FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER £35.
␡
There is something wonderfully comforting about nature. The sound of birdsong on a quiet morning, the sight of a hare darting across a field, the first flowers of spring or the changing colours of autumn. These simple moments have a remarkable ability to lift our spirits, calm our minds and remind us to appreciate the world around us.
At Feather & Twigs, we believe that connection with nature shouldn't end when we close our front doors. Our homes can reflect the beauty of the natural world through thoughtful design, beautiful craftsmanship and everyday objects that bring us joy.
It's one of the reasons we're drawn to British designers and independent makers such as Sam Wilson, Sophie Allport, Anna Wright, Sarah Kelleher and Hannah Turner. Their collections celebrate wildlife, botanical beauty and the character of the British countryside, transforming familiar creatures and flowers into beautiful gifts and home accessories.
But there's another reason we're so passionate about these collections. Nature isn't simply beautiful to look at. Research increasingly suggests that our connection with the natural world can play an important role in our emotional wellbeing.
Why Nature Makes Us Feel Good
Have you ever noticed how a walk in the countryside can clear your head, or how watching birds in the garden can provide a welcome moment of calm?
There's science behind those feelings.
Research led by the University of Exeter, involving nearly 20,000 people in England, found that spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature was associated with a greater likelihood of reporting good health and higher psychological wellbeing.
The Mental Health Foundation has also found that 70% of UK adults agreed that being close to nature improves their mood, while 49% said it helps them cope with stress.
Nature can encourage us to slow down, become more mindful and reconnect with the present moment. Whether we're gardening, walking, watching wildlife or simply enjoying the view from a window, those small experiences can make a meaningful difference.
And while a wildlife-inspired mug or beautiful botanical print isn't a substitute for spending time outdoors, it can be a lovely reminder of the natural world and the happiness it brings.
Sam Wilson – Bringing the British Countryside Home
Few designers capture the quiet beauty of rural Britain quite like Sam Wilson.
Inspired by the countryside surrounding her Cotswold studio, Sam's distinctive illustrations celebrate British wildlife and traditional country living. Her much-loved Running Hare, Owl & Fox and other nature-inspired designs bring a timeless, understated elegance to everyday homeware.
At Feather & Twigs, we love how her designs translate across beautifully crafted mugs, jugs, tea towels, table accessories and artwork.
A Running Hare mug makes that first morning cup of tea feel a little more special, while a wildlife-inspired print brings warmth and character to a kitchen or living room.
Sam's collections also reflect something important to us: an appreciation of British design and craftsmanship, with products made by specialist manufacturers here in the UK.
These are pieces designed to be enjoyed, used and treasured rather than simply admired.
Sophie Allport – Everyday Living Inspired by Wildlife
Sophie Allport has a wonderful ability to turn familiar countryside creatures into charming, practical designs.
From hares and hedgehogs to bees, birds and woodland wildlife, her illustrations celebrate the animals and landscapes that make the British countryside so special.
Her beautifully coordinated collections of mugs, cups, tea towels and home accessories make it easy to introduce a little nature into everyday life.
A favourite wildlife mug, a beautifully illustrated tea towel or a thoughtfully chosen kitchen accessory can bring a smile to even the busiest morning.
We particularly love how Sophie Allport's designs combine practicality with personality. They make thoughtful gifts for gardeners, wildlife enthusiasts, countryside lovers and anyone who appreciates a little character in their home.
Nature doesn't always have to be quiet and understated. Sometimes it can be colourful, playful and full of personality.
That's exactly what we love about Anna Wright.
Her distinctive greeting cards celebrate animals, birds and the natural world through expressive illustrations, vibrant colours and a wonderful sense of humour.
There's something uplifting about receiving a beautifully illustrated card featuring a familiar bird or animal, particularly when the design captures its character so perfectly.
In a world dominated by instant messages and digital communication, taking the time to choose and send a card feels increasingly meaningful.
A handwritten message can strengthen relationships, make someone feel appreciated and create a moment of genuine connection.
And when the card itself is a little work of art, it's often kept and displayed long after the occasion has passed.
Sarah Kelleher – The Beauty of Botanicals
Flowers have always been associated with happiness, celebration, comfort and thoughtful gestures.
Sarah Kelleher's botanical greeting card designs capture that natural beauty, making them a lovely way to share a little joy.
Whether celebrating a birthday, saying thank you or simply letting someone know you're thinking of them, a beautifully illustrated floral card can feel as thoughtful as a small bouquet.
Botanical designs also have a timeless quality. They remind us of gardens, changing seasons and the simple pleasure of watching things grow.
