A Year in Brambly Hedge (2010) — 4 book box set containing the seasonal first four books (5.75x6.93in) The family hope that a trail that allows people to follow in Jill Barklem’s footsteps through Epping Forest will be created in the future, taking in the locations found in the Brambly Hedge books, including the tree. Brambly Hedge is my ideal world. The way the mice live is completely natural, which is how I think life ought to be. They appreciate and use everything that grows around them. Theirs is a loving and caring society, but the mice are not just series and worth. They have FUN! Life is a series of picnics and gatherings, parties and outings." Jill Barklem (1951-November 15, 2017) was a British writer and illustrator of children's books. Her most famous work is the Brambly Hedge series.

Her husband suggested that she turn her ideas conceived while commuting on the train journey to art school for a story about hedgerow life into a book. Barklem used this time to research English customs, flora, and other geographical and cultural details for her Brambly Hedge stories. We very much hope that visitors to Epping Forest can retrace Mum’s steps through the forest at High Beech, and hopefully find inspiration from the landscape through the seasons, just as she did all those years ago.” Jill immersed herself in the world she created. She was absorbed in the smallest details of everything from the blossom on a tree to the cogs of a machine. Her study and kitchen were both piled high with dried flowers, shells, nuts, feathers – anything and everything she could collect and use to inspire the Brambly Hedge world. A good cook, she made sure that every recipe for the wonderful food enjoyed by the mice at picnics and feasts could actually be made from foraged ingredients. She adopted the same approach to the mechanical implements she created within Brambly Hedge; all the machinery in the mouse mill and dairy had been trialled by Jill in miniature working models. Outings for the Mice of Brambly Hedge (1999) is a joint publication version of Spring Story and The High Hills.

Success!

Autumn Story (1980) – Primrose Woodmouse wanders off and finds herself in uncharted territory. Will anyone ever find her as the storm rages?

I consider this collection of stories to be classics that every child should read. However, from what I have found out, they are currently out of print. Even though they may be hard to find, try your local library.

I adored these books as a child so I thought I would revisit them and I was really pleased to find all the Brambley Hedge stories in the one book, including ones I hadn't read. Summer Story (1980) – The mice celebrate a special wedding, and everyone takes part in the preparations.

The illustrations are beautiful, detailed and heart warming and the story lines sweet, imaginative and fanciful. There are ongoing themes of friendship, community spirit and sharing throughout the whole timeless collection.

Other popular towns / villages in Cumbria

Autumn Story "Now keep close to me and don't get lost."Autumn is the time for excitement and adventure with the leaves changing colors, fall harvests and more. But then Primrose goes missing - and Lord and Lady Woodmouse don't know what to do. They simply must find their daughter before too late! Adventures of the Mice of Brambly Hedge (1998) is a joint publication version of Autumn Story and Sea Story. Sea Story (1990) – Dusty Dogwood, Poppy Eyebright, Primrose Woodmouse and Wilfred Toadflax sail down river to retrieve salt from the sea mice. The Mice of Brambly Hedge Celebrate (1998) is a joint publication version of Winter Story and Secret Staircase.