Country Life

In this neck of the woods

I DON the protective gear—toughened boots, strengthened trousers, leather gauntlets, helmet and visor. Grasping the handle firmly, I release the two safety catches and press the trigger. There is no kickback, no smell of petrol and only a low whirr as the chain turns. My new battery-powered chainsaw (a birthday present to myself) is up and running.

It’s easier to use than my faithful friend of so many years—the petrol version—quieter and better for the

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Country Life

Country Life4 min read
Letters To The Editor
I WAS fascinated to read about the tiny painting of Goldsborough Hall by Owen Bowen, commissioned for Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House (Letters, March 27). Owen Bowen (1873–1967) was a very accomplished artist. He established the Leeds School of Art, now kn
Country Life5 min read
Escape To The Hills
THE expansive hills of England’s most wooded county have long attracted those who want to live in the countryside, yet be within a taxi ride of the capital, which is possible to do from these four Surrey houses currently on the market. Anyone heading
Country Life3 min read
Parsley of Macedon
FROM late winter through spring, one plant boorishly dominates the grass verges of Britain’s coastal roads: alexanders (Smyrnium olusatrum). At a little under 5ft tall, it is a statuesque plant with bright yellow-green leaves. It grows among roadside

Related