“March winds and April showers bring forth May flowers.”

Down here in the South West it often feels like we can have four seasons in one day during the spring. As the jet stream starts to move northwards, which can bring the first signs of warmth, this also tends to make our weather more unsettled due to low pressure systems being driven towards the UK, and so we also get rain, showers and strong wind.

These months can offer some of the loveliest outdoor days. The beaches are still quiet, the cobwebs have been blown away, and the first warmth of the sun is making its appearance. If you have the right kit you are set for whatever the weather. Some warm layers, a waterproof and sunnies and you are set.

Our Holebrook windproofs are perfect warm layer that keeps out the windchill and are timeless pieces you will wear season after season. Flotte jackets are windproof and ultra-light, will keep you dry in a quick shower. It’s best feature? it transforms in an instant into a bag and can accommodate your small items for a walk on the coast, a gym session or your daily activities. Or our Rainkiss rain ponchos are the perfect accessory for our Great British Weather! 100% waterproof these ponchos are easy to throw on over any outfit and will keep you dry at the drop of a hat. Each poncho folds down into its own handy pouch.

Check out our Windproofs and Waterproof jackets HERE

Whilst the temperatures are still fresh it is a good idea to have a purpose at the beach to keep you moving. How about joining in with a local beach clean or activity run by one of the local charities looking after our coastline?

The Devon Environment Foundation channels funds to the amazing and inspirational grassroots projects that are working hard to protect and restore nature in Devon. You can see all their local activities and volunteer opportunities by clicking the link below

http://devonenvironment.org/get-involved/

You can get involved by raising money to support the cause, or by volunteering your time to help make tangible action happen, such as: tree planting, rewilding activities, citizen science, beach cleaning, and much more. Great fun, and a great way to get outdoors and see more of our wondeful surroundings.

 
If you are inland get out for a woodland walk. The Bluebells are starting to peek through and the wild garlic is in abundance. Look for the wild garlic in shady woods where they coat the woodland floor in spring. Its leaves can be eaten raw in salads, or blanched and used in place of spinach, or made into a delicious soup and pesto. They have a mild garlic flavour and are at their best before the flowers appear. The flowers are also edible and can be added raw to salads.

Wild Garlic Pesto

Ingredients

Wild garlic leaves 150/200g, washed
Parmesan or vegetarian/vegan hard cheese 50g or a good handful, grated
Garlic clove 1, diced or finely chopped
Lemon juice 1
Pine nuts or walnuts 50g, toasted and finely chopped
Extra virgin olive oil 100ml
Coarse sea salt and pepper to season

Method

Wash the wild garlic leaves carefully to remove any soil or dirt.
Using a food processor, blitz the wild garlic, garlic clove,  hard cheese, pine nuts while slowly adding the olive oil and lemon juice until it becomes a smooth paste. Taste and add the salt and pepper to season. You may wish to add a little more lemon or olive oil.
The pesto can be used straightaway or stored in a kilner jar and kept in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Another handy way to store wild garlic pesto is to freeze in an ice cube tray and each cube can be added to dishes.

If you make any please send us a photo, or tag us in social media at @aloftco #aloftco