Most magazines are designed to make women especially feel bad about themselves. And the ones for men are not much better. After the tragic suicide of TV presenter Caroline Flack, some hair salons decided on the spot to stop handing out magazines that seem to thrive on gossiping about the private lives of celebrities, and this has created quite an empowering movement. So unsubscribe from the boring, mysognystic and diet-crazed publications, and either read a paperback book at the bus stop, or subscribe to something better, like one of these fabulous magazines!
Darling Magazine is an American publication, guaranteed to make you feel better. Written from a Christian ethos, all the stories focus on ethics and affordability, there is no sniping at problems of celebrities and all women (and men) are treated as sentient beings with feelings, as are animals. You can subscribe online or find in shops, and support a different kind of women’s magazine.
Bloom is a lovely magazine on nature, the outdoors and gardening. It celebrates the beauty of all green spaces – from countryside to city. Published 3 times a year, it’s available in a print or digital edition. See make your garden safe for pets, to know toxic plants, mulch and other items to avoid.
The latest edition to give you an idea, features articles on:
- Tempting birds to visit your garden
- A deep dive into the world of mushrooms
- Meet a bunch of flower farmers
- Why our right to roam is important
- Stories on houseplants
- Botanic gardens & botanical embroidery
- Good books to read
- Grow & cook through the season
Resurgence & Ecologist Magazine is edited by ecological writer Satish Kumar, and is beautiful enough to gift to others, after reading. It features writings on the planet, poetry, creativity and politics, with reviews and guest articles. You can even join local reading clubs, to discuss each issue. A free issue is available to download.
Conker Nature is a monthly seasonal magazine published in southern England, and sold online in print or digital editions (there is also a version for international readers). Founded to inspire a love of wildlife for all ages, it was created by a student ecologist who has a diploma in Wildlife, Countryside and Conservation. Explore subjects like:
- Recognising beavers as a protected native species
- Rewilding projects to restore ancient woodland
- Ways we can collectively help prevent climate change
- Discovering native wildlife that resides in our native forests
- Meet our bottlenose dolphins, wonders beneath the weaves
- Learn all about England’s beautiful trees
- Why leaves change colour in autumn
- The deer rut spectacle of autumn
A sample issue contains the following articles, to give you an idea of the educational information that awaits when you subscribe:
- Wildlife photography of aquatic songbirds
- Photographing hares in the spring season
- A poem extract (Daffodils by Wordsworth)
- Meeting the Atlantic puffin
- The best edible summer fruits
- Rambling around North Wales
- Must-spot elusive species: The pine marten
- Building wildlife-friendly gardens & ponds
- The breeding behaviour of kingfishers
- Autumn leaves falling in cooler weather
- Creatures hibernating for winter’s deep sleep
- A poet watches the majestic red fox
Also check out British Wildlife magazine, which offers 84 information-packed pages in each of the 8 yearly issues. From the wildlife of London’s churchyards to identifying ladybirds to restoring woodlands and conserving basking sharks, learn all there is to know about moths, butterflies, grasshoppers, snails, lichens and bees!
AQUILA magazine is an intelligent magazine for inquisitive minds. Suitable for boys or girls around age 8 or over, it does not focus on passing exams, nor does it carry posters or games. Instead, it offers an interesting and colourful explanation of our world, often bringing topics and theories to children, that they will not encounter in school. Example content from a recent issue includes:
- Exploring the seas
- Protecting endangered species
- Investing ancient sea legends
- Make a ‘jellyfish’ to investigate buoyancy science
- Quiz: what kind of sea slug would you be?
Each issue features a minimum of 28 pages, printed on quality paper, with great contemporary artwork. Each monthly issue is centred around a new topic, readable up to 80 and beyond! Recent themes include:
- Ancient Egypt & The Nile
- Bugs!
- Funfair Maths
- The Ice Age
- The Amazon
- Discover Dogs
- The Earth
- Evolution
- Science of Music
- Charles Dickens
DOT is a quarterly print magazine for boys and girls age 5 and under. Just like its older brother Anorak, it encompasses all aspects of a child’s life from jumping in puddles to learning through play. It encourages children to be resourceful and find solutions using their imagination, creativity and fun.
