Weird Fish Life - Summer 2021 by Weird Fish LTD

WWW.WEIRDFISH.CO.UK | SUMMER 2O21

LIFE

FASHION | LIFESTYLE | TRAVEL | FOOD 1

CONTENTS 13 | BBQ READY Get your friends and family over for the ultimate BBQ.

18 | THE FIVE BEST BEACH READS THIS SUMMER The sun is shining, the birds are tweeting and the season of flip flops, fun and beach days are finally here. Take a glimpse at our Summer magalogue, full of fun activities, adventures and styles to try this season.

Sit back, relax and read.

21 | PROTECT THE PLANET Do your bit to help planet Earth.

24 | BAMBOO IS BEST Eco-friendly fabrics for Summer.

29 | PRETTY IN PRINTS All new, perfect prints to wear every day.

31 | STYLISH SWIMWEAR Dive into our first swimwear range

4 | LOVELY LINEN Lazy, breezy, styles perfect for Summer.

6 | FLIP FLOP SHOP Comfortable flip flops for happy feet.

8 | SUMMER STAYCATIONS FOR ALL THE FAMILY Perfect places to venture to this season.

36 | BEST OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES TO TRY THIS SUMMER Get ready for adventure with these outdoor activities

38 | NATURE ON YOUR DOORSTEP Bring nature to your doorstep this Summer.

10 | TOP UK LIDO’S TO DIP YOUR TOES IN Make a splash at the local lido! 1. Hoy Shirt | 2. Rayburn Shorts | 3. Jumpsuit

Lovely Linen Loved by the Egyptians and adored by us, Linen is an eco-friendly fibre that is naturally moisture-wicking and breathable, making it the ultimate fabric to wear this season. Linen is a staple in the world of Weird Fish because it is a hard-wearing and durable fabric that feels as good as it looks! In our Linen range, you’ll find timeless shirts, shorts and dresses that you’ll enjoy in years to come.

Flip Flop Shop Welcome, one and all to the Weird Fish Flip Flop Shop! Give your feet that much needed TLC with our colourful and comfortable flip flops, perfect for a day at the beach, a midday stroll or wearing around the house.

Waffle texture

Unique prints

Grippy soles

Woven WF f label

Super springy, sturdy soles and stylish patterns and colours, our slip-on flip flops create a cool and casual look, perfect for every day. Put a spring in your step with our super comfy, thick foamed flip flops. Their unique texture treats your feet, we like to compare our waffle flip flops to a foot massage - now who wouldn’t want that level of cushioning and comfort?!

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1. Salcombe Printed Flip Flops | 2. Cayman Waffle Flip Flops | 3. Waterford Printed Flip Flops | 4. Wexford Waffle Flip Flops

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Summer staycations FOR ALL THE FAMILY

The Summer holidays are on the horizon and it is the perfect time to enjoy all the great destinations on our doorstep. In the UK, there are plenty of places to visit if you’re after a seaside vacation, city break or a hiking holiday! We have picked out a few of our favourite places to visit worth popping on your bucket list! Due to our Cornish roots, we are obliged to mention Cornwall as one of our favourite places for staycations this Summer. We love Port Isacc, it is a quaint fishing village full of winding streets and slate fronted houses. It is a popular tourist destination due to its frequent use in British television and film, notably Doc Martin starring Martin Clunes! Music and water sports lovers will enjoy a visit to Newquay, known as one of the top surf destinations in the UK. There are lots of fun places to visit including beautiful beaches such as Fistral and Watergate bay, the local zoo and aquarium, great for a weekend of family fun! 8

CORNWALL

London is a fantastic place to visit, no matter the time of year. You can tailor your trip to London to your interests, whether that is history, architecture, wildlife or food.

