the sweep of the river through the town is pretty spectacular. Also, through June each year there are a series of public parades and spectacles. Passing through Pisa airport on our way to the coast we saw the posters promoting “Il Gioco del Ponte” – the game of the bridge – held on the last Saturday of June and we decided to go.

Read More Pisa’s “Il Gioco del Ponte” – the game of the bridge

The 2018 Wainwright Golden Beer Book Prize Shortlist Announced

In its fifth year, the Wainwright Golden Beer Book Prize celebrates the best books about nature, the outdoors and UK travel.

If you are looking to get away from it all, switch off your phone and get back to nature, this shortlist is a welcome list of recommended reads for you to consider this summer.

Here are the seven shortlisted books:
Read More The 2018 Wainwright Golden Beer Book Prize Shortlist Announced

Brittany by boat by Stanfords Maritime

Just a short distance away and with thousands of miles of scenic coastline, Brittany may be your next big summer adventure. When Claude Monet visited the region in 1886 he wrote “I am in a wonderfully wild region, with terrifying rocks and a sea of unbelievable colours”. Here is a selection of our products to help you to navigate the trickier parts of the coast and find many beautiful places to visit along the way. Read More Brittany by boat by Stanfords Maritime

Come and meet Fangs McGraw at Stanfords Bristol

Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal, the Bristol Children’s Hospital charity, has revealed its sixty-plus sculptures of Academy Award®-winning characters Wallace, Gromit and Feathers McGraw around Bristol and its surrounding area. Read More Come and meet Fangs McGraw at Stanfords Bristol