For many rural homeowners, chickens are part of the rhythm of life. They scratch beneath hedgerows, potter across lawns, and provide the quiet satisfaction of fresh eggs collected at dawn. Yet one question comes up time and again among experienced poultry keepers and first-timers alike: Is it kinder to let chickens roam freely, or safer to keep them contained in a well-designed run?

A homeowner can understand whether a Working Cocker Spaniel suits their countryside lifestyle by assessing the breed’s energy needs, temperament, training requirements, and typical health considerations.

Every new year invites predictions, but one trend is already taking shape: 2026 will be the year of the professional housesitter. As more homeowners travel for longer periods, embrace hybrid work, or divide their time between multiple properties, the need for trained, insured, and trusted housesitters is accelerating.

For many homeowners across the countryside, caring for pets is simply part of daily life. As a mature, professional housesitting couple, we see first-hand which products genuinely improve the wellbeing of dogs, cats, and rural living, and which are more trend than necessity.

South Cerney and the Cotswold Water Park offer some of the most inviting dog-walking and leisure opportunities in the country. Yet for homeowners and seasonal visitors, especially those living in areas surrounded by holiday parks and busy lakeside paths, knowing where to go with your dogs (and when) can make the difference between a peaceful stroll and a mildly chaotic outing involving paddleboarders, parking queues, and enthusiastic cockapoos. 

Introducing chickens into a garden already home to a dog or cat requires preparation rather than hopeful optimism. If your pets have never encountered poultry before, the safest results come from planning the introduction before the hens even arrive.

Long in body and strong in will, the Dachshund remains one of Britain’s most distinctive breeds. Confident, intelligent, and purposeful, they bring real presence to rural households and settle naturally into homes that value routine, structure, and a calm outlook. For many countryside households, they offer companionship, loyalty, and a quiet joy that easily becomes woven into daily life.

There’s something rather wholesome about the thought of collecting your own warm eggs on a misty morning. For many rural homeowners, a small flock of hens adds gentle rhythm and purpose to the day. But before you start browsing coops or naming your future layers, it pays to prepare properly.

Keeping your cat hydrated isn’t just important, it’s essential for their health. Unlike dogs, cats often don’t drink enough water, which can lead to kidney issues and urinary tract problems. That’s why a cat water fountain is more than just a cute accessory, it’s a smart investment in your pet’s wellbeing.

The first frost might look beautiful on the paddock, but for your dog’s paws it can mean cracks, soreness, and a very expensive vet visit waiting to happen.

Show dogs and working breeds aren’t just family companions — they’re athletes. From sprinting across fields to dazzling under the spotlight, they put their joints and muscles under constant pressure. Without the right rest and recovery, even the fittest dogs can suffer from:

There’s a special charm to autumn in Oxfordshire. The fields glow gold, the air smells of woodsmoke, and the lanes around Witney crunch with fallen leaves. For dog owners, it’s a glorious time of year, cool enough for long walks, bright enough for photos, and peaceful enough to enjoy the countryside without the summer crowds. Whether you’ve got an energetic spaniel or a gentle retriever, the area around Witney offers some of the loveliest autumn dog walks in the Cotswolds.