< Previous30 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYSo the adage goes thatif a fox gets into a henhouse, it won’t just takeits fill, but kill everychicken in the vicinity. Asfar as PR goes, it’s not thebest reputation. Add tothat the occasionalmauling, and itstendency to tear apartbin bags then the fox hasreally got the oddsstacked in its favour. It seems a cruel twist offate that the flamed-furred critter should beunceremoniously lumpedin the same category as your typical garden pests. Yet there’ssomething truly majestic about the fox’s rich coat, certainlyenough to warrant draping around a socialite’s shoulders.Dog breeders across the county, and nationwide for thatmatter, are flogging Labrador red fox crosses. The end resultlooks curiously like the poor pooch has been tangoed. As the UK’s only wild dog, the fox has borne plenty ofrust-red pups running either domestic or free. Most of ususually encounter foxes in towns or cities, where theyrummage through rubbish, scream into the night or leave,um, gifts in the back garden. But despite all that, there’ssomething thrilling about glimpsing a passing fox,something mysterious or something, at the very least, cute. Red foxes reproduce once a year in the springtime, withthe average litter consisting of between four and six kits. Aswell as being born deaf, blind and toothless, kits are alsounable tothermoregulate, meaningthe mother remains withher young for around 2-3weeks. As withhumanfolk, foxes areprone to spring cleaningand will use this time ofyear to clear out theirdens of excess soil.It’ll come as no greatsurprise that red foxeswill happily chow downon just about everything.On top of its natural dietof small rodents, birdsand plant material (aswell as the odd frog and spot of carrion) there’s the take-away and left-overs thrown out en masse in our towns andcities. Fox hunting still remains a political hot topic despite itbeing banned in the UK in 2005. And yet certain forms ofhunting foxes with hounds are still well within the law, andshooting foxes as vermin likewise remains lawful. Foxhunting’s proponents argue that the sport is an importantpart of rural culture, and useful for conservation and pestcontrol. Opponents, on the other hand, argue it’s cruel,unnecessary and antiquated – a by-product of a bygoneBritain. Folklore, fairy tales and pop culture might paint the redfox as cunning, conniving and devious, but turning to Japancan teach us a little more reverence and respect for foxes isno bad thing. Just be careful with your chickens. Long thought of as rural menace and urban scrounger, the red fox isn’twithout its own kind of dignity and grace. LincolnshirewildlifePHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/MARK BRIDGER30-31_Layout 1 18/04/2016 10:51 Page 1PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/JAMIE HALL30-31_Layout 1 18/04/2016 10:51 Page 232 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFASHIONLauRieWith a nautical vibeand a tailored touch,LauRie offers anoutfit that’s simplyperfect for the beach. 32-41_Layout 1 18/04/2016 11:30 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY33FASHIONBright breezyLight layers, bright colours and floralpatterns are what it’s all about as springbegins to give way to summer. 32-41_Layout 1 18/04/2016 11:30 Page 234 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFASHION32-41_Layout 1 18/04/2016 11:30 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRETODAY35FASHIONOpposite: MasaiBring the sunshine to the street with the delicate clay-blue and floral pattern of this Masai outfit. Above left: GantWhite is still bright with this charming mismatch of shades from Gant. Above middle: IchiCaption: Superbly simple – Ichi pairs a fitted striped top with loose fit trousers for a great everyday outfit. Above right: Basler Mixing some colours whilst contrasting others is a great tip for achieving a sharp look this spring and summer, and thisBasler ensemble is a prime example.32-41_Layout 1 18/04/2016 11:30 Page 436 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFASHION13232-41_Layout 1 18/04/2016 11:30 Page 5LINCOLNSHIRETODAY37FASHION1) Numph This Numph outfit is the very definition of bright and breezywith light layers and a lemon-tinged skirt. 2) OililyOilily pull in African influences for this bright and adventurouslook to brighten up your wardrobe. 3) Marc CainBig and bold make a stylish statement and with this Marc Caindress you can make one too. Pair with a few floral accessoriesfor maximum impact. 4) Noa NoaKeep calm and cool with this slick and sophisticated offeringfrom Noa Noa.5) Gerry WeberPairing colours and patterns is still a sure-fire way to look yourbest, why not give this Gerry Webber ensemble a go?54Open from Monday - Saturday 9.15am - 5pm131 Burton Rd, Lincoln LN1 3LN. Tel: 01522 542085Summercollections now inNEWLY REFURBISHEDfor a more spacious fashionexperience!Open from Monday - Saturday 9.15am - 5pm131 Burton Rd, Lincoln LN1 3LN. Tel: 01522 54208532-41_Layout 1 18/04/2016 11:30 Page 638 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFASHIONA few finishingtouches A few choice accessories are all it takes to set off your outfit this spring and summer. 12435632-41_Layout 1 18/04/2016 11:30 Page 7LINCOLNSHIRETODAY39johngreed.comCome and join us....NEW!John Greed JewelleryBoutiqueStore Launch EventSaturday 30th April 9am - 5.30pmWhere to find us3-4 Cornhill, Lincoln, LN5 7DRGOODY BAGS for first 50 customersWIN! Up to £450 of gift vouchers AND MORE...NEW STORECornhillHigh StreetJohn Greed StoreBootsBarclays7891) John Greed Jewellery: These classy earrings are sure to bring a sense of spring and summereven if the sun itself isn’t shining. 2) Numph: A perennial accessory – this scarf from Numph is as much about keeping cool aslooking it. 3) Basler: This vibrant floral jacket from Basler is sure to turn heads. 4) Gant: Perfect for wearing over a swimming costume or bikini, this Gant offering is great on or offthe beach. 5) Radley: Handmade for elegant and sophisticated finish, these glasses from Radley London willadd a finishing touch to your look - available from O’Brien’s Opticians, Brigg.www.obriensopticians.co.uk. 6) John Greed Jewellery: Beautifully detailed and intricate, these stud earrings from John Greedare a ravishing finishing touch. 7) Anne et Valentin: Famed for its stylish Parisian design, Anne et Valentin deliver another pair ofexquisite and adventures specs - available from O’Brien’s Opticians, Brigg.www.obriensopticians.co.uk. 8) John Greed Jewellery: An ode to spring – this sublime necklace from John Greed is a gorgeous and subtle seasonal motif to set of any outfit. 9) Gabor: This breezy, open shoe from Gabor is simple yet stylish and goes with about anything.32-41_Layout 1 18/04/2016 11:30 Page 8Next >