Search Results

Property consultancy Vail Williams has appointed an experienced surveyor in London as business demand continues to expand. Paolo Vacca has joined the firm after nearly six years at Cartas Jonas in the capital, where he worked in residential and affordable housing valuation teams, following five years with Allsop LLP. A RICS registered valuer, he specialises in valuing residential property, development sites and commercial properties throughout London and the South East for loan security, purchase, asset management and tax purposes. Paolo acts for a range of clients, including clearing and private banks, challenger lenders, receivers, property funds, asset managers and private investors, as well as housing associations, developers, and local authorities in land-led developments. In the residential sector, Paolo is experienced in valuing a range properties – from new builds and HMOs to prime central London properties and portfolios. He is also experienced in carrying out development appraisals on a variety of development sites and permitted development schemes and has Energy Assessor credentials.. James Lacey, Vail Williams London regional managing partner, said: “This new appointment demonstrates our overarching ambition to expand our offering in London. Paolo is an experienced all-rounder who brings with him a lot of knowledge to our team. He is tasked with helping to grow the valuation offering in London, working alongside our other service lines." “He has hit the ground running and has fitted in with his new colleagues seamlessly. He will have a big role to play in our future as we continue to increase market share across the capital. We have continued growth planned in London as we look towards the next business plan period from June 2025 onwards.” Paolo said: “I am honoured to have joined such a go-ahead firm as Vail Williams. It’s a big new challenge for me, but I was inspired by the firm’s culture and how the business operates. I am determined to do my utmost and use my 15 years of property experience to help maintain and enhance the second-to-none client service for which Vail Williams is famed industry-wide." ”Also, I am looking forward to working again with Vail Williams’ London-based partner Varun-Dev Gudka, who I know well from a previous employment.” Vail Williams, an active property adviser in the capital for more than two decades, has a team of 20-plus experts working from its base just off Soho Square. The firm’s property experts provide a range of advisory services for occupiers, landlords, investors, developers and lenders across the city. Services provided cover everything from investment expertise and business rates support to lease advice and property valuation.

Big Shots, the furnishing industry’s favourite clay pigeon shoot in aid of industry charity The Furniture Makers’ Company, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this summer. The milestone fundraiser will once again be held at Holland and Holland, Middlesex – one of the UK’s premier shooting destinations – on Wednesday 11 June 2025. Kicking off with a hearty breakfast, the fun-filled day will begin with a safety briefing before the traditional cannon signals the start of the 100-bird shooting competition. Teams will make their way around 10 stands spread across 60 acres of stunning open countryside. Alongside the main competition, guests can look forward to some novelty stands, including the ever-popular flash clays and a thrilling eight straight stand. After the shoot, a three-course lunch with wine will be served, followed by prize-giving, a charity raffle, and a lively auction. As ever, Big Shots provides plenty of opportunities to raise funds for The Furniture Makers’ Company, which supports people in the trade facing hardship and champions new talent entering the industry. Now in its 30th year, Big Shots is a brilliant day out for experienced and novice shooters alike – ideal for entertaining clients or suppliers, team building with colleagues, or simply enjoying a unique experience with friends. The event is proudly sponsored by Furniture Village, which has supported the fundraiser for many years, with managing director Charlie Harrison once again helping to organise the day. Charlie Harrison, managing director at Furniture Village, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be the main sponsor of Big Shots again this year – especially as it celebrates its 30th anniversary. It’s always a great day out, and the fact that it supports such a meaningful cause makes it even more special. We’re looking forward to seeing both new and familiar faces at Holland and Holland in June.” Jonny Westbrooke, CEO of The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: “Reaching 30 years is a fantastic achievement for Big Shots, and it is testament to the ongoing generosity and camaraderie of the furnishing industry. We’re immensely grateful to Furniture Village for their continued sponsorship and support. The funds raised help us continue our vital work, and we can’t wait to celebrate this landmark year with our guests.” To enter a team or find out more details available here:

Westlands Farm Shop near Wickham welcomed thousands to its sold out four-day lambing event. Visitors flocked to the farm and enjoyed the sunshine to kick off the school Easter holidays. The team at Westlands gave families the opportunity to meet the new arrivals to the farm. The event provided a unique opportunity for children to witness farming in action and learn about the lambing season first-hand. Steve Collett, the first generation of farmers at Westlands Farm, was on hand to teach attendees about the lambing industry and the history of the farm. There was also face-painting, a bouncy castle and the barbecue grill Westlands has become known for. The family has hosted lambing days since 2009, with many people returning with families of their own. Over the weekend, butchery apprentice Elle fired up the grill more than 15 years after they attended the event as a child. Kayleigh Collett, who runs Westlands Farm Shop, said: “We are delighted to have been a big part of spring-time celebrations in the community for such a long time. Educating the younger generations about traditional and sustainable British farming practices is hugely important to us." "We were joined this year by veterinary nurse, Daniella, who originally came to us for work experience in 2013. Her help has been invaluable during the busy event. Building relationships is crucial in the farming industry, so we love to see people return year on year." "This year was particularly special with welcoming so many people who are local to our shop in Winchester. We appreciate those who made the journey from the city to the farm, to witness British farming first hand.”

