How to | work a canal lock

Learn a niche skill that looks ever so impressive

It’s always a joy to be able to step up at moments of group panic and confidently and smugly say ‘I’ll take care of that’. Should you find yourself navigating a narrow boat unexpectedly (it could happen) you’ll need to be able to work the canal’s locks in order to pilot the boat up or down the water. While all about you spill their Pimms and flap their hands in despair at the paddles, here’s how to calmly and collectedly navigate a lock. Ahoy!

1. Put down your beer, like a hero.

2. For the purposes of these instructions we’re going to assume you are travelling upstream. You need one person at the tiller (the steering pole) and one person operating the lock (that’s you). Check the lock. It should be clear with no boat approaching the other way. The water in the lock has to be at the same level as you are before you can open the gates and enter it. As we’re assuming you’re travelling up the canal, if the lock is not empty when you arrive, empty it by opening the paddles on the bottom gate. Once the water is at the same level as you, you can open the gates. 

3. Open the gate nearest the boat and ask the person at the tiller to take the boat (carefully) into the lock. It is traditional to shout ‘left a bit, left a bit, NO! YOU PUSH IT RIGHT TO GO TO THE LEFT!. That’s right… No TOO FAR NOW. Lawks! You nearly had the front off it then!’ as they steadily pilot the boat into the lock. Close the bottom gate behind the boat.

4. Open the paddles in the top gate and let the water into the lock. The paddles are the big Victorian iron cog shenanigans either side of the lock. Take your special key (called a windlass), place the hole in your windlass over the sticky-outy bit on the paddle and turn it to open. Stand to the side and keep your knees out of the way. If you accidentally let go of a windlass while the paddle is raised it can drop fast and the windlass can fly off and the paddles drop suddenly, causing horrible damage to the lock or you. It is permissible to swear colourfully if this happens. As the paddles open, the boat will rise slowly in the lock like well-proved loaf.

5. When the lock is full and the levels inside the lock and in front of you are level you will be able to open the top gate. Do so by putting your back against it and slowly leaning back to push it open, rather than bending over and pushing with your hands. This ‘pushing with your back’ manoeuvre prevents injury but more importantly will help mark you out as a canal know-it-all and impress any passers-by. 

6. Let your tiller person know to bring the boat out of the gate. If you want to sound smug and irritate the person at the tiller, shout casual and unhelpful commands like ‘take it to starboard a little’. No-one mortal can remember which way starboard is when under stress and in charge of a 60ft boat. Call them over to the bank with a louche wave of the hand, then step casually back on board and resume your position at your beer.

7. Graciously bask in the admiration of your crew and never tell them that it’s actually much easier to work a lock than it is to pilot the boat through one. Ahem.

This blog was first published in July 2019. If you’re inspired to try a canal-based holiday but are unsure about your boating skills, you might enjoy our weekend away from our June issue, in which Karen Dunn stays in a lock keeper’s cottage.
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Wellbeing : Weights for Beginners

Weight training is having a moment and it seems everyone is talking about their age, body type or starting point. Here are five things to know if you’re getting started with building both inner and outer strength…

l Start slow “I would always encourage a gradual, ‘slower is faster’ long game mentality,” says Elizabeth Davies, personal trainer and author of Training For Your Old Lady Body (Leap). “If it feels too easy and pointless, it isn’t.” She likens it to computer games where “the first few levels are super easy and smashing them feels good. It makes you want to keep going and do more.”

2 Try different types of weights Weights machines target specific muscles and can offer more control and stability in a gym. Free weights (dumbbells, kettlebells and barbells) offer a more comprehensive workout with moves like squats and deadlifts also helping with balance and mimicking real-life movement.

3 Don’t overspend on kit If you’re working out at home, dumbbells are inexpensive and easy. Sports therapist and strength coach Sam Charlwood recommends buying two light (2-3kg) weights and one heavier one (8-10kg) to start. You can also use exercise bands or even start with household objects like food tins or a backpack filled with books.

4 Don’t be too ambitious The greatest gains come when you go from no resistance training to a modest amount, so there’s no need to go in all guns blazing. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that adults and older adults strengthen major muscle groups at least twice a week. Around 30-60 minutes per week is associated with a meaningful reduction in your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Keep it realistic and allow yourself time to do some form of stretching, too.

5 Find a trusted trainer Try a local gym or fitness studio or, for home workouts, an online trainer. There are many trainers offering online coaching and beginners’ courses. Check out Sam Charlwood (@samantha_charlwood) and Elizabeth Davies (@thiswomanlifts) on Instagram.

