Stay warm this winter

Make this stylish snood for you or your family…

You will need

Yarn: Stylecraft Special XL Super Chunky
Main and contrast: one ball of each shade (two 200g balls in total)
Needles: a pair of 10mm knitting needles

Colours used

Main: Spearmint (1842)
Contrast: Teal (1062)

Abbreviations

g-st garter stitch
st(s) stitch(es)
ws wrong side
rs right side

Measurements

Width x length: 25cm x 140cm

Tension

8.5 sts and 18 rows to 10cm over garter stitch on 10mm needles, or the size required to give the correct tension.

Garter stitch snood

Using 10mm needles, thumb method and main colour, cast on 21 sts.
Work in g-st until snood measures 70cm, ending with a ws row.
Break off main colour, join in contrast colour.
Using contrast, continue in g-st until snood measures 140cm, ending with a rs row.
Cast off knitways on ws.

To make up

Join cast-on and cast-off edges to form a loop. Cover with clean, damp tea towels and leave to dry. See the yarn band for washing and further care instructions

Home trends

Accents of navy blue work well in a contemporary space when paired with modern metallics and striking

Embroidered palm cushion £18
Celine velvet high- back chair and footstool £265
All items pictured on this page are part of the Habitat collection available at argos.co.uk

Oozing luxury and understated style – navy blue and gold are a colour match made in heaven!

Natural History Museum Kingfisher Peacock cushion £14 dunelm.com

Cut-glass candleholders £20 for four joebrowns.co.uk

Gold glass tray £14 george.com

Hazel Glitter green glass vase £39.50 oliverbonas.com

Faux orchid in metallic glass pot £24.99 dobbies.com

Luxury floral Paradise rug from £19.95 kukoonrugs.com

Easy-to-use tablet

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 Easology is easy-to-use, yet with all the latest technology & features.

Designed to be easy to use, the new Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 Easology is perfect for those who wish to make the most out of new technology. The tablet is packed with the latest technology and features that you’d expect from a cutting-edge brand like Samsung, but with easier navigation, intuitive layouts and large text and icons for maximum accessibility. Perfect for searching the internet, video calling your relatives, watching videos, using social media and much more. With fast processing, a long-lasting battery and tons of storage, download all your favourite apps from the Google Play store and start surfing the internet.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 Easology is exclusively available from the Easology webshop, with an RRP of £229.99.

Visit www.easology.net/candis to learn more (and to see any exciting offers)

Save on your festive feast

Simple steps to save on your festive feast

Christmas dinner is what many of us look forward to most about the festive season – loved ones gathered around a table groaning with food and drink. But is this still possible when times are tough for many of us?

The answer is a resounding yes. Christmas dinner doesn’t have to involve unaffordable excess and, arguably, it shouldn’t. Shop carefully and be mindful of waste and energy use, and you can bring the cost of your meal down in ways that won’t dim the sparkle of your festivities. Here’s how.

Budget shopping

It’s obvious, but shopping at budget supermarkets, or choosing value brands, saves money (perfectly acceptable at Christmas). Keep an eye out for bargains, especially on bigger ticket items such as alcohol and luxury treats.
Also, head to the freezer section. Frozen vegetables are often cheaper than fresh, and because you only take out what you need, this reduces the risk of waste. Opting for a frozen turkey (whole or a crown) makes sense, too; it will taste just as good as fresh for a fraction of the cost – just remember to defrost it properly before the big day. Other luxe frozen items to look out for include lobster tails and prawns. If smoked salmon is on your menu, opt for ‘pieces’ rather than ‘slices’; these offcuts are much cheaper but exactly the same thing.
Alcohol can make a big dent in your Christmas budget, so consider joining forces with friends or family to buy a case of wine to share – the cost per bottle can be much less than buying them individually. And take advantage of all the 25 per cent off deals that are usually available before Christmas.