A property development company based in Cardiff has secured an investment of £17.5 million from the Development Bank of Wales and £7 million from Welsh Government to fund the build of 114 new homes in Tonyrefail. It is the largest ever investment made by the Development Bank. Work on Parc Eirin, a major low carbon mixed-tenure residential development project by Tirion Homes has begun with contractor Morganstone completing the build by the end of 2027. All 114 homes will achieve an EPC A-rating and include energy-saving features such as solar panels, communal battery storage and ground source heat pumps. There will be 81 two and three-bedroom homes along with 33 one-bedroom flats split for sale and rent across the open market and social rentals. Tirion Homes has previously completed similar housing projects at The Mill in Cardiff and Royal Victoria Court, Newport. The £17.5 million investment for the project has come from the Development Bank’s Wales Property Fund and Wales Stalled Sites Fund with a further £7 million in grants from the Welsh Government’s Innovative Housing Programme to include £3.6 million from the Low Carbon Fund and £3.9 million via the Modern Methods of Construction Fund. Jayne Bryant, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government has welcomed the start of work at Parc Eirin. Visiting the site, she said: “The Welsh Government is committed to increasing the supply of affordable and good quality housing throughout Wales. We have a target to deliver 20,000 low-carbon homes for rent in the social sector by 2026." “Not only do sites like Parc Erin support the delivery of sustainable and energy-efficient homes, but they also create employment opportunities and help boost local economies. This is exactly the type of investment that can deliver social and economic value to families and individuals across Wales.” David Ward, chief executive for Tirion Homes added: “We are proud to be part of this landmark investment from Development Bank of Wales and Welsh Government so that we can continue to support the government’s aim to deliver 20,000 affordable, low carbon quality homes by the end of this Senedd term. These partnerships are essential to our ability to accelerate the delivery of major regeneration projects across Wales.” “We are delighted to be working with Morganstone to deliver Parc Eirin, which will be an opportunity to not only provide affordable homes but also homes for sale. Communities are at the heart of what we do and partnering with the Development Bank of Wales, Welsh Government and Morganstone, will help us achieve our aim to deliver high quality, sustainable homes in the Rhondda.” Cenydd Rowlands is Property Director for the Development Bank. He said: “As the Development Bank, this is our largest ever investment, so it is particularly pleasing that our funds are being used to support the construction industry and home ownership in Wales." “Led by Property Fund Manager Nicola Crocker alongside Karl Jones, Senior Property Development Executive, this has been a great team effort that demonstrates our ability to deliver a range of tailored finance options for small and medium-sized developers to bring forward commercial, residential and mixed-use developments that support economic and social growth throughout Wales. It’s all part of our commitment to providing sustainable and effective business finance that brings ambitions to life and fuels possibilities for people, businesses and communities in Wales.” The Development Bank provides short-term residential, mixed-use, and commercial property development finance from £150,000 to £10 million from a range of funds including the Wales Commercial Property Fund, Wales Residential Property Fund and Green Development Incentive.