The above blog is extracted from our feature, ‘Why Weight?’ in our May issue by Rebecca Frank. Find out more from page 84. Buy this month's The Simple Things -buy, download or subscribe

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Recipe | Salmon Frittata for a Picnic

Full of flavour, this made-for-picnics frittata is ideal to enjoy while lounging in the sun

Serves 6

500g new potatoes, washed and sliced 1cm thick
100g frozen peas
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
8 large eggs
1 lemon, zested
225g halloumi cheese, drained and cut into 1cm cubes
½ small courgette, finely sliced
200g ready cooked, hot smoked salmon, skinned
2 chives, finely chopped
½ tbsp chopped dill

1 Place the new potatoes in a pan of salted , boiling water for 10 mins, or until they soften. A few mins before they’re done, add the frozen peas. Drain and set aside to cool.

2 In a large grill-proof frying pan, gently heat the olive oil, then add the onion and garlic and cook slowly for 10-15 mins, or until softened.

3 Meanwhile, crack the eggs into a large mixing bowl, season and whisk with a fork until well beaten. Zest half the lemon into the bowl and add the halloumi.

4 Add the courgette slices to the mixing bowl along with the cooled peas and potatoes. Then flake over the salmon.

5 Pour the egg mixture into the frying pan, giving it a few shakes to ensure the mixture settles evenly. Cook for 10-15 mins over a medium heat, using a silicone spatula to release the edges and check that the underside is cooking nicely and not burning.

6 Preheat the grill to medium, then place the frittata pan underneath for a further 5-10 mins to fully cook the top of it. Pack up when cooled and garnish at the picnic with a scattering of chopped chives and dill on top.

This recipe is taken from our June ‘Gathering’ feature, a menu for a meet with friends for an outdoor yoga session and a picnic. It also includes recipes for Kale, Pear & Ginger Super Green Smoothie, Kale, Chard, Pepper & Chickpea Salad, Smoked Paprika Houmous Dip with Crudites, a Courgette & Sweet Potato Loaf and Dark Chocolate Brownie Date Balls. The recipes are by Kay Prestney and the photography is by Rebecca Lewis.

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How to | Be More Mod

Photograph by Jonathan Cherry

Mod style is still a strong look. Here’s how to wear the clothes and the attitude this bank holiday

1. Look sharp. Have tidy hair, shiny shoes, a smart outfit with clean lines and a striking silhouette. Mods always look heavily but simply styled. We are not at home to Mr Shambles. 

2. Eschew logos. But wait… this is complex.. While there are definite ‘Mod’ labels eg Fred Perry, it’s a bit uncool to flash logos about. Mods above all do not want to look slavish. So go no-logo if you can but if you must logo, make it a cool Mod one. 

3. Get a Vespa (or at a pinch a Lambretta).

4. If you can’t afford a Vespa or a Lambretta, buy a push bike and a classic cycling jersey to wear while riding it. Very Mod.

5. Wear a Parka jacket if you get nippy on the bike. And adorn it with patches. Also proudly wear button badges on your lapels, beneath the Parka.

6. Listen to a lot of The Kinks, particularly ‘You Really Got Me’ and ‘Waterloo Sunset’ and nod along appreciatively. 

7. Go and watch Bruce Foxton of The Jam perform live while you still can. (He’s on tour this year and it might be his last).

8. Try to claim a bit of Italian heritage, look a bit Italian or, if nothing else, drink strong espresso while leaning on the corner of a bar in an Italian coffee shop in Soho and look a bit moody. 

9. Sniffily say things like “Actually, Lambretta aims at the Mod market but wasn’t really around for the first wave of Mod in the 60s or the Mod revival in the 70s, which Paul Weller basically caused single-handedly…”

10. Don’t start any fights on Brighton Beach but if you really must have crossed words with a rocker on the pebbles, do it wearing a sharp suit. 

If you’d like some more mod inspiration, don’t miss our Modern Eccentrics feature in the May issue, in which we meet some modern-day Mods.

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Outing | Spend an Hour in a Churchyard

Photography by Alexa Phillips

Almost every town and village has a churchyard to explore. Full of stories, nature and history, here are a few ways to respectfully while away an hour in your local church’s outside space

1. Try sketching

Churchyards often have excellent light and shade, which makes for good sketching. Put a sketch book and some stencils in your bag and find a spot to sit and sketch whatever appeals to you, from a lichen-covered grave stone to  a close-up of wildflowers in a shady corner. 

2. Learn a little local history

Look up the church you’re visiting before you set off. Sometimes the parish website will have all kinds of interesting history and there may well be information about the graves, too, and whether anyone of note is buried there etc. If your family have lived in the area for some time it’s worth wandering the graveyard to look for your own family names on the graves. 