LONDON

If history is your thing, pay a visit to Westminster where you can tour Westminster Abbey, marvel at the site of Big Ben and watch the changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. Architecture varies throughout London, popular sites include The Gherkin, St. Paul’s Cathedral and The Shard. You’d think a concrete jungle like London wouldn’t be rich and diverse in landscape and wildlife, however, there are plenty of wild places to visit. Richmond Park is a great place to take the family for a free day out. Take a picnic, wander through the lush greenery and see all the wild deer roam. Throughout London, there are dozens of wildlife parks, gardens and reserves to explore. Food can be found on every street corner and is diverse throughout the city. Pay a visit to China Town and enjoy authentic and inspiring Asian food. China Town is full of life and colour and is always fun to visit. There are tons of food vendors and unique restaurants throughout London, there is even a Cheese Bar located in the fashion centre of London, Camden!

THE LAKE DISTRICT

The Lake District is one of the most beautiful places you can opt to go walking in England. You can walk and hike to your heart’s content as there are 48 easy access routes. One of our favourite routes is Buttermere Lakeshore. It is the perfect walk for families with young children or those with limited mobility and has a magnificent view of Buttermere Lake. A great village to visit if you have a sweet tooth or are opting to tour around the Lake District is Grasmere village. Grasmere Gingerbread Shop is renowned for its Victorian spicy-sweet gingerbread, we guarantee you won’t find better gingerbread. 1. Barcod T-Shirt | 2. Carlone Swim Shorts | 3. Fornelli T-Shirt | 4. Sundance Beach Shorts

TOP UK LIDO’S TO DIP YOUR TOES IN It probably comes as no surprise that swimming is one of our favourite outdoor activities to take part in during the warmer months. In the UK, we have so many locations and options to choose from when it comes to swimming, from local beaches, indoor pools and outdoor lidos! Swimming is a fun activity suitable for all the family, it also has a positive impact on your physical and mental health. Swimming, like many other forms of exercise, releases endorphins, a feel-good hormone that can help reduce stress, boost your self-esteem and make you feel more positive and happy! Swimming is a good allaround activity, it builds endurance, cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength that can help you maintain a healthy weight, a strong set of lungs and a robust heart. It is an exercise that is enjoyable and has a host of benefits which is why we love it so much! We will be sharing our favourite lidos in the UK that we would recommend dipping your toes in and visiting this Summer. Get your swimmers on and make a splash while you enjoy the great British sunshine. Did you know the term ‘Lido’ is the Italian word for the beach? 10

1. Saunton Tankini

Sandford Parks Lido, Cheltenham Constructed in 1935, Cheltenham’s Sandford Parks Lido has been an everpopular pool within the community. The Lido, situated in the Sandford parks grounds became a charitable trust, in 1996, in the interest of benefiting the lives of the residents and visitors of Gloucestershire and surrounding counties. Weird Fish has been a sponsor since 2016, you may even spot our Weird Fish logo on the lifeguard uniforms!

Tinside Lido, Plymouth

Bristol Lido, Bristol

We couldn’t skip Tinside Lido in Plymouth off our list! Recognised as one of the top Lidos in Europe, the Tinside Lido in Plymouth is an art-deco, Grade II listed building located right by the sea. They even have a sunbathing terrace for those who rather relax and read a book than take a dip!

An urban paradise located in Clifton, Bristol. The Bristol Lido truly has something for everyone, a 24-metre swimming pool, a sauna, a steam room and a hot tub – you can even book a massage! With a poolside bar and restaurant, the Bristol Lido is a fantastic place to visit if you’re wanting a city break in the UK.

Jubilee Lido, Penzance The Jubilee Lido in Penzance is a seaside tourist hot spot. Featuring the UK’s largest art-deco, seawater lido and geothermally heated pool, the Jubilee is unique. Designed in 1935 by Captain F Lathan, the Lido was built upon a traditional bathing spot at the Battery Rocks near the Harbour at Penzance. A great place to visit when on a classic British staycation by the sea. 11

Droitwich Spa Lido, Worcestershire

Lido Ponty, Pontypridd

It is believed that the architecture and design of the Droitwich Spa Lido was the work of the landscape architect, Thomas H. Mawson, a figure rooted in the Arts and Crafts tradition. It is one of Britain’s last remaining inland, open-air saltwater pools, it is 40m and also has a beach entry and a fountain!

