How to deter magpies

Over the past 10 years I have become increasingly beset by magpies. Do you know of any solutions to deter magpies rather than a hands-on method to trap them? DB, by email

Caesar Guerini Maxum 20-bore

This test looks at the latest model of Maxum over-and under from Caesar Guerini, imported by Anglo Italian Arms in Solihull. It is a 30in 20-bore with a single selective trigger and a solid, tapered sighting rib. The gun, proofed for high-performance steel (up to 1/2 choke) at 1,320 bar…

homemade anchovy and cheese straws

Once the straws are made and twisted, you can freeze them flat on a baking sheet then store in a zip-seal bag. When required, spread them out on a lined baking sheet and allow to defrost overnight in the fridge before cooking as normal. Ingredients 12 anchovies in oil Pinch…

Simon Brooks Ward

“I grew up a showground brat and absolutely loved it,” laughs Simon Brooks-Ward in his typically unstuffy manner. “My identical twin James and I were born on the first night of the Horse of the Year Show at Wembley in 1963, and my father Raymond Brooks-Ward was one of the…

Crab cakes

Crab cakes made well are a delight. So try this recipe, made with fresh crab and a good amount of fresh herbs. They are the perfect thing to delight the palate before lunch. Or hand round before supper. And are sublimely easy to make, with a short and simple ingredient…

Rhubarb cheesecake

Cheesecake is always a crowd-pleaser and the addition of ricotta to this rhubarb cheesecake gives it a light, creamy texture that goes perfectly with the bright, sharp lemon curd and rhubarb. Serves 8 You will need a deep 8in springform cake tin Base 110g stem ginger 100g ginger snaps, finely…

Nevill Arms

Good for: Nevill Holt Festival goers Picturesque market towns History buffs Carrying off the role of both boutique hotel and vibrant village boozer isn’t easy but The Nevill Arms in Medbourne, Leicestershire manages it with aplomb. Any night of the week the pub will be busy with locals and the…

Lord Hertford

It is in an unassuming corner of his stately Palladian mansion, away from public eyes, that the 9th Marquess of Hertford prefers to hang his most treasured accolades. Two are certificates: one awarding him fellowship of the Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE); the other from the late Queen appointing…

Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I Sport

The gun under our lens this month is the Sporter model of the new Beretta Silver Pigeon, designated the 686 Silver Pigeon I Sport and supplied by GMK. It is a 30in 12-bore, fleur-de-lys superior proofed for steel shot and equipped with 70mm Optima choke HP multichokes (five supplied), a…

asparagus and walnut pesto salad

Asparagus and walnut pesto pasta salad Making the most of asparagus season, this pasta salad has a refreshing, herby, tangy sauce that works beautifully with the nutty, buttery cheese. We produce some amazing sheep’s cheese in the UK and some of my favourites include The English Pecorino by White Lake…