3. Make the most of the peace with a meditation

You don’t have to be religious to find the peace of a churchyard conducive to quiet contemplation. They are, of course, excellent places for a prayer, but also for silent meditation or breathing exercises. They’re one of the few places outdoors where you can almost guarantee you won’t be disturbed and no one will mind you taking a quiet moment to enjoy the meditative feel of the churchyard. 

4. Identify birdsong

Birds are often in abundance in churchyards from small birds such as wrens and robins, right up to birds of prey and owls. Swallows and housemartins often next in church porches. Sit quietly for a while and you’ll soon tune into their song. You could record their tunes on your phone to listen to later, or use an app like Merlin to identify the species you can hear. 

5. Play Eye Spy in a churchyard

There are lots of interesting features specific to churches and churchyards to notice. You might spot a holy water ‘stoup’ in the porch, gargoyles on the corner of roofs, sundials on the south wall (which often preceded church clocks). Then of course there are gravestones. The National Churches Trust points out that most graves will face east as Christians adopted the old Jewish custom of burying the dead with feet towards the rising sun and to face the Lord, who it is said will approach from the east on the day of judgement. One exception to this is the graves of vicars, who are often buried with their feet facing the church to symbolise the fact that they are still attending their flock, so any graves not facing east are worth looking out for.

6. Enjoy a book

Find a bench or a shady spot beneath a tree and lose yourself in a book. You can, of course, enjoy catching up with whatever you’re reading right now but if you want to be topical you could try How To Read a Graveyard by Peter Stanford, or The Nine Taylors by Dorothy L. Sayers, which is set in a church in the Fens. 

7. Hunt for ancient trees

Yews are known for their longevity and became a symbol of resurrection and eternal life due to their evergreen foliage. Even pre-Christianity they were planted near burial grounds; it’s recently been discovered that bronze-age round barrows were surrounded by yews. So churchyards are an excellent place to start if you want to visit a really ancient tree. Visit the Ancient Yew Group’s Yew Site Database to find local examples. 

8. Learn to read stained glass

Stained glass windows are best viewed from inside the church but if you happen to be in the churchyard at dusk and Evensong is taking place, the lights inside the church might illuminate it beautifully for outside viewing. Stained glass windows were originally a way for the illiterate masses to learn Bible stories. Walk around the church and you might spot particular stories depicted or even one story, depicted ‘frame by frame’. It’s interesting to look up what stained glass colours symbolise, too. White, for example, symbolises innocence, purple is for suffering or endurance, red the blood of Christ, and so on. You may also see symbolic items such as a lamb for Christ, dragons representing Satan and an anchor for Christ the Saviour. Occasionally you’ll even see that local glass artists have included references to local people or landmarks. Truly a window onto another world. 

9. Go on a nature trail

Because churchyards are so peaceful they tend to attract wildlife who can find food, water and rest more easily in quiet spots. Look for butterflies and other insects in summer, particularly in hedges around the borders of the land. As dusk falls you might spot a hedgehog snuffling past or bats (not necessarily in the belfry) but certainly swooping to feast on small flying insects. Many churches have a church cat who may not be ‘wild’ exactly, but certainly adds to the animal ambience. 

10. Photograph old grave stones

It’s respectful to stay clear of any ‘in living memory’ stones, particularly those that are clearly well tended and cared for by loved ones. But many churchyards have fascinating centuries-old stones whose lettering tells its own tale. Look out for stones in unusual shapes, bearing interesting words and even unusual fonts, all of which make for wonderful and thought-provoking photographs. 

How to find a churchyard to visit

• Churches are, by their nature, welcoming and open to all usually, so your first port of call could easily be your local church, even if you are not a church-goer. Vicars are usually only to pleased to show you around and share interesting information about the building and grounds. 

• The National Churches Trust is a fabulous mine of information with a search facility so you can look up your local churches and find out about their history and what there is to see before you visit. 

• Look up the Friends of Friendless Churches (friendsoffriendlesschurches.org.uk) which saves historic places of worship in England and Wales. They’re doing excellent work and have a ‘find a church’ facility on their website to allow you to find a church they are working with near you to visit. 

This blog, which was written in a churchyard by Iona Bower, was inspired by our May issue’s My Plot feature, Holy Ground, which follows volunteers from the Greener Henley Wildlife Group who have been creating a space for nature in the quiet churchyard of Holy Trinity Church in Henley-on-Thames for four years. Read more in the May issue, which is out now.

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Playlist | Bloom

Our latest playlist accompanies our June BLOOM issue – have a listen here.
You can have a browse of all our playlists here.