With three heated swimming pools and restored 1920s features, Lido Ponty is a must! An on-site adventure play area makes a trip to the Lido a fun and easy day out for all the family.

Jesus Green Lido, Cambridge

Tooting Bec Lido, London

Located alongside the River Cam, Jesus Green Lido is a popular tourist spot. Jesus Green opened up in 1923 and is one of the only lidos in the UK built in the roaring ’20s. With a sauna, sunbathing space and a pool designed to mimic river swimming, this is a great spot to head to this summer.

Tooting Bec Lido is the largest freshwater pool in England. The perfect outdoor swim for Londoners, the Lido is encircled by birdsong and trees. Truly a lovely place to go and beat the hustle and bustle of city life.

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BBQ READY BBQ season is upon us! Ice cold beers, tasty food and the company of friends and family are the reasons why summer is our favourite time of year. Turn the grill on and check out these delicious recipes, there is something for everyone no matter your requirements. We also have the perfect pavlova recipe to share with your loved ones!

1. Skewer T-Shirt | 2. Jerome Denim Shorts | 3. Paw Paw T-Shirt | 4. Latina Denim Shorts

I SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM Ice cream is what summer is all about. Why not try and make this icy treat yourself? Why not try adding fresh fruit to your homemade ice cream?

SERVES 4

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Halve the vanilla pods lengthways and scrape out the seeds. Add the pods to the cream and bring to the boil, then add the sugar and stir until the sugar has dissolved.

Meanwhile, whisk the egg yolks in a large bowl then slowly whisk in the hot cream mixture.

Pour the mixture through a fine sieve into another bowl and whisk in the vanilla seeds. Pour the mixture into a freezer-proof container and freeze for 2-3 hours, or until set.

2 HOURS+

INGREDIENTS • •

METHOD

4 free-range eggs, yolks only 100g/3½oz golden caster sugar 1 tsp cornflour, optional 300ml/½ pint double cream 300ml/½ pint full-fat milk 1 vanilla pod

GLORIOUSLY GRILLED VEGGIE KEBABS Make your BBQ vegetarian and vegan friendly with these delicious grilled glazed veggie kebabs.

INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • •

1 tbsp clear honey 1 tsp grainy mustard 2 tbsp oil 1 courgette, thickly sliced 1 small aubergine, cut into chunks 1 small red onion, cut into wedges 8 cherry tomatoes 1 orange pepper, cut into chunks

SERVES 4

40 MINUTES

METHOD 1

Soak 4 wooden skewers in water for 30 mins (this stops them from burning.) Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Blend the honey, mustard and oil with seasoning.

To assemble, thread veg onto skewers and brush with glaze. Cook for 25-30 mins in the oven or on the barbecue, brushing with any remaining glaze before serving. 15

SUMMER SEAFOOD Seafood at a BBQ may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but these seafood, pineapple and coconut kebabs are bound to go down a treat. SERVES 4

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You’ll need 8 skewers. If using wooden ones, soak for 30 mins before cooking. Fire up the barbecue and allow the flames to subside before cooking, or heat a griddle pan until smoking hot.

Toss together the prawns, fish, coconut milk and some seasoning in a bowl, then thread onto skewers, together with the pineapple chunks. Tip the desiccated coconut onto a plate and roll each fish kebab in it, pressing on the coconut to help it stick. Dab the kebabs with a little oil and cook for 3-4 mins each side until the prawns turn pink and the fish is cooked through. Serve with lime wedges.