Save energy

To cook turkey, roast beef, a vegetable pie or roasties, you need to use an oven, which is expensive. To keep costs down, try turning the oven off 10 minutes before the end of the cooking time – the food will finish in the residual heat (This isn’t suitable for cakes, bread, and biscuits). If you have two ovens, opt for the smaller one whenever possible, as it uses less energy to heat up and maintain temperature.
Microwaves are more energy efficient, so make the most of yours. Use the microwave to par cook potatoes for roasting (you could do this the day before), then roast them to crisp perfection in the oven (or air fryer if you have one). Vegetables like carrots, peas and beans also steam beautifully in the microwave and can be finished off in a pan on the hob with butter and generous seasoning.
A slow cooker is another energy-saving appliance that’s perfect for cooking and reheating Christmas pudding. If you’re making one from scratch, prepare as usual but instead of steaming it on the hob, place it in a slow cooker. Fill with water until it comes halfway up the sides of the pudding basin, and cook for 10 hours on low. To reheat a homemade or shop-bought pudding, use the same method but cook for four hours only. Just don’t forget to put it on in good time.

Plan ahead

Most of us go over the top when it comes to festive food. But it pays to spend more carefully. Calculate how much food you need for the number of guests you’re feeding and stick to that, plus a little extra for second helpings or leftovers. You can slash your shopping bill doing this, and also reduce waste.

Dressing the table

There’s really no need to buy new decorations to make the table look fabulous. Scatter tiny pine cones, sprigs of fir or real holly for a natural look.
Crackers are a fixture of the festive table but they’re often filled with plastic and are a terrible waste of paper. Go all Blue Peter and fill loo rolls with thoughtful treats made from natural materials and wrap in recycled wrapping paper or spare bits of fabric.
But what about those festive paper hats? Why not make your own from newspaper festooned with spare Christmas tree decorations. The hats won’t be perfect but everyone can join in and it can make for a fun-filled start to Christmas as you sit down to your festive lunch. And that’s what really matters.

Pawfect presents

Giving your pet a gift doesn’t have to cost the earth – national pet charity Blue Cross has some great ideas of toys and treats you can make this Christmas

Destruction box

This is a great way to keep your dog’s brain active.

What you need
Empty cardboard box
Newspaper/old magazine
Empty egg box
Tasty bite-size treats

To make
1 Find an empty cardboard box, making sure it’s not too small for your dog.
2 Get some newspaper or an old magazine and shred enough paper to fill at least half the box.
3 Scrunch up the remaining paper and mix it in with the shredded paper to fill the box.
4 Pop some treats in the bottom section of an empty egg box and bury this in the paper, somewhere in the middle of the box.
5 Scatter some more of the treats in the box among the shredded and scrunched-up paper.
6 Close the box and let your dog into the room to investigate and dig out their yummy reward!

Cat treat vending machine

A great way to get your cat to explore ways to release their treats.

What you need
Empty cardboard shoe box
30 toilet roll inner tubes

To make
1 Take the lid off your shoebox.
2 Start to glue your toilet roll inner tubes into the box on top of one another. The tubes need to have one side facing outwards.
3 Glue your shoebox in the middle of the shoebox lid. The lid will provide your vending machine with a base to keep it upright.
4 Wait an hour for the glue to fully dry.
5 Pop a treat into each inner tube and give this to your cat to fish out with their paw.

Flirt pole

A flirt pole is fantastic for dogs who love to chase – especially those with a higher chase drive than others, like sighthounds.

What you need
PVC pole
Bungee cord or rope (available in hardware shops)
An old, fluffy dog toy
Stanley knife
Coping saw

To make
1 Cut your pole to the size that you want using a coping saw – do this according to the size of your dog (the bigger the dog, the longer the pole).
2 Cut your rope or bungee cord to size using a Stanley knife. You’ll want this to be the length of the pole and add at least 40cm on to the end, depending on how big your dog is. Again, if you make the cord longer you can cover a wider area.
3 Push your rope through the pole until it starts to stick out the other end, then tie this end in a knot, so that the rope is secured within the pole.
4 Tie the loose bit of rope around one of your dog’s toys and you’re all done! You can then use the pole to encourage chase and play.

Home-made dog biscuits

Here’s a recipe your dog will love, and you’ll know exactly what’s going into his treats.

