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In a picturesque woodland setting, a remarkable partnership between a 12-year-old mare named Etty and her handler, Toby Hoad, showcases the effectiveness of horse logging. This traditional yet sustainable method of extracting tree trunks causes minimal disturbance to the environment compared to mechanized approaches. Etty, a stocky chestnut mare, works in tandem with Toby, requiring a deep understanding and trust between them. Toby explains that building a strong relationship with his equine partner is crucial: 'You've really got to build up a relationship; you've got to build up trust. I can drop the reins, and she will pull out the log for me if it's in a tight spot.' The use of horsepower for logging offers several advantages. Equines are more maneuverable, can work in restricted spaces, don't compact the ground, and cope well with wet conditions without damaging the forest floor. These benefits make horse logging an attractive alternative to traditional methods. Toby, one of only a handful of professionals doing this job full-time, uses the French Comtois draught breed for their strength and suitability for the task. The breed's compact size and robust nature make them ideal for navigating woodland terrain. Toby notes that traditional UK heavy horses, such as shires, would be too large for this work. As the seasons change, Toby and Etty are nearing the end of their current project, removing diseased ash trees from a coppice. The work will resume in September, with the team taking a break to participate in agricultural shows and engage in other activities like bracken rolling, a non-chemical method of controlling fern growth.

TikTok announced the removal of a high‑profile Israeli far‑right influencer’s account after The Guardian identified videos in which he assaulted left‑wing activists in the occupied West Bank. The platform said the content breached its community guidelines on hate speech and bullying. The influencer, identified as Roi Star, posted footage in January showing himself entering a house used by activists in Ras Ein al‑Auja and using pepper spray on a protester who tried to stop him. In the same clip, he shouted, “This is Judea, not Palestine,” and later threatened to disclose personal details of the activists and their families. When contacted, Star claimed he was “talking about peace” and argued that the area was an open Israeli public space, insisting that his use of pepper spray was the “most minimal” defensive measure. He later described the incident as “acting” and said his intentions were not “extreme.” TikTok’s statement emphasized that its policies prohibit “violent and hateful individuals, including extremist praise or glorification,” and that the account was taken down for breaching these rules. The company also said it had removed additional videos linked to other Israeli far‑right agitators, though it did not disclose further details. The incident occurs against a backdrop of rising far‑right activity on social platforms since the Gaza war began in October 2023. Israeli forces and settlers have been responsible for the deaths of over 1,000 Palestinians in the West Bank, and recent weeks have seen an escalation of attacks on homes and activists. Human‑rights groups warn that the online amplification of such content fuels real‑world violence. Yuli Novak, executive director of B’Tselem, said dehumanising Palestinians has become “mainstream in Israel,” while digital‑media scholar Prof. Anat Ben‑David highlighted the “troubling convergence between platform dynamics and on‑the‑ground violence.” Activists on the ground report a profound psychological impact, with one resident of Masafer Yatta noting that the videos heighten fear among Palestinians living under daily settler attacks. The phenomenon mirrors the rhetoric of Israel’s far‑right politicians. In August 2025, National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir faced criticism for posting a video taunting Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti, while Knesset member Zvi Sukkot was filmed denying settler violence in the West Bank, framing the settlement enterprise as a biblical right. Meta’s Instagram continues to host numerous accounts linked to similar agitators, though the company has not responded to requests for comment. Experts argue that while platform policies technically forbid hate‑speech, their vague language allows harmful content to spread unchecked, underscoring the need for stronger enforcement to curb the digital propagation of extremist narratives.

Several readers of The Guardian have voiced strong opinions that the classic British pub ought to be treated as an adult‑only environment. They contend that the interior of a pub, where alcohol is served in large quantities, is fundamentally a space for grown‑ups to relax, converse, and enjoy a drink without the added responsibility of supervising children. Diane Silva of Bournemouth, Dorset emphasizes that while a beer garden might accommodate a family‑friendly dining area during daylight hours, the indoor setting should remain reserved for adults. She likens the situation to adults avoiding children’s play areas such as McDonald’s ball pits or playground swings, noting that “it’s not our space.” Other contributors echo this sentiment. Penny McPhillips from Garstang, Lancashire recalls a past legal claim involving a theatre patron who slipped on ice, suggesting that entitlement among customers can lead to a broader abdication of responsibility, especially when tickets, drinks, or even school uniforms have been purchased. Nigel Linford of Eastbourne, East Sussex adds a cultural reference, quoting WC Fields: “Any man who hates dogs and children can’t be all bad,” to underline the notion that discomfort with children in certain public venues does not make one wholly unreasonable. The letters also mention pub landlord Egil Johansen, who, according to the writers, is not alone in feeling pressured by customer expectations that blur the line between family hospitality and adult leisure. Overall, the correspondence calls for a clearer distinction between indoor pub spaces—reserved for adult patrons—and outdoor areas that could safely host families, thereby preserving the traditional role of the pub as a “wind‑down” spot for adults.