40 MINUTES

INGREDIENTS •

METHOD

16 large, unpeeled raw king prawns 500g mixture of boneless salmon and white fish fillets, skinned and cut into chunky pieces 200ml can coconut milk 100g fresh pineapple, cut into chunks 85g desiccated coconut drizzle of oil lime wedges, to serve

METHOD 1

Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F, gas mark 2) and line a large baking sheet with baking parchment (aka greaseproof paper). Use a pencil to mark the outline of a dinner plate on the parchment – this is the guide for your pavlova.

Separate the egg whites and add them to a large bowl. Using a hand-held or stand mixer, whisk the egg whites at a high speed until they form stiff peaks. Add the sugar, 1tbsp at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and cornflour.

Spoon the meringue onto the baking parchment and spread to the edge of the circle, with a slight dip in middle. Bake for one hour, then turn off the heat and let the pavlova cool completely inside the oven.

While the pavlova is cooling, make your topping. Whip the cream, icing sugar and vanilla together in a large bowl until soft peaks form. Wash the strawberries and raspberries, then cut the strawberries into halves or quarters.

Once the pavlova is completely cool, spread evenly with the cream. Layer the strawberries and raspberries on top and dust with a light layer of icing sugar.

THE PERFECT PAVLOVA There is no better way to finish off a tasty BBQ dinner than with a fruity, sweet pavlova! Our favourite baker, The Sweet Taste Bakery has given us this sumptuous recipe to share with you all. SERVES 12

1 HOUR

INGREDIENTS For the Meringue: • • • •

4 egg whites 250g caster sugar 1 tsp cornflour 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Topping: • • • • •

200g strawberries 100g raspberries 200ml double cream 3 tbsp icing sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract

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THE FIVE BEACH READS THIS SUMMER The perfect companion to the pool, a good book! From inspiring reads to thrillers, you’ll find something to keep you entertained.

1. Arran Longline Linen Shirt | 2. Sway Linen Shorts

VERITY

COLLEEN HOOVER A chilling romantic thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover. The tale of a struggling writer, Lowen Ashleigh who is on the brink of financial ruin. When Jeremy Crawford, husband of bestselling author Verity Crawford, asks Lowen to complete the remaining books in a contract his permanently injured wife is unable to fulfil, Lowen has no choice but to accept. Lowen arrives at the Crawford home intending to only stay one or two nights— long enough to sort through Verity’s chaotic home office to collect all the notes and outlines she’ll need to start writing the first novel. But the more time Lowen spends with Jeremy Crawford, the less of a hurry she is in to leave.

WITH THE FIRE ON HIGH ELIZABETH ACEVEDO

From the New York Times, bestselling author of the National Book Awardwinning title The Poet X comes a dazzling novel in prose about a girl with talent, pride, and a drive to feed the soul that keeps her fire burning bright. Emoni Santiago’s life has been about making the tough decisions--doing what has to be done for her daughter and her Abuela. The one place she can let all the stress go is in the kitchen, where she adds a little something magical to everything she cooks, turning her food into straight-up goodness.

WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING DELIA OWENS

For years, rumours of the ‘Marsh Girl have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. But Kya is not what they say. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand. Then the time comes when she yearns to be touched and loved. When two young men from town become intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new life - until the unthinkable happens

WHO KILLED JOHN LENNON? LESLEY-ANN JONES

In this compelling biography, acclaimed music biographer Lesley-Ann Jones unravels the enigma that was John Lennon to present a complete portrait of the man, his life, his loves, his music, his untimely death and ultimately his legacy. Pulling back the many layers, Jones closely tracks the life events and personality traits that led to Lennon living in self-imposed exile in New York, where he was shot dead outside his apartment on the 8th December 1980. Who, or what, really killed John Lennon?