What you need
One egg
170g boiled chicken breast
100g cooked plain rice
1⁄4 pint chicken stock
680g plain flour
Blender/food processor
Cookie cutters
Rolling pin
Baking paper
Baking tray

To make
1 Preheat oven to 180°C.
2 Place baking paper on a baking tray.
3 Pop the boiled chicken breast, cooked rice and chicken stock into a blender and blitz until it looks like purée.
4 Transfer the mix into a bowl and add in the egg and flour, mix well.
5 Dust flour on to a clean, flat surface.
6 Turn the mixture out of the mixing bowl and on to the floured surface.
7 Knead the dough until it stops being sticky.
8 Roll out with a rolling pin – aim for 1.25cm thickness.
9 Shape the biscuits with cookie cutters.
10 Place on baking tray and cook in oven for 25-30 minutes.
11 Allow to cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge. Use within one week.

Cat wand

A magical gift for cats who love to play chase!

What you need
Wooden dowel (around 30cm in length)
Five jingle bells
Fabric scraps
Fabric glue Baker’s twine Scissors

To make
1 Wrap your wooden dowel with twine, leaving 25-30cm (10-12in) at the end of the rod to dangle.
2 Secure the twine with fabric glue at the base and the end.
3 Place all your jingle bells on the piece of twine left at the end of the wooden dowel.
4 Tie the fabric scraps to the end of the twine and you’re ready to play.

For more details, or to find your nearest Blue Cross centre or hospital, visit bluecross.org.uk

Sweet treats

Sweat treats

A thoughtful present or pretty tree decoration, these biscuits are easy to make and great for sharing

Basic biscuit dough

Ready in 20 minutes, plus chilling

This deliciously buttery biscuit dough forms the base for all our gorgeous biscuit treats. Each batch will make 18 button or fluted biscuits or 9 sandwiched biscuits.

125g unsalted butter, softened
100g golden caster sugar pinch of salt
1 egg, beaten
seeds from 1⁄2 vanilla pod
200g plain flour, sifted
1⁄4 tsp baking powder

Christmas biscuit box

1 Preheat the oven to 180 ̊C/160 ̊C fan/gas 4 and line a baking sheet with greaseproof paper. Cream together the butter and sugar until light and creamy. Add a pinch of salt, then beat in the egg and vanilla seeds. Gently beat in the flour and baking powder, then n chill for an hour. The dough will keep in the fridge for several days if necessary.

2 Roll the dough out on a floured surface until about 4mm thick. Cut out shapes as desired, then transfer to the lined baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until light golden, then transfer to a wire rack to cool. Store in an airtight container and eat within 2 days.

For the button biscuits

Makes 18

Roll out the dough, and using a 7cm cutter, cut out 18 circles and place on the baking sheets. Take a 6cm round cutter and carefully place on top of the biscuit and press lightly to make an indentation. Cut out two holes in the centre of each biscuit – we used a plain piping nozzle (size P6). Bake as above and thread with twine or ribbon once cooled.

For the fluted iced biscuits

Makes 18

Roll out the dough, and using a 7cm fluted cutter, cut out 18 biscuits. Bake as above and cool. Mix 100g icing sugar with a little water to make a thick icing. Spread over the top of the biscuits and decorate with chopped pistachios, chopped dried cranberries and mini chocolate stars.

For the jammy star biscuits

Makes 9

Roll out the dough, and using a 7cm cutter, cut out 18 biscuits. Place on a baking sheet and use a small star cutter in the centre of 9 of the biscuits. Bake as above and cool. Place 200g seedless raspberry jam in a saucepan and simmer until thickened. Allow to cool slightly. Spoon over the base of 9 biscuits and place a star biscuit on top of each. Press down lightly and leave to cool. Arrange in a tissue paper-lined box – Paperchase and Hobbycraft have a great selection.

The secrets of being super-frugal

With the cost-of-living crisis on everyone’s mind, most of us are thinking of ways to trim our budgets. But at the same time, we still want to enjoy our lives. Impossible? Leah Hardy discovers how frugality can actually make us happier

Scott Dixon, 52, doesn’t spend any time at all watching his electricity meter tick up. But it’s not, as you might assume, because he isn’t terrified of his next energy bill. Instead he’s enjoying working out the next clever trick to cut his bills. All without so much as turning down his thermostat.