NASA's Artemis II mission is on track to make history as four astronauts prepare to leave Earth's orbit and embark on a journey towards the moon. This 10-day voyage marks a significant milestone in the US space agency's ambitious plan to land humans back on the lunar surface this decade and establish a permanent presence there.The crew, consisting of three Americans and one Canadian, launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday. After a series of tests and preparations, they are set to perform a translunar injection burn, a six-minute engine firing that will send the Orion spacecraft on its path to the moon.During their journey, the astronauts will loop around the back of the moon, becoming the four people to travel the farthest from Earth in history. They will then use the moon's gravity to launch back home. This mission is expected to break the record for distance traveled away from Earth, currently held by the Apollo 13 crew, who reached 248,655 miles (400,171km) in 1970.The Artemis II mission is a crucial test of NASA's capabilities, with future missions aiming to land astronauts on the moon's south pole as early as 2028. The US is in a new space race with China, which plans to send a crewed mission to the same lunar region as early as 2030. NASA's long-term goal is to build a lunar base that can house a permanent human presence, bringing humanity closer to living on the moon and Mars.

Nick Candy, who serves as the honorary treasurer of Reform UK and is among its top financial backers, has completed the sale of his Chelsea residence for an estimated £275 million. The transaction, first reported by Bloomberg, is believed to set a new benchmark for residential sales in London and ranks among the world’s most valuable property deals. Known as Providence House, the Grade II‑listed estate sits within the grounds of the Royal Chelsea Hospital and features a private lake and swimming pool. The identity of the purchaser has not been disclosed. Land Registry records list the current owner as Providence House LLP, a partnership controlled by Candy, with his estranged wife, former pop star Holly Valance, also named as a partner. A mortgage charge from First Abu Dhabi Bank is registered against the title. Candy’s involvement with Reform extends beyond his treasurer role; he contributed roughly £1 million to the party last year and has been instrumental in high‑profile fundraising events, including a 2024 gathering for Donald Trump Jr. at the estate. He has previously been seen alongside Nigel Farage as the party promoted a “billionaires’ bonanza” scheme offering wealthy individuals a £250,000 fee for ten‑year residency and a special tax regime. Candy also attended a meeting between Farage and billionaire Elon Musk at Mar‑a‑Lago in December 2024. Alongside his brother Christian, Candy amassed his fortune through global property ventures. He continues to market other high‑value assets, including a £175 million penthouse at One Hyde Park and a Los Angeles mansion, while maintaining office space in Mayfair that also houses Farage’s company, Thorn in the Side. Originally purchased by Christian Candy in 2012, the Chelsea mansion was later transferred to Nick Candy, underscoring the family’s long‑standing presence in the UK’s luxury property market.

Acclaimed filmmaker Danny Boyle is set to unleash a sprawling, one‑off pop‑culture spectacle at London’s Southbank Centre on 3 May 2026. Titled “You Are Here”, the event will weave together 75 years of British youth movements—from teddy boys and punk to rave and Brit‑pop—across the venue’s historic spaces. Marking the 75th anniversary of the Royal Festival Hall’s 1951 opening, the production anticipates 1,000 performers and more than 10,000 attendees. Boyle, who directed the iconic 2012 Olympic opening ceremony, describes the show as an antidote to the “hi‑tech curation” that dominates modern life, likening today’s media overload to “5,000 channels with everything on”. The immersive experience will unfold in five distinct beats, each spotlighting underground music scenes, sub‑cultural fashion, activism and spoken‑word performance. Poets, MCs and rappers will narrate stories that are then translated by choirs and dancers, creating a “kaleidoscopic narrative” that moves audiences from a high‑energy Northern Soul floor to a communal house‑party atmosphere. Boyle emphasizes that the event is deliberately free of celebrity headliners, allowing the chaos of the performance itself to become the focal point. He calls the Southbank a “gargantuan labyrinth of opportunity” and urges young people to seize the chance to experience culture beyond the “aquarium of indifference” offered by on‑demand streaming and food delivery services. Organisers stress that the show is not a traditional pageant or seated theatre; instead, the entire Southbank site becomes a living stage, inviting visitors of all ages to wander, engage, and reflect on Britain’s evolving identity. Tickets for “You Are Here” go on sale now at southbankcentre.co.uk. The event promises to be a landmark moment for London’s cultural calendar, blending history, music, fashion and activism into a single, chaotic celebration.