AN ALMOST PERFECT HOLIDAY LUCY DIAMOND

It’s time for the summer holidays, and in Cornwall Lorna’s cottages are fully booked. Three women have planned what they hope will be the perfect getaways, but not everything goes quite to plan. Em has planned a holiday with her new boyfriend Greg, but with their children coming along, can their romance survive? Maggie is hoping a holiday will help fix her relationship with her daughter, but then her ex turns up out of the blue . . . And Olivia is looking for an escape, but the past always catches up with her. Will this holiday be a scorcher, or just too hot to handle? 20

PROTECT THE PLANET We only have one planet Earth, there is no planet B, so, we need to take action and protect it. From choosing recycled and eco-friendly clothing, sustainably sourced food and actively getting involved in cleaning up the planet, there is plenty you can do to get involved and help the planet.

KEEP BRITAIN TIDY

Let’s get rid of the litter, it is rubbish to litter. It damages the environment we live in and the environment and health of the wildlife we share the Earth with. It ruins the appearance of our towns, cities, parks, beaches – literally everywhere and everyone’s life is better without litter. Whether you’re a seasoned litter picker or just beginning, here is what you need to know about litter picking.

EQUIPMENT

Becoming a litter picking pro is easy when you have the right equipment. Many local authorities lend individual items, or litter picking kits to groups, so why not make litter picking fun and go with a group of friends! You can find the 21

details of your local authority here. At a minimum, you need to have a litter picker, a bag to put the litter in, a pair of gloves and a bottle of hand sanitiser. Make sure you wear sensible clothing – closed-toe shoes and dress appropriately for the weather, if it’s sunny, pop on a hat, it’ll help protect your hair and skin from harmful UV rays.

DISPOSING OF YOUR LITTER & RECYCLING

Depending on how much litter you’re planning to collect and the practicalities of your pick, it is best to be able to separate litter into three bags, as a large amount of litter can be recycled: 1. Plastic Bottles 2. Aluminium Cans 3. General Waste Local authorities have different preferences on how you dispose of the litter you collect. If you plan to collect a large amount of litter, you should speak to your local authority ahead of your activity, to get advice about what to do with it once collected. If you’re collecting a small amount you can pop it in your general and recycle bins at home.

HEALTH & SAFETY PLEASE AVOID:

• • • • •

Potentially hazardous items and objects, including unidentified cans or canisters, oil drums and chemical containers. Sharp, pointy objects such as broken glass and disposable BBQs –collected these items in separate containers, not litter bags. Clinical waste such as needles/syringes – do not attempt to move them yourself. Make a note of their location – you can do this by using the Google Maps pin feature - and inform your local council as soon as possible. Avoid potentially hazardous areas such as deep or fast-flowing water, rocky areas, derelict buildings and busy roads. Working alone – make sure you let someone know where you are if you are litter picking alone. If you’re litter picking with other people, make sure you keep them at ear-shot or insight.

THE PROTOCOL FOR DANGEROUS ITEMS

If dangerous, poisonous or hazardous items are discovered on your litter pick, contact the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60.

SIMPLE CHANGES

There are so many, super easy ways to help protect the planet from population and the environment.

THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP

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Invest in a reusable water bottle or coffee cup. Save water by using leftover drinking water to water your plants and turn off the tap when brushing your teeth. Reduce your plastic use by bringing your own shopping bags when you pop to the supermarket and purchase packaging-free foods. Swap to energy-efficient light bulbs. Bike, walk or catch the bus to work, rather than using the car every day. Try to fix things before replacing them. Sometimes a kettle that is on the fritz simply needs a new fuse or a hole in a pair of socks can be stitched up!

Bamboo is best In our books, bamboo is best! UV resistant, breathable, with a host of other great benefits, you’ll be reaching for our stylish bamboo clothing every day this summer.

Benefits of Bamboo SOFT AND STRONG

REPELS ODOURS

KIND TO SKIN

Bamboo is a durable, robust and soft fibre that results in strong and supple clothing.

Bamboo naturally repels odour meaning your clothes stay fresh for longer.

Breathable, hypoallergenic and super-soft, bamboo is an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin.

