Creative Countryside Magazine

Creative Countryside Magazine is an online journal and quarterly printed magazine for wild and wholehearted folk.

For those who strive to live more slowly, who are inspired by the first snowdrop and who walk outside in the rain.

Also for lovers of stories, everyday adventures and local traditions.

For those who opt for simplicity, appreciate ancient crafts, and celebrate the seasons.

OUR STORY

Creative Countryside Magazine began in March 2014. With no domain name, no schedule, no followers, and no idea of what it would become. I set up the original blog with a singular intention: to write more about my life in the countryside. Growing vegetables, exploring outdoors and appreciating life’s little moments. Initially I didn’t tell anyone I’d set it up. I was terrified my family and friends would find out and wonder what on earth I was doing! But in time, I became braver, and gradually the ideas grew.

At the start of 2016, posts were sporadic to say the least, and all my time seemed to go on my day job (an English teacher at a secondary school). I felt stifled. So I became braver still, and quit my job to begin a part-time MA in Creative Writing, whilst building Creative Countryside Magazine into something more than a place for a few scribbled thoughts.  It wasn’t until September 2016 that the concept of a print magazine began to formulate.

Since then, we’ve enlisted the support of so many contributors, whether to the online journal or the magazine, and it has been wonderful to build the Creative Countryside community. Our philosophy continues to be one of slow, seasonal living, and I hope that you find something here to inspire you to live in a similar way.

OUR MANIFESTO

… life should be lived slowly and wholeheartedly.

… embracing the seasons and nature brings great joy.

… sharing stories and traditions is a wonderful way to connect with others.

… cherishing everyday adventures allows for a simpler, more meaningful life.