Part of a Calderdale nature reserve has been officially recognised as one of the borough’s most important sites for nature, thanks to its vital role in protecting the endangered white-clawed crayfish. Jerusalem Farm is owned and managed by Calderdale Council and located between Halifax and Hebden Bridge in the beautiful Luddenden Valley. The Luddenden Brook, which runs through the site, has now been awarded Local Wildlife Site status, meaning it’s an area which is especially important for wildlife, supporting rare or threatened species and habitats. The site is home to one of West Yorkshire's last remaining populations of white-clawed crayfish. This threatened species is on the conservation red list, with numbers declining due to the introduction of the non-native North American signal crayfish. This invasive species is prevalent in many waterways in Calderdale, sadly spreading crayfish plague, a disease which kills the native white-clawed crayfish. The new Local Wildlife Site status provides official protection to the crayfish species and the brook in which they live. As part of special efforts to protect them, biosecurity measures at the site are being increased, this includes putting up educational boards and providing special boot cleaning stations. This is being done with funding from Natural England and with support from the Environment Agency and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. The measures aim to stop the spread of crayfish plague, which can also be transferred on people's clothing and boots. Visitors will be encouraged to 'check, clean and dry' their footwear and not to enter the brook at Jerusalem Farm. The crayfish species is also being supported elsewhere in the borough, with other waterways in Calderdale being surveyed to establish ‘safe spots’ away from the invasive crayfish, where the white-clawed species could potentially be reintroduced. The actions form part of the Calderdale Ecological Action Plan, which sets out the comprehensive and long-term approach to protecting and enhancing the borough’s natural environment for the benefit of present and future generations. One of the key priorities in the plan is the protection of Calderdale’s wildlife, with the white- clawed crayfish identified as a particularly vulnerable species which requires specific conservation action. Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Housing, Cllr Scott Patient, said: “As part of our Ecological Emergency Action Plan, we’re committed to doing all we can to protect the borough’s wildlife, with a particular focus on the most-threatened species." “The white-clawed crayfish is sadly fast disappearing from the UK’s waterways, due to the threat of disease from non-native species. It’s vital that we protect the numbers that do remain, preventing them from further harm." “Jerusalem Farm is one of the few places in West Yorkshire where the white-clawed crayfish can currently be found and I’m delighted that the Luddenden Brook, which runs through the site, has been granted Local Wildlife Status. This official status allows us to better protect this important habitat and helps to raise awareness of the plight of the native crayfish.” The Local Wildlife Site status complements the Calderdale Ecological Emergency Action Plan and its key theme of ‘Protecting Calderdale’s Wildlife’.

Gardens at RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival 2025 are set to leave visitors with a sense of wonder as the festival returns to the historic grounds of Hampton Court Palace for the last time before returning in 2027. Delving into the history of our connection with plants, RHS Healer’s Hollow designed by Jude Yeo and Emily Grayshaw celebrates the long tradition of plants for purpose and the benefits they can bring to our health and wellbeing. Set in an idyllic British woodland, the garden will feature plants that have roots in traditional herbal remedies. Looking to highlight the wonder in urban gardens, Adolfo Harrison’s RHS Vertigro is a vertical garden that connects nature with architecture by adding drama to the urban palette. A towering 4.8-metre-tall living wall will feature plants uncommon for vertical gardens such as large trees and shrubs and will demonstrate how green walls can provide insulation in winter and cooling in summer, as well as wildlife habitat, carbon sequestration and air particulate reduction. A new category for 2025, Gardens of Curiosity invites designers to create spaces that spark inquisitiveness. Daniel March has deliberately blocked views into A Garden of Two Tales with ornamental structures, encouraging visitors to explore the garden and discover what they can’t see. In A Woodland Edge, Nicolas Navarro aims to stir interest in woodland edges as one of nature’s richest environments. Ruderal plants, self-seeders and resilient planting combine to create a rich colour palette in a garden that is rooted in ecology. Looking to the future, Kitti Kovacs is predicting what our gardens might look like in 25 years’ time with Illusion 