Sponsored Post | Bathe in Goodness with Suma

ALTER/NATIVE by Suma not only smells good, but does good for the planet, too, making bathtime that little bit more relaxing

As the weather warms, hair and bodycare thoughts drift back up our agenda, as we embrace more summery wardrobes, and wrapping up under voluminous coats and woollies begins to feel like a distant memory. If living more ethically, consciously and mindfully is your goal, a good place to start could be your bathroom routine, with small yet meaningful choices. 

There’s no getting away from plastic packaging, but there are ways to take responsibility. Look for recycled content in any plastic bottles, as well as ones that can be recycled. Prevented Ocean Plastic™ is a great option – high-quality, certified recycled plastic which has been collected from coastal areas at risk of ocean plastic pollution. Bulk buying can help if you have space. Buy a 5 ltr container of body wash and top up as you go. Consider ethical promises, too, and look for recognisable and trusted certifications – the Vegan Trademark and Cruelty-Free International trademarks offer reassurance that products have been approved by trusted and reputable third parties. 

Shop with purpose

In a world full of faceless corporations, it’s nice to feel like your decisions are about people as well as the products. With a commitment to responsibly-sourced ingredients and plant-based formulas that are always vegan and cruelty-free, ALTER/NATIVE by Suma is a brand you can trust, sourced by people who care. ALTER/NATIVE embodies Suma’s dedication to quality and integrity, and offers a range of gorgeous smelling fragrances to suit all moods. The liquid shampoo, conditioner, body wash and hand wash come in seven fragrances, from Coconut & Argan Oil to Rose & Geranium. There are also handmade soaps and facial care bars, as well as luxurious shaving bars, and the award-winning All-In-One Earthbound bar – a soap for all occasions, which is ideal for camping and festival season.

In 2024, ALTER/NATIVE joined forces with sustainable living pioneers @bambuubrush to launch a stylish range of bamboo bathroom accessories, including toothbrushes and soap dishes. Bamboo in the bathroom not only looks good, it feels good and does good, too.

For more information and inspiration, visit suma.coop/alter-native-body-care

Competition | Win £500 to Spend at One.World

Whether it’s adding seasonal updates to your home or getting your garden ready for a summer spent outdoors, give your space a refresh thanks to One.World

At One.World, we believe that the spaces we live in – both indoors and out – shape the way we feel. A table set beneath open skies, a quiet corner filled with greenery, or a well-worn chair by the door… it’s often the simplest details that bring us most comfort.

We’re offering one lucky reader the chance to win a £500 One.World shopping spree – an opportunity to create a space that feels just right for the season ahead.

As summer settles in, our focus turns to outdoor living. Garden furniture, planters and easy, relaxed pieces designed for slow lunches, warm evenings and time spent outside. Rooted in natural materials and gentle, considered design, many of our collections are crafted from reclaimed wood, chosen for its character, durability and the story it brings to each piece.

As a family-led brand, we care deeply about the homes our pieces become part of. From considered design to thoughtful sourcing, everything we do is shaped by a genuine connection to our customers, something that’s reflected in the trust and loyalty they continue to show us.

We’re also committed to giving back, planting a tree for every One.World purchase made. A small gesture that contributes to something much bigger, while continuing our focus on using reclaimed and responsibly sourced materials wherever possible.

Whether you’re refreshing a garden space or adding simple touches indoors, it’s an opportunity to choose pieces that feel right for your home, and to create somewhere to gather, to pause, and to enjoy the season as it unfolds.

For more information and inspiration, visit one.world or follow on Instagram at: @onedotworld

How to enter

For your chance to win £500 to spend at One.World, enter our competition by clicking the button below and answering the following question by the closing date of 10 July 2026.

Q: How does One.World ‘give back’ to the planet with each purchase?

Terms and conditions

The competition closes at 11.59pm on 10 July 2026. One winner will be selected at random from all correct entries received and notified soon after. Subject to availability. The winner cannot transfer the prize or swap it for cash. Details of our full terms and conditions are on p125 of the magazine and online at: icebergpress.co.uk/comprules. 

Recipe | Fruit & Nut Breakfast Bars

Goodness on the go – these tasty bars are easy to pack up and take out on adventures.

Makes 16

For the topping:

20g blueberries

20g pumpkin seeds

20g skin-on almonds, chopped

For the breakfast bars:

75g coconut oil

75g peanut or other nut butter

50ml honey

2 ripe bananas, mashed

200g oats

1 tsp cinnamon

15g sesame seeds

25g dates, chopped

20g blueberries

1 Start by assembling your topping. Add the blueberries, pumpkin seeds and almonds to a small bowl, mix lightly and set aside.

2 Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180C/Fan 160C/Gas 4 and line a 20cm square tin with baking paper.