The Black Country, a region in the West Midlands, is grappling with the highest levels of physical inactivity in England. With 1.2 million residents, it is one of the poorest parts of the country, and the statistics are stark: 28.4% of adults in the West Midlands are physically inactive, with some areas like Sandwell and Walsall recording even higher rates of inactivity.However, local volunteers and organizations are taking proactive steps to address this issue. Kelvin Gilkes, founder of the Pendeford Community Bike Hub, is working to encourage people to get active through cycling. His initiative not only provides a space for people to repair and ride bicycles but also aims to expand horizons and promote physical activity among community members.Another initiative is led by Tracy Tromans, who runs a weekly walking group through Leasowes park in Halesowen. Her group focuses on friendship and being aware of everyone's limitations, gently encouraging people to leave their homes and get moving. Nadia Inglis, director of public health for Walsall, emphasizes the benefits of physical activity, including lowering the risk of chronic conditions and improving mental wellbeing.Organizations like Sport England and Active Black Country are also playing a crucial role in supporting local initiatives. They are funding networks of 'place-based' Active Partnerships to improve physical activity in areas where it is scarce. The goal is to turn local insight into community action and create a broader impact.These community-driven initiatives offer a glimmer of hope in the face of a significant challenge. By making parks more accessible and promoting non-traditional activities, such as Nerf clubs, these efforts aim to unlock spaces and encourage people to get active. While change is slow, there is a sense of momentum and ownership within the community, which is essential for long-term success.

NASA's highly anticipated Artemis II mission successfully lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center on April 2, 2026. This mission represents a crucial step forward in the agency's ambitious plans for space exploration.The Artemis program aims to return humans to the lunar surface by 2025 and establish a sustainable presence on the Moon. The Artemis II mission is an uncrewed flight test of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion spacecraft, which will eventually carry astronauts to the Moon.The launch from Kennedy Space Center's Pad 39B marks a significant milestone in the development of the SLS rocket and the Orion spacecraft. This mission will test the spacecraft's systems and prepare the way for future crewed missions.

Forecasts indicate that the worldwide secondhand apparel sector will expand by 12% in 2024, reaching $289 bn (£217 bn), buoyed by artificial intelligence tools and social‑media influencers that help consumers locate desired items.Platforms such as Vinted, Depop, Vestige and ThredUp are expected to sustain an average 9% annual growth over the next five years, pushing the market to an estimated $393 bn—roughly double the growth rate of the broader clothing industry.The outlook stems from ThredUp’s latest resale report, which incorporates analysis from GlobalData. In 2021 the market was valued at just $141 bn, meaning the projected 2024 figure is more than double that baseline.Major brands—including Dr Martens, Zara and Mulberry—are now entering the resale space, either by offering pre‑owned pieces or refurbishing items to satisfy rising consumer demand."Resale is no longer merely expanding; it’s capturing direct market share," said James Reinhart, co‑founder and CEO of ThredUp. The report notes that resale now accounts for one‑tenth of global clothing sales, and that the U.S. secondhand market grew nearly four times faster than the overall market by 2025.ThredUp’s own revenue climbed 20% to $310.8 m last year. Depop reported a 42% increase to £101 m, while Vinted posted a 36% rise to €813.4 m (£710 m) in 2024. However, profitability remains elusive: ThredUp posted a $20 m pre‑tax loss, Depop a £42 m loss, and only Vinted turned a profit, earning €76.7 m. Depop was recently acquired by eBay from Etsy.Reinhart warned that rising inflation—spurred by geopolitical tensions that lift energy and fuel costs for manufacturers—could push more shoppers toward affordable secondhand options."The industry stays robust, driven by young consumers' behaviour," he added.Artificial intelligence is streamlining the massive inventories of resale platforms, enabling rapid cataloguing and matching of items to buyer preferences. "Netflix and Spotify spent decades building data and algorithms to recommend content; AI can achieve similar personalization for fashion almost instantly," Reinhart explained, noting that this reduces friction between spotting an item on social media and completing a purchase.Looking ahead, the market’s next phase will be defined by firms that can unlock supply and leverage AI to connect inventory with the next generation of shoppers, according to Reinhart.Analyst Neil Saunders of GlobalData highlighted that consumers aged 14‑45 (Gen Z and millennials) are projected to generate 70% of market growth. He emphasized that discovery tools must migrate to the social feeds where these shoppers spend their time, and that technology will be essential to simplify selling and maintain sufficient stock for expanding demand.