A couple of mornings ago I woke up about 4.30am, severely anxious, very loud self-hating thoughts racing so fast I longed to turn them off-to step out of my brain entirely. Then I realised that Steve the blackbird was singing. The beautiful repeating patterns of his tweets quietened & slowed my thoughts & I was grateful for every fluting note. Researched shows that birdsong can be more effective than meditation apps at alleviating stress. Sound up 🐦⬛🎵🧠:
Around 7,000 AF-related strokes could be prevented every year in England with timely diagnosis and appropriate anticoagulation therapy. Know Your Pulse to Know Your Heart Rhythm - It Could Save Your Life. Find out more at https://t.co/gVPH2XreUP
#WHRW2026
Join us at The Smokery for a day that’s entirely yours at the Earth & Village Day Retreat in Albury, Surrey Hills on 11 July 2026.
https://t.co/pHx6uaDkWB
Fancy a day that’s entirely yours - before the kids break up for the Summer?
11 July 2026 - Surrey Hills
Ancient woodland, lakes and open countryside.
Creative play. Sound bath with Tibetan Singing bowls Really good food. Woodland walks.
https://t.co/UMrjYq4E3c
There is a brief moment each year when spring has not quite left and summer has not quite arrived.
The hawthorn still clings to the hedgerows.
Foxgloves begin to rise beside country lanes.
Swifts scream overhead after their long journey from Africa.
Across meadows, wildflowers are reaching their peak, while young birds and animals venture into the world for the first time.
The days are longer, the fields are greener, and the countryside feels full of life.
It is a season that lasts only a few weeks.
Soon the hay will be cut, the wildflowers will begin to fade, and high summer will take over.
For now, England sits in that brief space between spring and summer.
The countryside is at its finest.
What is your favourite sign that summer has arrived?
Follow @oaksandlions for more posts about English wildlife.
#England #EnglishCountryside #Nature #Wildlife #Summer
This is about a thousand more people than died in the attack on the World Trade Centre in 2001, yet hardly a mention in news bulletins. Extreme heat is becoming so frequent to the point where it’s no longer noteworthy, while some say we should slow down on emissions reductions…
Fancy a day that’s entirely yours - before the kids break up for the Summer?
11 July 2026 - Surrey Hills
Ancient woodland, lakes and open countryside.
Creative play. Sound bath with Tibetan Singing bowls Really good food. Woodland walks.
https://t.co/UMrjYq4E3c
Very proud to play a part in the first Surrey Hills Wine Week with @SurreyVineyards, which starts this Saturday. It's the perfect excuse to get out exploring the Surrey Hills wine route. Beautiful views, great hospitality & impressive English wines. https://t.co/Ev5SttkbbH 🥂🌄😎
A group of vineyards has organised Surrey Hills Wine Week in an attempt to promote their businesses as tourist destinations.
More here: https://t.co/meEhSji77I
Join us at The Smokery for a day that’s entirely yours at the Earth & Village Day Retreat in Albury, Surrey Hills on 11 July 2026.
https://t.co/pHx6uaDkWB