3 In a pan, melt the coconut oil with the nut butter and honey, and stir thoroughly to combine.

4 In a large bowl, mix together the mashed banana and oats. Add in the cinnamon, sesame seeds and dates, then pour over the nut butter mixture and mix until well combined.

5 Gently add in the blueberries and tip the mixture into the prepared tin. Press to level out, then sprinkle over the topping and press in gently.

6 Bake for about 30 mins, or until a skewer comes out clean. Allow to cool in the tin then transfer to a cooling rack. When cold, cut into slices.

Cook’s note: These can be kept for 3-4 days in an airtight container.

This recipe is just one of the ideas from our May ‘Gathering’ feature, a menu for a breakfast picnic which we have called ‘Up With the Lark’. It also includes recipes for Turmeric Coffee, Granola, Breakfast Burritos and French Toast with Fruit & Maple Syrup. The recipes and photography are by Catherine Frawley and the styling is by Kay Prestney.

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Reading | What librarians mean to me

Image by Getty

Librarians are so much more than custodians of books. They’re in the privileged position of being able to inspire both readers and writers, introduce new ideas, provide safe spaces and warm places and be the door to a community for anyone feeling lonely. Here we’ve invited authors to tell us about what librarians have meant to them…

Author Damian Barr is centenary champion for the National Library of Scotland. 

“The right book in the right hand at the right time can change or even save a life. Librarians passed me some of the earliest queer books I read but they also just let me be in the library, they knew I was taking refuge from a difficult home life and protected me from bullies and treated me with respect
and dignity.”

Damian’s latest book The Two Roberts was selected as a Best Fiction Book of 2025 by The Guardian, The Observer, The Herald and the BBC.

Viv Groskop, author of The Anna Karenina Fix: Life Lessons in Russian Literature, feels strongly about librarians.

“The unsung heroines of the literary world. And I use the word ‘heroine’ advisedly as most of the librarians I’ve ever known have been women. I grew up in Bruton, a small town in Somerset with a great local library. In the 1980s the tweedy lady librarian used to keep books back for me and set up a corner with a corduroy beanbag where I could sit and read for hours. I didn’t really understand it at the time but those interactions made me want to be a writer — and write books that another tweedy lady librarian would want to push on someone.”

Anbara Salam, Palestinian-Scottish author of The Salvage, was also inspired by her librarian.

 “In my first year of secondary school, my school librarian Mrs Hughes must have taken quiet notice of me burning through books, and pulled me aside to recommended Karen Armstong’s Through the Narrow Gate, which on reflection, is definitely a leftfield choice for an inner-city 11-year-old. This is a memoir about Armstrong’s time in a restrictive convent in the 1960s. Mrs Hughes was a magician for selecting this book for me – it profoundly affected me, and later influenced my second novel, Belladonna, which is set in a silent convent in Italy in the 1950s”

Evie Wyld, author of The Echoes, had just the right librarian at the right time.

“When I was a kid, the librarian at Freshwater Library on the Isle of Wight changed the course of my reading life. She opened the door to Edgar Allan Poe, and the gloriously pulpy Point Horror series. At a time when school reading lists were filled with neat stories of teens navigating divorce, puberty, and new schools – she showed me something far more thrilling: stories that weren’t afraid of the dark.”

Summer England’s librarian literally changed the course of her life.

 “I was nine years old, in search of something that would help me escape my life. I went straight to the Librarian with the Pretty Sweaters. I asked her for help; I didn't know how to look for a book. She taught me about how libraries work as she began pulling titles that I might like. Finally, she found Shakespeare's Secret by Elise Broach. That book began my obsession with reading, with classical literature, and with writing. Now, I am a full-time classical actress and author – without her, I don't know where I'd be.”

Summer’s debut book The Impossible Garden of Clara Thorne is out now.

The quotes above were curated by Katie Antoniou who wrote our feature ‘Shelf Appeal’ in our May issue. It’s all about the pioneering librarians who have shaped the history books, and many other books, too.

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Sponsored post | Rhino Greenhouses

Rhino Greenhouses are Britain’s most loved greenhouse, built by gardeners, for gardeners, and backed by a 25-year guarantee.

As the gardening season gets underway, there’s no better time to invest in a space that helps you grow with confidence. At Rhino, we understand the joys (and challenges!) of British gardening which is why every greenhouse we create is made to handle whatever the seasons bring.

Built from high quality aluminium and engineered for exceptional durability, a Rhino greenhouse is designed to stand firm through wind, rain, and everything in between. It's a strength you can rely on, year after year and with our industry-leading 25-year guarantee, you can feel confident your greenhouse is built to go the distance.

