by Malinka van der Gaauw | Mar 20, 2026 | Walk & Talk
If you are looking for a thoughtful gift or a worthy addition to your own bookshelf, I have a recommendation for you. A Celebration of the South Downs National Park is a beautifully curated book of art in which local artist Gordon Rushmer draws together decades of... 
by Malinka van der Gaauw | Oct 23, 2024 | General, Walk & Talk
I lead a walk called the Flint Stones. Cartoon fans will be disappointed to learn that Fred, Wilma, Barney and Betty don’t put in an appearance, instead the star of the ‘show’ is the rock flint. Here in the Western Weald it is impossible to go for a walk without... 
by Malinka van der Gaauw | May 21, 2024 | Nature & Conservation, Walk & Talk
Have you recently returned from a walking holiday or have one planned? If so, be sure to give your boots a good wash both before and after your trip. Wash? Yes, you read that correctly. While a wipe over with a cloth and dab of Nikwax might protect your boots from... 
by Malinka van der Gaauw | Jul 14, 2025 | Walk & Talk
A Rural Strides walk is more than just a gentle stroll through beautiful countryside. It’s an invitation to become landscape literate – to tune your senses to the traces of history written in the hills, rivers, trees, and stones around us. These walks are... 
by Malinka van der Gaauw | Aug 29, 2024 | Walk & Talk
We are all now so used to the idea of the South Downs being a National Park, protected in law from inappropriate development, that few of us remember the great battle that was fought to secure this prize. Unlike the Peak District National Park, which was designated... 
by Malinka van der Gaauw | Nov 17, 2023 | Walk & Talk
I have a question for you. You are out on a walk, and encounter a broken stile, gate, or perhaps path obstructed by nettles or a fallen tree….what do you do? Mutter expletives, find an alternative route, try to get past as best you can, or report it online to either...