Enjoy a more natural fragrance in your home.

The thing with aerosol and other shop-bought room fresheners is that they can have a rather ‘chemical’ aroma.

For a more natural and much more subtle way to add fragrance to your room, make and display your own pot pourri.

It’s incredibly simple to make, and you can chose your own petals and spices depending on the aromas that you prefer.

And the really great thing is you’ll know that no one else’s home will have exactly the same fragrance as yours.

Use the website inks below to get started:

Make Stuff

Save On Crafts

DIY Life

Castles, country estates, villages, gardens…

Britain is awash with inspirational historic places and getting out to experience them is always an enjoyable way to spend a morning.

If it’s a nice day you can pack up a picnic, or stop off on the way home for a bite of lunch to round off an interesting, educational morning.

Search using the National Trust’s website below to find an interesting place to visit in your area:   

National Trust

Pack up a weekend bag and head off for a weekend away.

Whether you’re looking to spend more quality time with a partner, sample local food and drink, do some sightseeing or hit the nightlife, getting away for a long weekend has never been cheaper or easier. 

And the UK has so many great places to visit, there’s no excuse not to get out there and experience some of them.

Websites to visit:

Vacation Inspiration

Lastminute.com

Enjoy the company of man’s best friend without the hassle.

Walking can be one of the most enjoyable ways to spend a morning and there is no better companion to take crunching through woodlands than a dog.

But you don’t have to own a furry companion to enjoy a winter walk with one. Animal rescue centres around the country are always in need of volunteers to walk their dogs while they’re waiting to be rehomed.

You’ll need to contact the centre in advance and tell them a bit about yourself, you may need to undergo a short training session, and then you can pop along and choose a dog to take walking.

Dog walking volunteering is a great way to enjoy the fun and exuberance of a canine companion without the commitment and responsibility that goes with owning a dog.

Websites worth a look:

www.dogpages.org.uk

www.dogstrust.org.uk

www.dogshome.org

Spend a morning discovering the local ornithology.

You can do it in your back garden, or down at the local nature reserve or conservation area, anywhere that birds come and go in a natural environment.

It’s a good idea to do some research before you start, either online or with a good ornithology book, that way you’ll have a basic understanding of which species you are likely to see at different times of the year and in different areas.

It’s also useful to have a pair of binoculars, and a waterproof jacket if you intend to really take an interest in birdwatching.

Helpful websites:

British Trust for Ornithology

www.nhm.ac.uk/nature-online/life/birds/top-tips/top-tips-for-birdwatching.html

www.learnbirds.com

And feel the earth under your feet.

I know what you’re thinking. You already go for a walk in the park, right?

But when was the last time you went for a walk in the National Park? There are 14 of them altogether, all crammed full of the most outstandingly beautiful countryside in Britain.

The great thing is it’s an all year round activity that gives you great aerobic exercise, and if that doesn’t take your breath away, the scenery certainly will!

Of course if the weather is clouding your view, you can always take a walk around some of the National Trust properties situated within these same areas. Below you’ll find links to get you started.

Websites worth a look:
www.nationalparks.gov.uk
www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Blogs:
http://blogs.nationaltrust.org/preservationnation