But it’s not just about being tough, it's about creating a space that works beautifully for you. With toughened safety glass, robust frames, and thoughtful design throughout, a Rhino greenhouse gives you the freedom to grow earlier, extend your season, and enjoy your garden in a whole new way.

With the RHS Chelsea Flower Show just around the corner, we’ll be there soaking up the atmosphere alongside fellow garden lovers, a brilliant opportunity to get inspired and celebrate the very best of British gardening.

We’ll also be out and about at a number of garden shows across the country this year, giving you the chance to see Rhino up close and in person. Step inside, feel the craftsmanship, and chat with our friendly team about how we can support your growing ambitions. Visit our website to see exactly which shows we’ll be attending and where you can find us next.

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Recipe | Hot Smoked Trout & Quail Egg Nicoise

Photography by Emma Croman

Packed full of goodness, the broccoli sprouts , especially, contain sulforaphane, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

Ingredients (serves 2)

200g new potatoes, halved
100g green beans, topped and tailed
6 quail eggs
2 handfuls lettuce leaves, washed
Small bunch chives, finely chopped
Handful broccoli sprouts
2 hot smoked trout fillets

For the dressing
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp raw apple cider vinegar
1 tsp dijon mustard
1 tsp honey

To make

1 Boil the potatoes and green beans until tender, but still with some bite.

2 Add the quail eggs to the water and boil for the final 2 mins. Drain into a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Set everything aside and allow to cool completely. Once cold, remove the shells from the quail eggs and slice each one in half.

3 Add all the dressing ingredients to a small jar along with a little splash of water and season with salt and pepper, then shake to combine.

4 Add the lettuce, chives, potatoes, green beans and broccoli sprouts to a large bowl and pour over most of the dressing, making sure everything is well coated.

5 Divide between two plates and top with flakes of trout and quail eggs, then drizzle over any remaining dressing before serving.

If you can’t find broccoli sprouts, you could use cress instead. Leave the dressing off until you’re ready to serve.

How to keep quail

They may be cute, but quails don’t love too much fuss, so only pick them up every now and again. They can’t be free-range, either, as they don’t have a homing instinct, so a nice big, bright run with a nest box and places to hide does them just fine. They produce adorable mini speckled eggs between March and September – on average, one each per day – so every day is an egg hunt! They’re easily pleased with a fresh dust bath, some dried mealworms and any spare greens – radish tops and lettuce being particular favourites.

This recipe is from our new series, ‘A Good Life’, in which we follow Michelle Tansley as she grows food and flowers in her cottage garden in Derbyshire. This month’s seasonal treats from Michelle also include hand-churned butter, flatbreads, granola, strawberry millefeuille and a berry shrub. Find all the ideas in our May issue, in shops now.

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Wellbeing : Bloomscrolling

Image by Iryna Auhustsinovich/Stocksy

How to build happier scrolling habits

Counter the offline impacts of your online activities
If it’s making you more sedentary, find movement exercises you like. If it’s stopping you connecting offline, seek out groups to gather with in-person.

10 for 10
Spend 10 minutes on only one thing for 10 days. So that could be vintage fashion or plant-based recipes – the aim is to diversify your feed. You might find you want to spend more time on that, or you’re done by the time that challenge is finished.

Make it social
So much of our scrolling habits are solitary. Make yours a conversation starter or a shared learning space. Even share your feed with another person – you might be surprised by what they see that you don’t and how your feeds differ.

Create a journal to explore your online life
Write down how you wanted to spend your time and feel versus how you did. Note any discrepancies. Use that awareness to curate your feed and determine your boundaries.

Be more intentional
You have 5 minutes to scroll: how do you want to spend it?

Know that you’re in control
Part of healthy scrolling is choosing how you interact, who you let in, and knowing what you will and will not tolerate, and keeping these spaces safe for you and others.

Choose positive or hope-seeking content
Support what feels good to you.

This blog, by Claire Fitzsimmons, is inspired by her feature ‘Bloomscrolling’ in our May issue, in which you’ll find lots of inspiration and suggestions on ways to make your scrolling habits healthier, happier and more productive.

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Outing | Have a May Day

Illustration by Christina Carpenter

This month is packed with folklore events to celebrate and there’s bound to be a local event near you to join in with or simply inspire you.

May Day itself on the first marks the start of summer. Often linked to the ancient festival of Beltane, look out for maypole or Morris dancing, bringing in the May (bringing in wildflowers), or celebrations around firepits with songs and stories.

Several English towns hold ‘Jack in the Green’ events where a ‘Green Man’ wreathed in oak is ‘slayed’ to release the spirit of summer – Hastings in East Sussex holds one of the most famous of these.

There are plenty of activities to help you get in touch with your folk side throughout the month, from the Furry Dances in Cornwall, to Garland Day in Dorset, Oak Apple Day in Shropshire to Grovely Forest Rights Day in Wiltshire.

