Leicestershire is packed with beautiful countryside, magnificent manor houses and lots of canals. A few years back, the tiny county of Rutland was also part of Leicestershire, but now is independent. Completely landlocked, Leicestershire and Derbyshire both claim that they have a town or village that is furthest from the sea in England. No matter who is right, it’s a good 70 to 80 miles, before you reach the coast.
The Midlands is a large central area of England. As the name suggests, these counties are the farthest from the sea (arguments remain on whether the central point is in Leicestershire or Derbyshire, several villages lay claim!) During the Industrial Revolution, a lot of the manufacturing was carried out there. Goods were then transported down a series of canals to London. Today, these waterways are more used for tourism, and riverside walks.
This regions spans from east to west, and although not the most touristy regions of England, they are home to beautiful villages, stately homes and the friendliest people in England. They are also quite a cultured lot: Birmingham houses Europe’s biggest libraries and some of the best universities are found in this area.
- Join a local veg box scheme
- Join a local credit union
- Enter your postcode at Pet Adoption UK
- 14 ways to help your local animal shelter
- Volunteer at your local wildlife rescue
- Find your nearest zero waste shops
Lovely Local Finds
- Wonky Vegetables (Leicester) rescues the 40% of veggies wasted by supermarkets for not being the proper shape or size, and gives a portion of profits to local food banks. ODDBOX (London) is a similar concept.
- Nada is Leicester’s first zero waste store. It stocks a range of sustainable food including seeds, flours, pasta, nuts, cereals, spices and vegan chocolate, along with personal beauty and household items. Click & collect offered.
- The Crafty Baker offers handmade eco-friendly essentials. Examples are reusable kitchen towels, hemp make-up pads, organic cotton handkerchiefs and linen bread bags.