UV RESISTANT

THERMO REGULATING

MOISTURE MANAGING

A unique quality of bamboo fibre is that it is UV resistant, making it one of a kind in the fabric world!

Bamboo naturally helps regulate your temperature so you’ll never be too hot or too cold.

Great for the summer months, the bamboo fabric absorbs moisture, keeping you drier and your skin happy!

KIND TO THE PLANET

BREATHABLE

Eco-friendly and sustainable, bamboo is a great alternative to other materials commonly used to make clothes. Bamboo grows at a rate of 12 inches a day and as it is cut, it regrows rapidly, naturally replenishing its shoots!

Perform well and keep your skin happy. The construction of bamboo fibres makes for very breathable fabric, great for those days out adventuring.

1. Lyme Playsuit | 2. Ponte Maxi Dress | 3. Azuni Jumpsuit | 4. Paros T-Shirt | 5. Hypnos Shorts

1 Fancy a short Summer style? Our Lyme playsuit is a shorter style than the Azuni full-leg jumpsuit. Our Lyme playsuit is perfect for yoga, Pilates and everyday adventures.

The perfect outfit for those days full of sunshine and smiles, the Ponte bamboo maxi dress great to wear when socialising with friends, on a staycation in the UK or catching some rays in the garden!

A women’s jumpsuit is essential. Excellent for active days and every day, our Azuni jumpsuit is the perfect all-in-one outfit with a sporty racerback, 3 elasticated waist and pockets, this jumpsuit is a great go-to summer outfit because of bamboos moisture managing and UV resistant properties.

Create the perfect cool and casual look by pairing our versatile Hypnos shorts with our urban print Paros Tee. A brilliant head-to-toe bamboo look.

1 One of our favourite tee’s for men this Summer is the Zion Bamboo T-Shirt, eco friendly, UV resistant and featuring contrasting stitching and panels, this bamboo t-shirt is great for your next adventure.

The Janus is a funky fish print bamboo polo shirt that is through and through Weird Fish. Eco-friendly with great print, you’ll be the talk of the town in this polo!

1. Zion T-Shirt | 2. Janus Polo

Pretty in Prints

Your Weird Fish favourites are back, in all-new prints! You’ll find fun, fruity and tropical prints in our most popular organic cotton styles, including the Tallahassee eco dress, Mirren maxi dress and Paw Paw T-Shirt. 3. Cozumel Crochet Bag | 4. Mirren Dress

SICILIAN LEMON Citrus prints are always popular in the Summer months. We knew that lemon was going to be a strong colour for the season being light, bright and citrusy. We created a fun, print with stylised lemon shapes on a tonal denim background to make a stylish and sophisticated take on a fun lemon print. 29

CHERRY CRUSH Cherry prints have made a come back from the 90’s. Our Summer range has a range of fruity prints, following the popularity of our Spring Apricot print. Cherry Crush is a blend of summer fun and is the cherry on the cake to any outfit!

PALM LEAF Feminine take on a Hawaiian palm print, we kept it simple with a cut-out layered design, in pretty pinks. Our Palm Leaf print in Tea Rose is a tropical tonal dream, perfect for Summer.

1. Tallahassee Dress | 2. Paw Paw T-Shirt | 3. Latina Denim Shorts

Swimwear STYLISH

Make a splash this Summer in our first range of stylish swimwear and beach accessories. We love a good dip in the ocean, a plunge in the pool and a bit of wild swimming, here at Weird Fish, when the sun is shining.

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4. Thomkins Shirt | 5. Carlone Swim Shorts | 6. Elise Bikini Top | 7. Mull Sarong

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Swimwear doesn’t have to be boring, we love our fun and flirty prints this Summer in timeless shades of blue. We have catered to all styles from bikinis, tankinis and full body swimming costumes, you’ll find something you’ll feel comfortable and fashionable in. Fancy a bit more coverage? Why not try our Latina Denim Shorts or our Mull Sarong. The perfect beach towels do exist! Our fun and funky Weird Fish beach towels will make you stand out from the sea of towels at the local lido or the beach. Made from 100% cotton they’re super soft, great for lounging around soaking up the sunshine.