You can, of course, also hold your own folk celebrations. Invite friends over for food around the firepit, hold a storytelling competition outdoors or make flower posies to give to friends.

This blog is taken from our Almanac pages, which each month look at things to note and notice, plan and do.

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More ways to celebrate May Day…

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Make | A Garden Wind Chime

This simple make turns a few terracotta pots into a whimsical wind chime

The pretty tinkling of wind chimes brings a feeling of calm to any outdoor space, whether hanging in trees at the end of your garden or gently tinkling on a balcony. This easy project, using flower pots of varying sizes, can be easily completed in a weekend afternoon.

You will need

4 terracotta pots in graduating sizes (we used a 7cm, 9cm, 11cm and a 14cm)
Strong twine, about 50cm long
1 large bead or bell and 3 slightly smaller ones
A piece of twig cut into 4 short pieces, about 3cm long

To make

1 Start by making a loop at the top of your length of twine.

2 Thread on your largest bead or bell, followed by your largest pot.

3 Next, secure the pot in place, by tying a piece of twig at the pot’s drainage hole. This will stop the pots slipping down the twine.

4 Continue to add the pots in size order – largest to smallest – securing with a piece of twig as you go. Try to aim for each pot to hang the same distance from the one above, so that the finished look is uniform.

5 Once your last and smallest pot is secured, thread your smaller beads or bells onto the end of the twine and finish with a few knots. Your windchime is now ready to hang.

Maker’s note: You could also paint your pots if you want to add a little extra colour to your garden.

This is just one of the makes featured in our May issue ‘weekend project’, which we’ve called Pottering Around. It features projects to make using flower pots including a bug house, herb pots and an ‘olla’ for watering pot plants. The projects and photography are by Louise Gorrod.

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Sponsored post | Keep the Home Fires Burning with Charnwood

Stylish and sustainable, Charnwood has been leading the way in wood-burning advancements for over 50 years

Since the dawn of civilisation fire has been at the centre of our lives. Long before modern heating systems, people gathered around flames for warmth, cooking, light and connection. That primal relationship with fire has never truly disappeared and today companies like Charnwood continue to refine and reimagine it for modern life.

Founded on the Isle of Wight in 1972, Charnwood has built a reputation for craftsmanship, innovation and wood-burning technology. With stoves designed and manufactured in Britain, it combines traditional engineering skills with cutting-edge research into combustion science.

At the heart of Charnwood’s philosophy is the belief that wood burning can be both beautiful and sustainable when done properly. Wood is one of the few truly renewable fuels available. When sourced locally from responsibly managed woodlands, it forms part of a natural carbon cycle. Wood burning can also reduce reliance on large energy utilities.

Despite this, wood burning can often be portrayed negatively. While air quality concerns deserve serious attention, it’s important to distinguish between outdated and modern appliances. Today’s stoves are dramatically cleaner and more efficient. Modern combustion systems control airflow and temperature to maximise efficiency. By ensuring that gases released from the wood are fully combusted, Charnwood stoves extract more energy while reducing particulate emissions. The result is a fire that burns brighter, hotter, and cleaner.

Beyond efficiency and sustainability, there remains something deeply satisfying about a real wood fire. The gentle crackle of logs, the flicker of flames and the radiant warmth create an atmosphere that no central heating system can replicate.

Looking ahead, Charnwood continues to lead the way with intelligent stoves. Some of the latest designs incorporate advanced monitoring systems that analyse the flame in real time and automatically adjust airflow to maintain the cleanest possible burn. By combining digital technology with decades of combustion expertise, these stoves ensure optimal performance with minimal emissions.

Fire has brought people together since the beginning of time. Through thoughtful design and pioneering technology, Charnwood is ensuring that this ancient human connection can continue into the future. Cleaner, smarter and more sustainable than ever before.

For more information, visit: charnwood.com or follow on Instagram: @charnwoodstoves

Language | Talk Like a Cowboy

Photography by Unsplash

Know your buckaroos from your ballyhoos with our short guide to talkin’ like a cowboy

Howdy Hi

Yee haw! Hooray!

Giddy up! Let’s go!

All hat no cattle All style no substance

Pony up Hurry up

Varmint A pest or unsavoury character

Fixin’ to Getting ready to

Ballyhoo Exaggeration

Hobble your lip Shut up

Shoot the crow To get a drink in a pub and leave without paying

Now you can talk the talk, learn to walk the walk by reading our ‘Wearing Well’ feature all about cowboy boots in our April issue.