And if the consumer rights expert isn’t doing that, you might find him enjoying a free breakfast bacon roll and coffee, courtesy of his phone apps with Greggs and Café Nero, negotiating down the price of his insurance and broadband contracts (“I saved £51 within 15 minutes on my multi-home and car insurance policy recently”), or snaffling yellow- sticker bargains at the supermarket to enjoy meals like marinated salmon with wild rice at 75 per cent off.

You might feel too shy to boast about such penny-pinching tactics, but Dixon disagrees. Dixon, who is author of How to Complain: The Consumer Guide to Resolve Complaints and Motoring Disputes (£3.99, Amazon) and lives in Edinburgh, says, “Keeping my outgoings low is key to enjoying life on my own terms. I also enjoy saving money. It’s a challenge and gives me a sense of achievement. I know my outgoings could be double what they are if I didn’t deliberately choose to be frugal. As it is, I can afford to work part time and never feel stressed about money. Yet I can also enjoy holidays such as a winter sun break in Spain every Christmas.”

And Dixon is not alone. Experts agree that feeling in charge of our money can make us calmer and happier and even help us enjoy life more. Why? Behavioural psychotherapist Dipti Tait (diptitait.com) says, “When we feel in control of our finances, we feel secure and safe. When we lose control, this can trigger feelings of anger, anxiety and fear. Our financial health is linked to our feelings of stability and self-worth, as well as being our ticket to freedom and feeling happy.”

Laura Moore is a certified financial coach who specialises in helping women to have a better relationship with money. She says, “Financial well-being is not simply a nice-to-have – it’s a necessity. Everyone deserves to feel the abundance, security, joy and freedom that the absence of money worries can provide.”

So how can we learn to embrace the happy budgeting habit? It all starts, says Tait, with finding the right mindset. She says that some people go wrong by panicking at terrifying headlines, slashing their outgoings to the bone as a result, then find that they feel deprived and resentful. They may then abandon the plan entirely or even start buying things in secret, leading to guilt and shame. She compares this approach to going on a crash diet and then binge eating.

This happens, Tait says, because when we read about a ‘crisis’, it can provoke the same primitive response as being chased by a mammoth for our ancestors. “If not only our financial future but also our levels of safety and comfort are being threatened, our brain’s ‘flight or fight’ reaction kicks in, leading to panic.” We may also have developed a habit of excessive spending. Tait explains: “If our brain is used to enjoying the short-term fixes, which is what we get when we buy things we don’t need, this can feel like the energy buzz we get from sugary food. It’s not healthy, we burn through it, and feel worse afterwards. Spending frivolously does not lead to greater happiness. In fact, it can ultimately lead to addiction.” And in a world where those endless property TV shows, Instagram and even Facebook ads tell us we need more, newer and better things in order to be attractive and successful, we can become a slave to consumerism. Tait says, “Wanting more creates discontent and unhappiness.”

Or we might simply be resistant to making changes, so we put our head in the sand only to be shocked when the bills start pouring in. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Says Tait, “We may not be able to do much about the state of the economy, but we can do something about the state of our mind.”

Time to change

Reframe your thoughts

Instead of looking at cutting back as a negative thing that we are forced to do, Tait says we should think of it “as a positive behaviour to secure our future.” We should also resist ‘catastrophising’ – which is when you assume the very worst. When we believe nothing will ever improve, we might conclude that saving money is pointless as we will have to sell our homes or never go on holiday again. “The situation is real, but it won’t last forever,” says Tait. “It’s important to be realistic and react appropriately.

“This one shift instantly eases our resistance to change, and our brain can go into planning and preparation mode, enabling us to financially streamline and declutter. As we take control and see what we have achieved in terms of lower outgoings and more savings, we feel calmer and happier.”

Take charge of your budget

“When we do a financial audit of our spending, we can really start to feel more in control of what is going in and out of our accounts. We can then research ways to get what we want at a better price,” says Tait. Moore says we might think that saving £20 pounds here or there won’t make a big difference, but “small habits incorporated into our daily lives bring us closer to our goals.” Think about using a budgeting app connected to your bank account to help you see where your money is going.

