Organic, biodynamic and natural wines

PETER RANSCOMBE WINEMAKERS have many motivations for tending their vineyards using organic methods; some want to improve their soil, some want to enliven the taste of their wines and some want to protect the land that’s been home to their family for generations. Vincent Rochette has another reason for farming organically – the health of his…

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California Part 2: Critters in the vineyard

PETER RANSCOMBE AT THE top of a very tall pole in the Trefethen Family Vineyard, there sits a box. And in that box, there lives a family of barn owls. Over the course of a year, that single family can eat more than 2,000 gophers or “critters”, helping to control one of the pests that…

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The Scottish Gallery celebrate their 175th anniversary

May 2017 sees the 175th anniversary of one of Britain’s most renowned galleries as The Scottish Gallery in Edinburgh celebrates its role at the centre of the UK art scene with three new exhibitions. Duncan Shanks – Winter Journey sees one of Scotland’s finest landscape painters return to the gallery with a new show of…

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Dry…

Monday April 18th – Solid sort of morning here, fantastic weather though dull now, 18 horses worked in the schools and on the all-weather, Forcefield & Commercial Express went for a long hack in the forestry.  Had our bi-annual inspection from the BHA which passed reasonably smoothly, made lots of entries for the weekend &…

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Third time lucky…….

Tuesday April 12th -  Having just been denied in the shadow of the post twice at Hexham this season it was third time lucky for Lucy yesterday when riding 20-1 outsider Thunder Hawk she just got the better of warm favourite Ardnaclancy for owner Robert Miller-Bakewell and trainer Stuart Coltherd; I was absolutely delighted for all…

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Bingo! (& stable update)

Sunday April 3rd – I was delighted when Daasij gave us our 3rd winner of the week at Newcastle on Friday, it appears that stepping up to 3 miles did the trick and hopefully he can progress from here.  All three winners are looked after by Emma Dick who having now completed the hat-trick will…

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