2050. The garden’s planting illustrates the transition to more drought-tolerant species, showcasing how gardeners can adapt to environmental changes whilst maintaining beauty and biodiversity. Finally, a forest garden planting scheme seeks to ignite the senses to encourage nature connection in Yoni Carnice’s Aster of Senses. In the Show Gardens, Mike McMahon and Jewlsy Mathews take inspiration from the UK’s temperate rainforests in The Subaru Cocoon. A jali wall provides enclosure whilst allowing plants and light to filter in, and epiphyte plants on the garden’s trees create a space that cocoons its visitors in lush, verdant planting. Surrey County Council: Reclaiming Spaces, Creating Healthy Streets by Helen Currie, Steve Dimmock and Diego Carrillo reimagines a parking space to create a street that is safe and resilient yet still beautiful. As a public garden, planting is low maintenance and resilient whilst also able to absorb pollution and withstand waterlogged soil to help improve air quality and reduce flooding. Returning to RHS Hampton, Nilufer Danis is honouring three influential 19th Century Spanish women in The Three Graces of Galicia, a romantic garden packed with shrubs and herbaceous perennials familiar to Galicia. Winding paths and shaded nooks represent Rosalía de Castro’s romantic poetry. Bold structural topiary honours Emilia Pardo Bazán's progressive ideas, whilst a space for contemplation reflects Concepción Arenal’s focus on social justice and advocacy for the marginalised. Sadie May Stowell also returns to the festival with Charleston 250, a garden celebrating the South Carolina city. Alongside the gardens, the Floral Marquee and Festival of Roses will showcase the best of British nurseries and growers whilst the Lamiaceae borders will highlight talented students from the London College of Garden Design. Pocket Planting returns with a new theme of ‘city’ whilst experts will share their top tips and advice on the How To and Get Growing Festival Stages. RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival runs from 1-6 July 2025 and tickets are available online.

There’s something uniquely captivating about standing on the deck of a cruise ship, the breeze tugging gently at your hair as the endless blue of the sea stretches out before you. Cruising has long evolved from being a niche luxury to becoming one of the most popular ways to travel, offering an irresistible blend of adventure, indulgence and relaxation. Unlike traditional holidays, where the stress of multiple check-ins and transfers can eat away at your precious time off, cruising allows you to explore multiple destinations without the constant need to pack and unpack. From the sun-drenched islands of the Mediterranean to the icy majesty of the Norwegian fjords, each morning can bring a new horizon—quite literally—to wake up to. Modern cruise ships are floating cities, catering to every whim and fancy. Whether it’s fine dining crafted by Michelin-starred chefs, Broadway-style entertainment, spa treatments overlooking the ocean or state-of-the-art fitness centres, there’s something for everyone. Families are well looked after too, with many ships offering supervised kids' clubs, splash parks and even onboard zip lines, allowing parents a well-earned moment of peace. Yet it’s not just about what happens on board. Shore excursions add another layer to the experience, with carefully curated trips that range from cultural immersions to adrenaline-pumping activities. One day you could be sipping wine at a Tuscan vineyard, the next kayaking in the Mediterranean. The ease of disembarkation and return means you can truly make the most of every stop, free from the hassle of navigating unfamiliar roads or transport systems. For many, the appeal of cruising also lies in its rhythm—the gentle lull of the ship at night, the ritual of dressing for dinner, the camaraderie of fellow passengers who quickly become familiar faces. It’s a type of travel that invites you to slow down, to savour, to watch the world go by from a sun-lounger with a cocktail in hand. While cruising once carried a reputation of being reserved for an older crowd, the industry has shifted dramatically. Today’s ships attract a wide demographic, from solo travellers to honeymooners and multi-generational families. With themed cruises—from culinary journeys to music festivals at sea—there’s truly a voyage for every interest. Sustainable cruising is also on the rise, with many cruise lines investing heavily in greener technologies and more responsible tourism practices. Hybrid engines, reduced plastic usage and partnerships with local communities aim to ensure the beauty being admired is also being protected. In the end, cruising offers more than just a holiday. It’s the luxury of time, the romance of the sea, and the thrill of waking up somewhere new. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a curious first-timer, one thing is certain: once you’ve experienced the magic of life at sea, it’s hard not to be hooked.

