Since ancient days, nothing was more sacred than fertility. Continuity of the human race sustained by good husbandry and a bountiful natural world were the absolutes. Every culture worshipped divine and mystical forces, unseen but given names and form, which were believed to promote and govern survival. The Old World abounded with gods and goddesses. Northern and eastern Mediterranean areas worshipped a good two dozen deities understood to affect fertility. Greece and Rome shared some 30. Egypt had 13. Nordic and northern Europe listed 17, and the Celtic areas at least nine. Ancient peoples believed in multiple chances. In total, cultures worldwide venerated some 170 recorded fertility deities.
Men may have felt the need to boost their libido but it was the function of women to enhance the chances of pregnancy, and empathy between the female sex and the earth was widely perceived. Notions of Mother Nature, mother country and motherland confirmed the solid maternal processes of fertility, birth, nurturing and overall survival. In the ancient hagiarchies of procreation, especially human, goddesses outnumbered gods by two to one. The instinct to revere the female no doubt accounts for the way we refer to productive domestic animals as cows, sheep, hens, ducks and geese, not bulls, rams, cocks, drakes or ganders.
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Strength in Numbers -The success of Britain's growing band of Farmer Clusters shows the value in working together and engaging with the public in the name of conservation, says Gabriel Stone
In a world that leans into gloomy headlines, it's important to wave the flag for a refreshing success story. That's especially the case when it comes to our overburdened farming sector and the wider way in which we manage the landscape. Yes, we: everyone can play a role, not least through one inspirational initiative. Ever since a 2013 pilot project by the GWCT in association with Natural England, Farmer Clusters have mushroomed across Britain. Led by farmers with guidance from expert advisers, today's network of about 125 clusters encourages a cohesively managed, locally tailored, larger-scale approach to conservation work.
Going over old ground
Forget modern tractors and minimum tillage - there is something glorious about the sight of farmer, horse and vintage plough in perfect harmony
Return of the natives
There is nothing as satisfying as creating a magical miniature woodland or conservation hedgerow using our native trees - and now is the best time to start.
Tagging the Cornish tunny
Enormous Atlantic bluefin tuna are once again making waves in UK waters almost a century after their showstopping appearance in the North Sea
In it for the long haul
It may have fallen out of favour at the elite level but long-format three-day eventing is still proving popular with grassroots riders
Unpicking the story of hunt buttons
These treasured tokens are bestowed only upon those who go above and beyond in service of their hunt but the rules around them can be complex
A place of tradition in the heart of town
Cordings has helped shape the sartorial landscape of Britain for 185 years, with its classic country tailoring a firm staple of many sporting wardrobes
Don't play it by ear
Hearing loss can have a devastating impact on day-to-day life, making ear protection a non-negotiable piece of field kit
Back to base-ics
Britain's famously unpredictable climate can make staying comfortable in the field a challenge but the right under layers can be a game changer
Stand and deliver
A good stance provides the platform for shotgun marksmanship and is fundamental to consistent success in the field or breaking clays