Spend mindfully

Have you bought clothes you never wear, cosmetics you don’t need or gadgets that don’t add anything to your life? Laura Moore says impulsive as stress or boredom. “Before buying something, ask yourself: ‘Am I spending money right now to cope with something emotionally or change the state of my emotions?’ Ask yourself if there is another way to tackle the emotions differently?”

Dipti Tait says, “Thinking about the economic time you are in positively will help you feel in control. This is an opportunity to get creative and do things differently. Turn the crisis into a positive choice to embrace how you spend the rest of your life, and the cost of that will be the investment in your most precious asset – your positive mindset.”

Have a stress-free Christmas

8 ways to a stress-free Christmas

If you’re panicking about getting through December without suffering festive burnout, Louise Baty has tips to help

1 Be realistic

Picture the Christmas you want – and then lower your expectations. You may dream of whisking the kids off to Lapland, splurging on designer gifts and then throwing the Boxing Day bash of the decade. But seriously, who has time for that unless they have unlimited funds and a team of professional party planners? Rather than tying yourself in knots, focusing on consumerism, think about how you want to feel this Christmas. If seeing family is important but expensive days out aren’t achievable, organise a festive walk in the park and take flasks of hot chocolate and mince pies to share. By concentrating on enjoying moments rather than material things, you’ll minimise stress and maximise the true spirit of Christmas.

2 Know your limits

It’s easy to take on too much around Christmas, especially if you’re drawn to helping others. But it’s not selfish to set boundaries or rip up that bottomless ‘to do’ list. Avoid overspending by setting a realistic Christmas budget and sticking to it. Bear in mind that your time is just as precious as money. You may be great at organising get-togethers, but why should you agree to host extended family and friends on multiple occasions if you’re too wrung out to enjoy any of it? Choose your Christmas roles wisely and only make manageable commitments. By opting out of unnecessary tasks, you’ll free yourself up for things you really want to do, such as making Christingles with your kids or watching a Christmas movie in peace.

3 Be honest

Once you’re clear on your own personal capabilities – whether dictated by time or finances – learn to say ‘no’ with grace and confidence. Be upfront with friends if you can’t afford a festive night out and suggest celebrating in a more manageable way, such as a games night at home. Baring your soul may feel uncomfortable, but any awkwardness will soon be replaced by relief. Also, bear in mind that by being open with others about how you’re simplifying your Christmas, you may embolden them to admit that they’re also overwhelmed. By working together to ease Christmas stresses, you could find yourself doing everyone a favour.

4 Delegate

There’s nothing festive about spending Christmas Day slaving over steaming pots of gravy and bread sauce while everyone else relaxes in front of the television – so don’t do it! Instead of one person being in charge of cooking, share the culinary load by delegating a task to each guest. One could bring a starter, another could bring roast potatoes, while another could be in charge of pudding. Of course, it pays to coordinate in advance to avoid three people turning up with a prawn ring and no one providing a turkey. If not food, then ask for other party elements, such as crackers for the table or a bottle of fizz. After all, teamwork makes the dream work and Christmas should be about everyone pulling together.

5 Simplify your gift list

A Secret Santa gift draw is useful for workplaces, as it means that everyone receives something to unwrap but also only has to buy one gift. For the same reason, Secret Santa works for extended families and friendship groups. Well before the big day, put all names in a hat and draw one recipient for each person taking part. Set a price limit so everyone has realistic expectations. Each participant should then secretly buy a suitable gift for their recipient and wrap it up in time for the big exchange. It’s a great way to reduce the cost and hassle of Christmas shopping while ensuring that everyone takes part in the fun of buying and receiving a thoughtful present.

6 Reuse, recycle and repurpose

There’s no festive rule book stating your home should look like the Christmas department at Harrods. Decorations are expensive so resist the urge to buy new baubles – after all, they spend approximately 11 out of 12 months hidden in a box. Instead, treasure the decorations you already have. There’s something magical about rediscovering the same baubles every year. If you’re really hankering after something different for your tree, check out charity shops for secondhand decorations – they may only have been used once before being donated. Alternatively, stick on some Christmas tunes and have a crafting session, making paper chains – a simple child-friendly activity, harking back to days of old when people made do with what they had, even at Christmas.

