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Late summer is a great time for foraging. The blackberry season is upon us and will peak in early September, with crab apples following behind in September and October. It's a great way to get the kids outside, looking for fruit for a sunny countryside picnic or ingredients for a tasty fruit pie! Remember, south facing slopes will ripen earlier. If you head out for a country walk in late summer you're bound to come across blackberries at some point, so don't forget your containers (check out these plastic free ones!) If your foraging has granted you more fruit than you can...

We have always been able to find inventive new ways to use our PACMATs. They have provided us everything from rain shelters, sun shades and dens, to gym mats and tablecloths. Our customers have taken this versatility even further.  These youth hostellers (above) got creative using their PACMATs as makeshift privacy curtains, or below as camper van curtains. We have even seen a PACMAT being used as a warm and waterproof aid to a seal rescue mission! Read more here.  How do you use your PACMAT?

We don't usually summon insects to our picnics but they have a habit of inviting themselves. With bee populations dwindling across the world, perhaps its time we were a bit more inclusive and welcoming. Our fun facts and bee-themed games below will help the whole family to learn more about bees, at the same time as running off some of that cake! By Fi DarbyIllustration by Jennie Maizels    DOWNLOAD THE PDF HEREA4 PRINT AND FOLD TO POCKET SIZE UP TO 11 YEARS OLD We Need Bees Fun fact: If the bees and other insects didn't pollinate our plants, we would...

The previous evening we'd walked from the cottage, up to see Ullswater at sunset. The fantastic view was described by Wainwright as one of the most stunning. From here, we could see on the other side of the valley there was a higher peak, also walking distance from the cottage, of course it had to be done. We set off early the next morning, picnic packed, on an adventure. A gentle walk began through the field of cows, then started to climb alongside a brook and up, up to the wall. Follow the wall up. Finally we reached the tour....

Meet Catherine of Tiger and Fox. After spending over 12 years in the design industry, working on a range of big brand and not for profit organisations she started her own collection of illustrations whilst on maternity leave.Catherine and her husband Dave have two girls who are crazily wild and fun and they inspired the name and a lot of her designs. Her girls love to play with the Animal Alphabet print, spotting their favourite (T for Tiger).   Catherine has just installed her Arab Crown Folio c.1900 press which has been carefully restored by  AMR Logan Press and she...