Have you heard of quiet quitting? I’m sure many of us will have quietly quit on occasion, even if we’ve not identified it as such. We’ve mentally checked out, just doing what’s needed to be done, working as required. Recently, quiet quitting has become something of a phenomenon on social media and several mental health and human resource specialists claim it’s a good thing. But is it? How do you cope if you or those you work with have changed their approach, after always being the first in and last out of the office? Interestingly, an August 2022 YouGov online poll revealed that no one in the workplace noticed any change in the performance of those who’d quietly quit. 47% of respondents supported the idea of doing their job without taking on additional responsibilities if they didn’t offer additional compensation, yet only their nearest and dearest were aware of any change in their attitude and application to work. But what is quiet quitting and why’s it become a ‘thing’? Traditional perceptions are that to progress at work we should display complete dedication to working long, relentless hours. Numerous surveys report that many staff feel compelled to work above and beyond their contracted hours, do unpaid overtime, not take their full holiday entitlement and work when unwell. Then there are additional concerns; that things may fall apart, fear of letting other team members down and imposter syndrome. Stress can cause problems if sustained over time. In fact, nearly half the workers in Europe were identified by YouGov as being at high risk of mental health issues. When cases of stress and burnout escalate staff eventually realise there’s more to life, even though working hard provides many benefits. By releasing some of the pressure it’s possible to quietly disengage and still work efficiently. Zaiad Khan posted a video on social media in July 2022. In it he talked about ‘not outright quitting your job, but instead no longer subscribing to the hustle culture mentality that work has to be our life’. This video quickly went viral. Upon quietly quitting, staff decide to implement better boundaries, do the bare minimum, not go above and beyond their specified roles and reject corporate hustle. They became more content with mediocrity and less invested in their roles at work. Doing this can sound passive aggressive, even negative, but introduces a better work-life balance. Is it possible to avoid this situation developing and pre-empt staff from quietly quitting? As a boss or manager, it’s important to have regular daily or weekly communications with staff to check in on their wellbeing, stress levels and work load. Maintaining good relationships and open, honest conversations allows staff to feel confident about broaching how they’re doing and raise any personal or work-related concerns they may have. As a staff member, be aware of your boundaries and the scope of your job description. Being regularly asked to do more, work longer and harder than your remit, with too much to do in too little time can result in feeling resentful, over worked and undervalued. In some sectors it can be hard to stand your ground and resist; charity work, new fledgling companies, care work, reviving a business post-pandemic can all result in staff feeling obligated to work longer and harder, but a positive work-life balance is important for staff health, performance and morale. Good boundaries can include working the designated number of hours, refusing to undertake unnecessary travel or overnight stays, not taking calls or checking emails into evenings or weekends. It’s also been found (the West University of Timisoara, 2022) that taking regular breaks, whatever the length, boosts energy and relieves fatigue. They interrupt the mental cycle and offer opportunities to recharge the batteries. An alternative name for quiet quitting is rational living. This sounds less passive aggressive and offers scope to only work to a reasonable level, to stop being constantly stressed and pressured and resist being pushed to the limit, even by ourselves. Some people may quietly quit because they’re unhappy at work or no longer enjoy what they’re doing. As a manager or boss, it’s important to check if this is the case or if a good staff member is keen to redefine their boundaries and discuss their future company role. Actioning this can minimise the chance of losing a good staff member through burnout or resignation. All members of staff need to feel that their employer values their contribution, that they’re being compensated fairly, are viewed as an individual and are treated with appropriate respect. A positive environment can inspire, without necessarily requiring a promotion or pay increase. Learning to prioritise better allows work to become more balanced, so avoiding the need to quit. To live a healthy balanced life, we need to include several important things; fun, exercise, a healthy nutritious diet, a sense of accomplishment both in and out of work, social relationships, areas of creativity and an investment of time and energy into other relationships as well as into our health and wellbeing. Remember too, to have appreciation and gratitude for what we have, so supporting a good quality of life. About the Author - This piece was written by Susan Leigh, Counsellor and Hypnotherapist Find out more by visiting her website here