7 Switch off social media

Your Facebook feed may be awash with snaps of other people’s ‘perfect’ Christmases, such as parcels piled under tinsel-laden trees or tables buckling with food. You may even envy other people’s mince pie baking skills! Comparison is the thief of joy and nowhere is that more true than online. Remind yourself that nothing is truly what it seems on social media, where most people endeavour (subconsciously or consciously) to show their best side or even portray a false image of their lives. Think about how scrolling makes you feel. Does it leave you sad, jealous or itching to blow your Christmas budget, trying to live up to other people’s posts? If so, log out and focus on enjoying your own Christmas rather than peering in at other people’s.

8 Focus on the small things

Sometimes, all the noise and glitter can detract from the true meaning of Christmas: being thankful for what we have and appreciating those around us. Rather than racing through endless shopping lists or feeling inadequate because your fairy lights aren’t a match for the musical light-up reindeer in next door’s garden, take time to notice and savour small pleasures instead; a hug from a relative, early-morning frost, a robin in your garden or a Christmas card from an old friend… By treasuring the tiny things, we can start to let go of our desire for an OTT Christmas and ease the stresses and strains that go hand in hand with it too.

How much is that doggy?

With the ever-rising cost of living, national pet charity Blue Cross has got some top tips on what you can do to keep your pet healthy and happy on a budget

A high price tag doesn’t mean you’re getting the best food for your pup. As long as the dog food is complete, your pet will have everything they need. We’d advise buying food in bulk. Though it may cost more upfront, it can work out a lot cheaper than buying as and when needed. Remember, your dog should also have access to a bowl of fresh water every day.

Watch their weight

Feed your dog the recommended amount of feed for your pet’s size, along with good-quality regular exercise, as obesity can put your pet at higher risk of developing costly conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and arthritis.

Time for treats

Pet owners love giving dogs titbits and treats, and they’re very useful if you’re training your pet but, otherwise, they aren’t necessary as part of their daily diet so can be cut out when you’re on a budget.

Healthy exercise

Exercising your dog is important for their physical and mental health and will lead to them living a longer, healthier life with fewer vet visits. It’s important that your dog gets to go out every day, with an outlet for their curious minds, too. There are also lots of games you can play with your dog for free, such as find it, and fun things you can make out of household items such as destruction boxes to keep your pet mentally and physically fit. If you have a growing puppy, don’t exercise them too much. While they are growing, their bones are more vulnerable to long-term damage. Starting your puppy off on the right paw and slowly increasing the amount of time they spend exercising could save you money on vet bills later in life.

Vaccinations and neutering

Vaccinations and health checks are the best way to protect your pet and save on vet bills. Neutering avoids accidental litters and lowers the risk of certain diseases that can be costly to treat.

Vet bills

Do your research when choosing a vet as prices can vary. In a real emergency, ask your vet if they offer a payment plan to help you with treatment bills. Some vets also offer pet clubs, which work by charging a small monthly fee that covers annual vaccinations, health checks and flea and worm treatments, with discounts for things like neutering, pet food and dental treatment.

Daily checks

Give your dog a full body check every day:

run your hand over their coat and under their fur to feel for any lumps and bumps
check paws for any cuts or scrapes
look for loss of fur
check ears for discharge and odour
check their gums and teeth for plaque build-up and inflammation

If your pet is losing weight, is stiff or slow or drinking more than usual, it’s worth contacting your vet sooner rather than later for advice.

Brushing teeth

As with most things, prevention is better than cure. To reduce the risk of a costly trip to the vet, brush your dog’s teeth daily to keep them in the best condition possible.

Pet food banks

Blue Cross is building a network of pet food banks to help owners who may be struggling with the cost of feeding their dog. Many owners have said they are cutting out meals to be able to cover the cost of caring for their pet, so Blue Cross wants to help people and their pets stay together, as it knows how important that relationship can be. The charity has pet food banks in Sheffield, Manchester, Exeter and Grimsby, with another planned for Newport, and more to come. If you need help, get in touch with your local Blue Cross centre, as it can provide support and signpost you to your nearest help point. If you would like to donate pet food or items, then do get in touch with your local Blue Cross centre or hospital.

