THIS MONTH Barn owls

Jolly frock-coated robins, majestic geese and arboreal partridges make for both literal and symbolic centrepieces at Christmas, says Matthew Dennison, as he revels in the cultural history of the season’s feathered fowl and game

This time of year represents big business–and exhaustion–for the producers of festive fare, from crackers to hellebores to ham. Jane Wheatley visits six stalwarts who are flat out right now

Nadia Shaikh seeks good company for a search-and-gorge to get her through the ruthless darkness of the winter months

Cooking with game is easier than you think – plus, it’s seasonal, sustainable, lean and good value. Here, Barney Desmazery puts a wild spin on classic dishes

France may be synonymous with fromage, but the terroir of our green and pleasant land gives rise to all manner of magnificent varieties of our own, declares Tom Parker Bowles, who picks his favourites