There’s no better way for a man to perk up his dating profi le than by posing with a puppy. It gives a whole new meaning to picking-up…
His online profile was quite promising. Mike (not his real name) looked normal. Messages revealed that he enjoyed the countryside and although he didn’t shoot he had heard of The Field. So far so acceptable but what really sealed the deal was the profile pic of him cuddling a gorgeous golden working cocker spaniel, which he clearly loved almost as much as he would eventually learn to love me. Go straight to first date. Do not pass hours making pointless phone calls. Do not collect pages of texting. When Mike walked into the bar he actually looked like his profile picture, though, disappointingly, did not bring his spaniel, Polly (not her real name).
Of course, I wanted to know how Polly was but Mike was strangely unforthcoming – until it turned out that no, she was absolutely fine, but, in fact, as it happened, it was just that, well, Polly didn’t belong to Mike at all. Polly was the property of Mike’s mate and such was her pulling power that she had become a kind of poster pup for dating websites. Mike’s mate hired her out regularly to male friends for cuddlesome selfies. If you look carefully on a certain site, you can actually begin to recognise her trademark curly hair and melting eyes, distracting you from the fact that her various human companions possess neither. Discovering this was a set-back, certainly, but undaunted I enquired after Polly’s owner. It turned out Mike’s mate was married – to the dog walker who helped with Polly.
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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