Everything you wanted to know about the countryside, but were too afraid to ask 'A joyful companion with surprises and delights on every page' Tristan Gooley, author of The Walker's Guide to Outdoor Clues and Signs 'Highly readable and scrupulously balanced' John Wright, author of The Forager's Calendar 'Lovely, luminous' Bella Bathurst, author of Field Work Need advice on how to raise a chicken or pluck a pheasant? Wondering how to train your dog, catch a mole or sneak through a field of cows? Perhaps you're after the secret to the fattest pumpkin, the wormiest compost, the classiest snowdrop? Or are you simply in love with our captivating landscapes, keen to unlock the history and culture of our woods and fields, our footpaths and boundaries, our meadows and moors? In this delightful and eye-opening book, Meg Clothier and her father, Jonny, combine decades of practical know-how with a passion for literature and lore - braced up by a keen understanding of the conundrums of the contemporary countryside. From hedges and holloways to henges and ha-has, Country Matters brings the world beyond our towns and cities - its pleasures and perplexities, its dilemmas and delights - to entertaining and illuminating life.

Country Matters is a witty and often sharp celebration of the countryside, and reading it is like spending time with a favourite and well-read aunt (or uncle) whose wardrobe consists entirely of moleskin and waxed jackets. Here, the Clothiers have produced a highly readable and scrupulously balanced account of country life which this countryman found difficult to put to one side. -- John Wright, author * The Forager's Calendar *
Praise for Sea Fever: 'What a fun book! Reading Sea Fever is enticing and intriguing, like watching floating treasure bob past your nose. -- Tristan Gooley, author * The Natural Navigator *

What Meg Clothier liked best about her Somerset village - before she ran away to town to become a journalist - was that the local pub never asked for ID. Meanwhile, Jonny Clothier, her father, has dedicated happy decades to thirty acres of woodland, garden and pasture on the Quantock Hills. He is glad that Meg, now back next door, is finally throwing herself into country living. She has previously written about the joys, mysteries and practicalities of the sea side with her brother, Chris, in Sea Fever.