£6-£15
‘Adopt a box’ from the Hawk and Owl Trust in Bishops Lydeard, £15
Loss of old hollow trees and conversion of barns has reduced traditional nesting habitats for species such as owls. With this scheme, which costs £15 a year, you sponsor a nest box to be erected and maintained by the trust, who will send you (or your giftee) news of eggs and chicks. Visit www.hawkandowl.org or call 0844 984 2824.
Under £6
Book from the Short(ish) Walks series by Paul White, £3.99
Distributed by Tor Mark Press, Paul White’s descriptive, practical short books of walks in Cornwall and Devon are ideal for avid walkers: descriptive, practical, and lightweight! Explore scenic loops around the coasts and moors of the Westcountry, with useful information from parking to maps and local features. Visit www.bossineybooks.com or call 01209 822101.
£15-£30
Oh – Get on! By Bettye Gray, £18
The updated memoirs of plucky ninetysomething Bettye Gray, the grand dame of Cornwall’s hotel business. She recalls Newquay’s good old days and gives behind-the-scenes verbiage on hotels such as the Headland, the Watergate Bay, The Nare and many more. To order, call The Nare on 01872 501111.
Over £30
Recycled backgammon set, £35
Mum and craftswoman Tracey Benton from North Devon is the founder of Nifty Thrifty. She makes all manner of things from recycled fabric. This clever cloth backgammon set can be rolled up and tucked into a suitcase. Visit
www.nifty-thrifty.com
What credit
crunch?
Nude You photo session with Lorna Yabsley’s Bangwallop studio, from £100
Want to look good naked? Lorna Yabsley is passionate about the female form and dedicated to bringing out a woman’s natural beauty. If your mum or gran likes the story of Calendar Girls, perhaps she’d like to give it a go with a pampering and discreet photo session in Salcombe. Call 01548 843100 or visit www.bangwallop.co.uk