For more details or to find your nearest Blue Cross centre or hospital, visit bluecross.org.uk

Tree-rific Britain

Trees represent years of horticultural history and show how nature has changed and adapted over time. Take a look at these 15 trees with incredible stories at their roots

Adapted from the book 50 Great Trees of the National Trust, we’ve collated a selection of beautiful trees, in various locations in the UK and Ireland, that tell an interesting story. It may be that they have won champion status, highlight the impact of climate change, have a connection to notable moments in national or even global history, reflect global exploration having been brought from afar – or simply have a brilliant backstory that shows how incredible they are! From a tulip tree in Glendurgan, Cornwall, and a life weathering storms, to an apple tree in Woolsthorpe Manor said to have helped Isaac Newton form his theory of gravity, and a golden larch that was one of the first to be collected from the wilderness in China and transported to Britain, there are plenty of impressive National Trust trees to learn about and explore.

Weeping beauty

Weeping ash trees lack the hormone-guided instinct to grow towards the light and so, instead, follow gravitational force downwards. If they didn’t appeal so much to novelty-seeking gardeners, few would survive. The British Isles have just one native species of ash. Its wood is strong yet flexible and was used for demanding items from tool handles to hockey sticks. In November 2021, Storm Arwen caused this tree to lose most of its crown and brought down large numbers of trees in the north of England and Wales, demonstrating the risk posed by extreme weather events driven by climate change.

A tree with a view

Overlooking the Menai Straits in the woods at Plas Newydd is a tree considered to be the largest beech in the UK – with a girth of around 10m. Not as durable as oak, beech wood is more easily colonised by funghi. However, the black (zone) lines, created where competing colonies meet, are highly prized by furniture makers and wood turners.

Distinguished scholar

An apple tree in Isaac Newton’s birthplace, Woolsthorpe Manor, is where he must have sat as a young boy, and it’s said to be the falling of an apple from this tree that helped him to formulate his theory of gravity. The tree’s gravitational story continued in 2015 when some of its seeds were sent to the International Space Station and, on their return, were planted in various locations – including one at Woolsthorpe by astronaut Tim Peake.

Tulip tree

Found in Glendurgan, Cornwall, this tree is evidence of a life spent in the line of storms that sweep in from the sea. With the first-known tree being planted in 1688, and collected by famous botanist and Charles I’s head gardener, the tulip tree was one of the first to be introduced to British gardens from eastern North America and gets its name from its flowers that resemble tulips.

Phoenix tree

Of the many tall and impressive lime trees in Dyrham Park, the most characterful has one of its long limbs dipping to the ground and vigorously jutting back up, almost in a V-shape. Identifiable by its heart-shaped leaves, in the summer its scented flowers are irresistible to bees – which then create a beautiful lime honey! These trees ‘layer’ – where new roots form when limbs touch the ground – allowing for continuous regeneration.

Time traveller

Named England’s Tree of the Year in 2016 by the National Trust, the old sycamore that is settled next to Hadrian’s Wall now has movie credits too – it’s located where Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves was filmed, though sycamore was introduced to Britain around a century after Robin Hood! Trees often present such problems of chronological inconsistency.

Monkey puzzle

This peculiar- looking plant, like the example here in Calke Abbey, Derbyshire, is said to have gained its name when barrister and socialite, Charles Austin, commented that to climb its branches would puzzle even a monkey. Its strong timber is resistant to decay, making it much sought-after for building bridges, piers and ships. Over-exploitation in the South American forests of its origin means it is now classified as ‘endangered’ by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Becoming a hit in the Victorian era, it’s also representative of planting unusual trees as a statement of wealth and status.

A world of its own

The Old Man of Calke was so called after a competition to name the oldest tree in Calke Park – a designated Nature Reserve since 2006 due to its importance to conservation. Over a millennium in age, and a relic of the ancient wood pasture, ancient and veteran trees like this one are nature reserves themselves, given the variety of habitats found within them.

PHOTOS JAMES DOBSON, SIMON TOOMER, CAROLE DRAKE, STEPHEN FRANKLIN, EMILY MABBOTT AT NATIONAL TRUST, GRAEME PEACOCK/ALAMY