As supporters of the Bat Conservation Trust over the years, we are delighted that their Count Bat Project has made it through to the semi-finals of the annual Lottery Good Causes Awards. The Count Bat Project was formed to encourage people to get involved in bat conservation in their local area and discover more about the natural world.

We hope that you will join us in backing this great cause by voting for them at www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk awards and click on Best Environment Project, followed by the Count Bat Project. Alternatively you can call 0844 686 1105 (calls cost 5p from a BT landline).

Another NCG twist on a popular recipe, but if you’re thinking we’ve taken a step too far, putting rice into a traditional pasta soup, look again. The spherical grains are in fact Orzo pasta (yes, pasta)!

Our twist involves little chunks of courgettes, peas, basil, parsley and peppery rocket, making this Minestrone a beautiful green soup. A light and summery alternative to the traditional red classic. Click here to find out more!