Wear the weekend and be ready to dive in, in our Carlone swim shorts. Great to wear on those lazy beach days or a race with friends at the local pool. Pop a tee on and create a full look by pairing our swim shorts with our Barcod Tee and Thomkins shirt, the perfect BBQ look!

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BEST OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES TO TRY THIS SUMMER

2 1. Ares Hoodie | 2. Hera Longline Sweat

Make the most of the warm weather and get outdoors this Summer. Whether you prefer to lounge around in the sunshine, paddleboard like a pro or simply like to play a round of golf, there are tons of fun things to do this summer. We have put together a list of fun activities to try this summer with your friends and family.

VISIT AN OUTDOOR CINEMA

Make movie night a little more interesting by visiting an outdoor cinema. Openair cinemas make for a fun surprise trip and provide a unique experience to the stereotypical indoor cinema experience. There are dozens of places to watch from old school drive-through cinemas, outdoor cinema experiences at castles and local racecourses!

DISCOVER SOMEWHERE NEW

While the weather is warm why not take advantage and explore new places. Whether that is a new hiking trail, a tick-off your bucket list visit to a historical site, movie location or holiday, Summer is the season to visit new and exciting places!

PARADISE IN THE PARK

Make a trip to your local park a bucket load of fun by turning it into a day out for all the family. Packing a picnic is a great excuse to enjoy all those delicious Summer treats, change up your lunchtime view and spend time with the ones you love. Visiting the park is a great day out for kids, from playing frisbee, playing on the swings or rollerblading down the path, there are plenty of fun activities to enjoy. 36

A RUN IN THE SUN

No one feels inspired to go running when the weather is cold and dreary. A run in the sun is a great way to stay fit and active! This is an activity you can enjoy alone, with friends or family and there are plenty of apps and guides to get you started if you’re a beginner at running. Check out our blog on Best Fitness Apps To Up Your Game This Summer

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3. Zion T-Shirt | 4. Pan Hoodie | 5. Hypnos Shorts

MAKE A SPLASH

On those blinding hot days, the desire to jump into a body of water is at a whole new level. There are plenty of fun water-themed activities you can try over the warmer months. Swimming is a great family-friendly activity, why not pay a visit to your local lido! Check out our list of the UK’s top Lido’s. There are a ton of water sports that are great to try whilst visiting the great British coast, inland locations or when on holiday. From surfing, kayaking, canoeing and kite surfing, you’re bound to find a water sport that you love, so why not give them a go this Summer!

HAPPY AT HOME

Enjoy the comfort of home. Though we have all spent a lot of time at home the past year, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy being at home. Why not try making homemade ice cream, play back garden games such as giant chess or chalk games on the patio? Summer is the perfect time to get the garden looking beautifully botanical, gardening can be great fun with your family. 37

NATURE ON YOUR DOORSTEP For many of us, our gardens, balconies and local greenspaces are the places where we first have the chance to enjoy and get to know the wildlife that shares our lives. These are also the places that let us connect with nature and where many have found peace and solace in the turmoil of the global pandemic. Through a new project called ‘Nature on your Doorstep’ the RSPB is now helping everyone create wonderful outdoor spaces, perfect for people and wildlife. Online at RSPB, you’ll find simple hacks, easy steps and top tips to make your garden, balcony or window box blooming lovely, no matter your gardening experience or the size of your space. From choosing the best plants to grow, to just adding some water to your outdoor space and many other fantastic ideas in between, the RSPB will help you turn your patch into paradise. You’ll also be able join a dedicated wildlife gardening community online to connect and share experiences and ideas with others. 38

