Situated in the North Midlands of England (a small country, still at the time of writing part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland a union which seems increasingly threatened by the looming Brexit), the Sticks is in a beautiful location on the edge of the Staffordshire Moorlands: Six miles from Leek, seven miles from Stoke, 35 miles from Manchester and 55 miles from Birmingham we are situated just below the brow of a hill on the western slope and enjoy the sunsets over Mow Cop, a folly on the Staffordshire/Cheshire border, and in the distance the Welsh hills. 

The natural environment and the relative peace and tranquility of the local country side offer us a respite from the economic and political turmoil of the world around us. Sometimes it seems that the hills, the trees, the grass and the familiar landscapes are all we have to hold on to as our place in the world, our sense of self and our personal histories are trashed and denied by the nationalist fervour sweeping the country. Let's hope they don't trash them too by ignoring the urgency of climate change.

But for now, whether we simply want fresh air and exercise or feel the need to connect with nature to boost our flagging spirits, whatever the weather or season there is somewhere nearby to lift the mood.