A vital new nursery space at the National Trust’s Bodnant Garden in Conwy, North Wales, will help safeguard the world-famous garden’s living collection for generations to come. The large glass nursery, acquired in late 2023 and located adjacent to the garden, has undergone many months of essential refurbishment work to prepare it for use by the garden team. It will provide four times the current on-site nursery capacity to enable the garden team to propagate and protect Bodnant Garden’s significant plant collection, including the 20th-century rhododendron hybrids bred in the garden that are not available elsewhere. Although the nursery will not be open to visitors, the plants grown inside will, in time, be planted in the garden for all to enjoy. The nursery will not only continue the legacy of Bodnant Garden itself, but also the legacy of the McLaren and Puddle families, whose horticultural skills have given us the garden we know today. The nursery opening comes as the National Trust celebrates 150 years since the estate was purchased by industrialist and chemist Henry Davis Pochin, and 75 years since Henry McLaren, 2nd Lord Aberconway, donated the garden to the National Trust. Ned Lomax, Head Gardener at Bodnant Garden said: “The legacy of any gardener is that many of the trees and shrubs we nurture and plant today will not reach maturity in our own lifetimes. We do what we do now to enable future generations to sit below the branches of these amazing plants, enjoying them for many years to come, and hopefully into the next 150 years at Bodnant Garden." “The nursery is the engine room of any garden, and this new area will provide Bodnant with four times the amount of space of the previous nursery. It will mean that the team are able to propagate and care for many rare hybrids that simply aren’t available elsewhere.” Bodnant Garden, situated in the Conwy Valley, has a vast and diverse collection of highly significant plants amongst its 80 acres of historic formal and woodland garden. It is famous for its rare and exotic plants, five National Collections and Wales’ largest collection of UK Champion trees. However, it is the rhododendron hybrids bred at the garden that are particularly important to the garden’s story, and to its future development. Many of the Bodnant hybrid rhododendrons are known to have died out over the last century. Of the 350 varieties that were named and registered, it’s estimated that only 125 varieties are still in existence. Many of these are only represented by one or two ageing plants in the garden at Bodnant, so propagating and replanting these is crucial to conserve the living collection. During the winter of 2023, Bodnant’s expert garden team began the process to propagate 65 of the rhododendrons most at risk. The dormant flower buds were gathered and, along with all the necessary legal paperwork, were sent to a micro propagation laboratory in Cornwall for dissection and processing. Once the tiny new plants are weened out of their test tubes, they will be delivered to the new nursery for growing on. It can take five or six years before a new plant is ready for introduction to the garden. However, in the meantime, should a parent plant succumb to drought or storm damage, its genetic material or ‘bloodline’ will be secure. It's hoped that the new nursery will enable Bodnant Garden to carry out the entire propagation process for these varieties and many more on site, safeguarding them for future generations to enjoy. The new nursery would not have been possible without a generous gift from the late Bodnant Garden volunteer Dr Rees-Jones. It is thanks to the generosity of visitors, National Trust members and volunteers that this type of work can continue, now and into the future. Carolyn Samuel, Gifts in Wills Manager for National Trust Cymru, said: “Many of the team at Bodnant will have known and fondly remember Dr Rees-Jones who volunteered in the garden. His generous gift to the garden left in his will has allowed Bodnant to acquire the new nursery and continue the work of propagation on site together with all the exciting future work that this will enable.” Above Photo: Head Gardener Ned Lomax carrying plants into the new glass nursery at Bodnant Garden

