Lockdown gave us the need to explore locally, and plenty of time to do that in, writes Editor Nicholas Rudd-Jones. This is another in the series of long loops (what we call ‘petals’, as these walks create that shape) from Stamford into the villages. This one is notable for the very fine houses that we pass – Burghley House (big), Walcot Hall (medium) and Ufford Hall (smaller, all Grade I listed and exquisite in their way); other highlights covered en route include Wothorpe, Barnack, the Old Canal and Stamford East Meadows

In May we celebrate British Sandwich Week (17–23 May). Debs Pennell discusses the origins of this staple meal and gets some tips from local chefs and delis on how to create the ‘ultimate’ deli-style sandwich

Local Living stylist Sally Stillingfleet supports local independent retailers with a nod to new spring trends, 2021 style – the only rule is to make it colourful!

When Ellie Cameron persuaded her parents to get a puppy, their preference was for a pure-bred, hypo-allergenic, non-moulting breed. Little did they know they would lose their hearts to a Romanian street dog, who ‘moults like crazy and hasn’t even got a tail!’

After an incredibly tough year in 2020, it is fantastic news that the Stamford Shakespeare Company (SSC) is back on track to perform a summer season in 2021. Clare Rudd-Jones finds out more

To universal dismay in August 2020, much-loved local broadcaster Rob Persani signed off his final breakfast show for the former Rutland Radio. When the station was sold, what must have felt like a devastating blow for Rob and his fellow broadcasters unexpectedly transformed into a new and exciting opportunity. Rob tells Amander Meade about the brand new radio station he helped to launch in March 2021: Rutland & Stamford Sound

The daffs are out, the tulips are bursting through and the blossom will soon be reaching its glorious peak… Whether you have pots to fill, a patio to prettify or acres to tame, it’s time to get those gardening gloves on. Here’s a look at some of our favourite local lawncare experts, garden designers, landscapers and garden centres on hand to help you with your horticultural efforts, plus local gardens to inspire you

This part of the world, once part of the ancient Rockingham Forest, has a very remote feel about it – at times it is easy to image being one of the medieval hunters who frequented these parts, writes Nicholas Rudd-Jones