At Feather & Twigs, we believe thoughtful gifting is about more than the value of a present. It's about the emotion behind it, and sometimes the smallest gestures are the most meaningful.
Hannah Turner – Nature with a Playful Twist
For those who love their wildlife with a little personality, Hannah Turner's ceramics offer something wonderfully different.
Her distinctive animal-inspired designs bring humour, colour and character to the home, turning practical ceramics into conversation pieces.
We love the idea that everyday objects shouldn't just serve a purpose; they should also make us smile.
A quirky animal ceramic displayed on a shelf or used at the breakfast table can add an unexpected touch of happiness to the day.
Hannah's designs fit beautifully with our belief that a home should reflect the people who live in it, their interests, their personalities and the things that bring them pleasure.
Bringing the Outside In – Why Our Homes Matter
Our homes have an important influence on how we feel.
They are the places where we relax, recharge, entertain friends and spend time with the people we love.
The World Health Organization recognises that exposure to natural environments is associated with benefits including reduced stress, improved mood and opportunities for relaxation.
Research also suggests that meaningful connections with nature, including noticing natural beauty and appreciating plants and wildlife, are associated with greater happiness and wellbeing.
This is one reason nature-inspired interiors have such enduring appeal.
You don't need to redesign an entire room to introduce a sense of the outdoors. A framed wildlife illustration, a botanical cushion, a favourite countryside mug or a beautifully illustrated tea towel can bring natural inspiration into everyday surroundings.
Combine these with fresh flowers, houseplants, natural textures and plenty of daylight, and you can create a home that feels welcoming, comfortable and connected to the changing seasons.
Of course, decorating with nature-inspired products hasn't been shown to deliver the same health benefits as spending time in natural environments. But surrounding ourselves with designs we love can help make our homes feel more personal and enjoyable.
Why We Choose These British Designers
At Feather & Twigs, our buying decisions have always been about more than simply filling shelves.
We look for products with character, individuality and a story worth sharing.
We love working with designers who draw inspiration from the natural world because their collections reflect many of the values at the heart of our business:
Beautiful craftsmanship: Products that celebrate creativity, illustration and distinctive design.
British talent: Supporting independent designers, artists and makers whose work deserves to be discovered.
Thoughtful gifting: Choosing presents that feel personal, meaningful and a little different.
Everyday enjoyment: Beautiful objects that can be used and appreciated rather than saved for special occasions.
A connection with nature: Celebrating the wildlife, flowers and landscapes that enrich our lives.
Living and working in the Lancashire village of Croston, we're fortunate to be surrounded by countryside, gardens and an abundance of wildlife.
Perhaps that's why these collections feel so appropriate for Feather & Twigs. They reflect the things we see and appreciate around us every day.
A Little More Nature, A Little More Joy
Sometimes improving our wellbeing begins with the smallest changes.
Taking a walk, listening to birdsong, spending time in the garden or simply pausing to notice the changing seasons can all help us reconnect with the natural world.
And at home, we can celebrate that connection through the objects we choose to live with.
Whether it's a Sam Wilson hare mug, a Sophie Allport tea towel, a cheerful Anna Wright greeting card, a botanical design by Sarah Kelleher or a characterful Hannah Turner ceramic, each piece offers a little reminder of the beauty and personality of nature.
At Feather & Twigs, we believe beautiful homes aren't necessarily about expensive interiors or following the latest trends.
They're about creating spaces that make us feel comfortable, happy and connected to the things we love.
And sometimes, a little touch of nature is all it takes.
Discover our wildlife-inspired gifts, British-designed homeware and botanical collections at Feather & Twigs, online HERE or in our Croston shop.
Beautiful Homes. Thoughtful Gifts. Seasonal Living.
Making Local our First port of Call
There is something special about living in a community where you can walk down the street and find independent shops, cafés and businesses run by people you know.
They bring character to our villages and towns. They create jobs, support local events, champion other small businesses and give our high streets an identity that simply cannot be replicated online or by large national chains.
But if we want ...
There are times when running an independent business feels busy, and then there are times when everything seems to happen at once.
At Feather & Twigs, we are currently very much in the latter.
On any normal day, there is already plenty happening behind the scenes. We have our existing shop to run, customers to look after, deliveries arriving, stock to unpack and displays to refresh. Alongside that ...
At Feather & Twigs, we’ve always believed that a good gift should feel as lovely to give as it does to receive.
Over recent years, we’ve noticed a change in the way people choose gifts. It’s becoming less about simply finding something and more about finding the right thing.
We want to know who made it. Where it came from. What it’s made from. Whether it will be used and enjoyed. And increasingly, whether buying it supports the s...
