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The International Supreme Sheepdog Trial 2026

BY ALLISON LEE Organised by the International Sheep Dog Society (ISDS), the International Supreme Sheepdog Trial is a prestigious annual event that brings together top handlers and their dogs from England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland to compete for the title of Supreme Champion. The competition showcases the dogs’ natural instincts and abilities, as well as the strength of their partnership with their handlers. Using only … Continue reading The International Supreme Sheepdog Trial 2026

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The Ryedale Show

BY ALLISON LEE The Ryedale Show is held annually on the last Tuesday in July; this year, it fell on the 28th. Established in 1855, it is a traditional agricultural show run for the farming and local communities, and it truly has something to offer everyone. Though much smaller than the Great Yorkshire Show in Harrogate, Ryedale remains highly popular. Set against the picturesque Duncombe Park … Continue reading The Ryedale Show

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Byland

BY ALLISON LEE Byland Abbey is a ruined monastery and small village located in Byland, North Yorkshire. Founded as a Savigniac house in 1135, the abbey was later absorbed into the Cistercian order in 1147. Its early history was marked by disputes with four other religious institutions: Furness Abbey, Calder Abbey, Rievaulx Abbey, and Newburgh Priory. By the late 14th century, however, Byland was regarded … Continue reading Byland

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Rusty the Bull

BY ALLISON LEE In April 2025, Steven Nesbitt received a wake-up call that would change his life. “I’ve been a farmer all my life,” Steven told me. “My grandfather lived to be 96, and my father is now 93, so I thought I was immortal.” When he began to feel unwell and struggled to keep up with his farming work—let alone walk up hills—he sought … Continue reading Rusty the Bull

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Lastingham

BY ALLISON LEE Lastingham is one of my favourite places to visit in the North York Moors National Park. Steeped in history and set amidst breathtaking scenery, this picturesque village sits on the southern fringe of the park and has welcomed visitors for centuries, drawn by its postcard-perfect charm and warm hospitality. Two inviting options for accommodation in the village are Lastingham Grange and The … Continue reading Lastingham

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The Flower Belt

BY ALLISON LEE The Wainwrights have farmed the rolling countryside of Ryedale in North Yorkshire since 1962. The farm consists of a mixture of arable land and livestock. Henry Wainwright works alongside his father; however, shortly after Henry returned to the family farm from agricultural college, the family realised that in order for it to be viable for him to work full-time, they needed to … Continue reading The Flower Belt

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Arthur’s Acres

BY ALLISON LEE Regular readers know I’m a passionate advocate for genuine animal charities. I deeply admire those who dedicate their time and resources to rescuing, rehabilitating, and providing homes for neglected or abandoned animals. This week, I want to highlight the remarkable work of an animal sanctuary in the US. Arthur’s Acres Animal Sanctuary is a nonprofit charity in Parksville, New York, nestled in … Continue reading Arthur’s Acres

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Animal Crowdfunding – Should We Fall For it?

BY ALLISON LEE Lately, my social media feeds seem increasingly filled with fundraising posts. While I fully appreciate that charities depend on donations—and that, as cash disappears from daily life, traditional collection methods are dwindling—I can’t help but feel uneasy about the sheer volume of personal online appeals. I wonder if this approach is becoming too normalised, and whether it might sometimes channel money to … Continue reading Animal Crowdfunding – Should We Fall For it?

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The World Champion Farrier

BY ALLISON LEE When my husband and I moved our smallholding from West to North Yorkshire in 2024, one of the most worrying factors for me was having to find a new farrier. I had used the same farrier since acquiring my miniature Shetland ponies and miniature Mediterranean donkeys, and they knew him well. Initially, as they were all very young, they were nervous of … Continue reading The World Champion Farrier

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Not Just a Celebrity Hobby

BY ALLISON LEE The British Beekeepers’ Association (BBKA) was founded in 1874 with the intention of encouraging, improving, and advancing bee culture in the United Kingdom—particularly as a means of bettering the condition of cottagers and the agricultural labouring classes, as well as advocating for humanity toward the industrious labourer: the honey bee. Originally established as a London-based beekeepers’ club, the BBKA evolved within a … Continue reading Not Just a Celebrity Hobby

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The Swinton Estate – Part I

BY ALLISON LEE Driving up to the Swinton Park Hotel, even on a dark night in November, is truly enchanting. The warm lights, the sweeping driveway and the genuine welcome makes this hotel one of the most charming in North Yorkshire.  The Swinton Park Hotel is an opulent, Grade II castle set in 200 acres of manicured gardens and parkland at the very heart of the … Continue reading The Swinton Estate – Part I

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Hannah Russell

BY ALLISON LEE Hannah Russell is an author and countryside enthusiast who lives in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. Born and bred in this incredible part of the country, she is surrounded by rolling hills and wildlife and now resides on the Swinton Estate with more than twenty of her own animals, including ponies, sheep, donkeys, dogs, alpacas, and even tortoises. As a child, Hannah spent … Continue reading Hannah Russell

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Kiplin

BY ALLISON LEE Kiplin Hall is an absolute gem standing serenely close to the River Swale in the Vale of Mowbray in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside. Situated between the historic market towns of Richmond and Northallerton, Kiplin Hall has been owned by four families, related by blood and marriage, and this year celebrates its 400th year of history. George Calvert built Kiplin Hall in … Continue reading Kiplin

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