As winter’s gloom begins to fade, the British countryside and its towns alike awaken in a soft, measured celebration of renewal. From the heady scent of wild garlic to the flutter of lambs in the fields, spring offers a thousand gentle reasons to pause and smile. There’s something uniquely charming about springtime in Britain. It doesn’t arrive with great fanfare or sweeping drama, but rather with a quiet persistence, as if nature itself is stretching out after a long sleep. After months of grey skies and biting winds, the first hints of spring feel like a whispered promise that brighter days are on their way. Step outside on a crisp March morning and you’ll sense it: the air, a touch softer, carries the scent of damp earth and new beginnings. Patches of snowdrops and daffodils brave the lingering cold, their bright faces peeking through frosted grass as if to remind us that life is stirring beneath the surface. In woodland corners, carpets of bluebells soon unfurl, casting a violet haze that feels almost otherworldly beneath fresh green canopies. And in quieter lanes, the heady aroma of wild garlic drifts on the breeze, a forager’s delight and a sure sign that the season has turned. It’s a time when the countryside feels almost giddy with life. Meadows and fields play host to gambolling lambs, their playful leaps embodying the pure energy of spring. Hedges tremble with returning birdsong, as robins and blackbirds reclaim their perches and begin the delicate business of nest-building. Bumblebees, heavy with sleep, bumble about in search of nectar-rich crocuses, while brimstone butterflies — one of the earliest to emerge — dance through sun-dappled glades. But spring isn’t confined to the countryside. Towns and cities, too, undergo their own quiet transformations. Pavements once slick with winter rain become stages for the delicate fall of cherry blossom, blanketing streets in fleeting beauty. Window boxes brim with bright tulips and hyacinths, while parks fill with joggers, dog walkers and families eager to make the most of lengthening days. Even the famously unpredictable British weather feels forgiven as the sun breaks through, casting a golden light over everyday scenes. More than just a change in the landscape, spring stirs something within us all. There’s a noticeable lightness in people’s steps, an unspoken relief in shedding winter coats and scarves. Pubs spill out into sun-trap gardens, local markets bustle with the season’s first harvests — think tender asparagus and sweet rhubarb — and the longer evenings invite spontaneous plans and slow, unhurried walks. Above all, spring carries a comforting sense of promise. It whispers of summer days still to come, of festivals and picnics, seaside escapes and gardens in full, fragrant bloom. It is a season of renewal, of beginnings both grand and modest, and of the simple pleasure found in watching the world wake up once more. In true British fashion, spring doesn’t clamour for attention. But if you pause, even briefly, and let it, it rewards you with quiet splendour — a gentle reminder that even the longest winters give way to brighter days.

Haggis, the internet-famous pygmy hippo calf at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo, has been introduced to dad Otto for the first time. After some inquisitive sniffs and playing, dad Otto and mum Gloria soon settled in for a nap, leaving Haggis free to have a sit in the sun. The pygmy hippo family are not living together full-time, but the wildlife conservation charity’s lucky visitors might catch them mixing under keeper supervision as part of ongoing efforts to familiarise the hippos. Since Haggis was born in October 2024, Otto has been living separately. This mimics the natural behaviours of pygmy hippos, where the mother takes responsibility for the care, protection and guidance of the calf. Photo: Haggis the hippo meeting dad Otto for the first time

Erica Davies in collaboration with George at Asda is proud to announce the launch of her first unisex kids range just in time for Spring Summer 2025. Erica Kids is a curated collection of 25 staple pieces and working alongside George at Asda, Erica has brought her eye for style and experience in struggling to dress her own 14-year-old son and 12-year-old daughter, bridging the gap in the market for stylish but affordable children’s clothing. Designed to be worn by both girls and boys aged between 5-16 years old, the range includes loud and bold burst of statement shirts, mix and match co-ords and casually cool jerseys in an energetic palette of checkerboard pastels and LA inspired abstract prints. Worn oversized and with attitude, the range can be easily layered, transitioning with ease from sunny days to cooler summer nights. Speaking on the collection Erica said “As a mum buying clothes for a son and a daughter, I've always noticed the differences in what is available for them both. For girls, there are so many options, colour and prints. But for boys the choices are far more limited. And for older boys, it’s unfortunately always been a world of drab colours and little excitement." "I looked at the bright colours worn by the world’s top football teams and wanted to see more of that for our lads! This collection has been a ten-year in the making passion project and I am so thrilled to do it with George at Asda." “They have listened to my research, read all of the comments and messages I have received from parents along the way and brought my vision to life. This is a range that’s cool and colourful, with practicality and comfort at its core. And it is all designed to be mixed and matched, however you choose. Your style, worn your way - giving kids the chance to have fun with their clothes. And while we’re hoping the boys love it, every piece can be worn by the girls too - making hand-me-downs of your favourites! I am so excited to share this collection! I hope you love it.”