SPRING INTO ACTION AND GIVE IT A GROW! So why not treat yourself and your local wildlife to an outdoor space that nurtures and blossoms. Just visit https://www.rspb.org. uk/natureonyourdoorstep

HOW TO TAKE PLANT CUTTINGS & GROW YOUR GARDEN! BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE RSPB

Spread the love by propagating new plants from your own wildlife-friendly favourites and sharing them with friends and family. We bet that there is a plant in your garden that gives you great pleasure because it is brilliant for wildlife. If so, the chances are that there are easy ways to use it to create brand new plants that can you can then give to neighbours, friends and family. They can then get all the pleasure you do (and a lovely gift prepared with all your nurturing skills), and you’ll be enhancing nature’s networks.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Plant pots

Trowel

Fork

Peat Free Compost

STEP BY STEP

Here are the easiest ways to create new plants from old:

1. SEEDS

Not every type of garden plant produces viable seeds, but many do, so as the flowers go over, whether that be in spring, summer or autumn, watch for the seedcases to mature. Some seeds are large – those produced in pods are some of the easiest to collect, as you can take then to shell indoors out of the wind. Other seeds are tiny, and the best method is to take a brown paper bag, pop it over the seedhead, which you then cut off, turning the bag upside down to allow the seeds to drop out. With many plants, you can sow the seed immediately. For small seeds, scatter them thinly onto a tray or pot of sieved compost; for larger seeds that are easier to handle, plant them in drills in trays of compost; and for really large seeds, sow them individually, one to a small plant pot. It is good practice with most seeds to cover with a thin layer of horticultural grit. Water them and put them somewhere outside that is sheltered but not hot. Some will germinate quite quickly and produce seedlings that autumn; others may benefit from being left outside to experience winter’s cold, which is what some seeds need to prompt them to grow in spring.

2. SEEDLINGS

Some plants are so keen to grow that their seedlings pop up all over your flower beds. Teasels, foxgloves, Verbena bonariensis, poppies – they all like to spread themselves. Instead of weeding them out for the compost, carefully lift them with a fork or trowel, keeping as much root as possible intact, and pot up immediately into peat-free compost. Water them, and put them somewhere where they won’t get baked by the sun, for they are bound to be a little bit shocked by the move and will need time to ‘find their feet’ again. Pretty soon, they’ll be fit new plants ready to give away.

3. CUTTINGS

Some people think that there must be a dark art to taking cuttings, but in reality it is quite simple. Sure, some cuttings will ‘take’ and others won’t, but just celebrate your successes. Everything from flowering shrubs to climbers to many garden border plants will happily form a new plant from a few inches of cut stem. The technique is the same for almost all cuttings – cut a length of stem without flowers about the length of a pencil. Trim it neatly just below a node (the point where the leaves branch from the stem), and cut off the lower leaves to give you a bare stem. Plunged it down the side of a pot into gritty, free-draining soil. Water, and keep well watered but not waterlogged. Soon, it should start to put down roots and the leafy tips will show signs of green growth. When using fresh, leafy plant material, it can help to put a plastic bag or cut off bottom of a clear plastic drinks bottle over the top like a mini cloche. The new cutting has no roots at first to draw up water, and so this helps stop it from wilting.

4. DIVISIONS

This is perhaps the easiest method of all for creating new plants. It is suitable for a wide range of clump-forming perennial plants. If your plant is a few years old and pretty chunky, then dig up the clump in spring or autumn and break it into three, four, five or even more smaller parts. Some plants tease apart quite easily; others need to be cut through cleanly with a spade or prised with two forks back to back. The smaller parts actually love the ‘freedom to breathe’ and soon bulk up into new plants. Good wildlife-friendly flowers to try include Agapanthus, Eryngium (sea holly), Euphorbia, Geranium, Helianthus, Iris, Lysimachia, ornamental grasses, Primula, Salvia and Sedum. 40

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas time from all at Weird Fish

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