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Playlist | We are the Mods

In our May LARK issue we met some Mods on Brighton sea front as part of our Modern Eccentrics series. So, we’ve compiled a playlist to accompany the day. Have a listen here.

We publish a playlist to accompany each issue of The Simple Things. Browse them all here.

Sponsored Post | Q&A with Naked Paper's Founder, Leila Francis Coleman

We spend five minutes with Leila Francis Coleman, co-founder of Naked Paper, to discover how its beige eco paper products are as green as they come

Morning, Leila, tell us about Naked Paper

We produce eco-conscious, sustainable unbleached toilet paper, kitchen roll and tissues. We offer
bamboo options as well as products made from recycled cardboard. All with a natural beige colour – not because we dye it but because we skip the unnecessary process of bleaching it.

That sounds fantastic, how did that come about?

The seed for Naked Paper was planted when my husband Tom and I were holidaying in France. We kept spotting pink toilet paper in different guesthouses. At first we just laughed and agreed that toilet paper didn’t need to be dyed pink, but it got us thinking; most tissue products in the UK are bleached white, which is just as unnatural. We thought, why not try something different? So, in 2020, we got going with some unbleached loo roll and a space in a shared warehouse. 

What a huge leap of faith

It was. Fortunately our bleach-free rolls took off and in 2021 we were able to move to our current factory, where all our products are made with 100% renewable energy, no fossil fuels at all. The factory meets its energy needs using local biofuels, as well as wind and water power. We also have 8,000 solar panels soaking up the sun all year around.

You clearly love the industry

It’s funny, people expect you to say that you have a specific passion for toilet paper. We can’t really say we do, but after five years, we’ve developed a real passion for the details of how things are made. A huge amount of potential opens up when you understand the story of your raw materials, energy, and transport and think about doing more with less.

What highlights have stood out recently?

Last year, Naked Paper won the King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development, which was absolutely incredible. You don’t necessarily expect to receive an invitation to Windsor Castle
when you’re making beige loo roll, so we were completely bowled over to win this.

What an honour

Absolutely, the team were thrilled. It was a huge boost to know that all of the hard work we put into improving how we do things – from moving to electric rail freight instead of diesel lorries and collecting our recycled cardboard boxes from supermarkets local to our factory – had been seen and recognised. Our customers were really happy for us as well which was lovely.

That’s amazing. You must have some exciting plans on the horizon

Yes! This year, our focus is on spreading the Naked Paper word and growing awareness; it’s surprising
how many people don’t realise that standard white toilet paper is only that colour because it’s been through a chemical bleaching process. Our biggest goal is to reach a place where unbleached toilet
paper feels like the norm, like the natural choice, and bleached products are the oddity. We want to
make that switch as easy as possible, which is why we offer a no-quibble money-back guarantee; it’s important to us that our customers feel as confident in the product as we do. We’re also supplying more businesses, so you’ll start to see Naked Paper popping up more when you’re out and about, at cafés, hotels, or anywhere where there’s a loo!

Reader offer

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For more info, visit: uk.nakedpaper.com or follow on Instagram at: @naked_paper

Sponsored post | "One.World has Always Been Built on a Sense of Family"

Jason Bensohn, MD of One.World, tells us how everyday moments, travel and teamwork bring the collections to life

People often imagine that running a business is constant meetings and neatly planned days. In reality, most of my week happens far from a desk. My day often begins with a quick catch up on overnight emails from our factories overseas followed by the school run – with three young children, I often feel like I’ve done a full day’s work by the time I arrive at work!

Some mornings start in the warehouse. When new shipments arrive, I still enjoy being on the floor with the team, checking what’s come in. It’s noisy and rarely tidy, but it’s where you really feel the heartbeat of the business. A quick conversation there often tells you more than any spreadsheet.

Other days are spent with the creative team, discussing new launches, reviewing recent shoots or shaping ideas for upcoming collections. This spring is a particularly exciting one for us, with more than 250 new pieces joining the range – each carefully chosen for its character, craftsmanship
and its ability to feel at home in real spaces.

I also spend time travelling to source products, visiting workshops, markets and small makers around the world. This year we’re launching our first vintage collection, featuring genuine antique finds – pieces that already carry a story of their own.

What matters most, though, are the people. One.World has always been built on a sense of family – a team that cares deeply about the details, the craft and the homes our pieces eventually find their way into. After all, the best part of this job is seeing something discovered somewhere far away settle naturally into everyday life at home – something you can experience for yourself by exploring the collections at One.World.

For more information, visit: one.world or follow on Instagram: @onedotworld

Reader offer

Readers of The Simple Things can enjoy an exclusive 15% off full-priced items at one.world. Simply use the code SIMPLE15 at checkout. Subject to availability. Offer valid until 30 June 2026.