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UK Retail Trading Boom Drives Demand For Structured Training As AIFO Launches Platform

 A growing number of Britons are trading financial markets independently, creating demand for structured training and insight as retail participation in investing continues to rise.

Recent industry data shows that more than 2.7 million UK adults now use online platforms to invest or trade financial assets, while roughly 23% of adults have invested in stocks outside their pension. At the same time, an estimated hundreds of thousands of retail traders actively participate in leveraged markets such as forex and derivatives, often alongside full-time jobs rather than as professional investors.

However, market commentators such as the FCA have increasingly raised concerns about the lack of formal education among retail traders, many of whom rely on fragmented online sources or social media for information about markets.

Against this backdrop, AIFO, a global prop-trading and trading education platform, has launched in the UK with the aim of supporting independent traders through structured training and market insight.

The platform combines access to trading capital with an education programme delivered through its AIFO Academy, which covers areas such as trading strategy, market analysis and risk management.

AIFO says the platform has been designed to address the gap between the growing accessibility of financial markets and the limited availability of structured learning resources for individual traders.

“Retail participation in financial markets has increased dramatically over the past decade, but the educational infrastructure supporting it has not developed at the same pace,” said Jun Yu, CEO & Founder at AIFO.

“Many individuals approach trading as a side activity or personal interest, but the markets require discipline, knowledge and structured learning. The aim of the platform is to provide a framework that helps traders develop those skills.”

Users on the platform undertake structured trading challenges designed to demonstrate their trading ability while adhering to predefined risk parameters. Those who successfully complete these challenges can then access additional trading capital.

Alongside this model, the company has placed particular emphasis on its education offering, which is intended to support traders ranging from beginners exploring financial markets for the first time to more experienced participants seeking to refine their strategy.

The launch comes amid broader growth in retail market participation, particularly among younger investors. Surveys in recent years have shown that younger adults are significantly more likely than previous generations to experiment with trading stocks, cryptocurrencies and other financial instruments using digital platforms.

At the same time, regulators have repeatedly highlighted the risks associated with speculative trading activity where individuals lack an understanding of market mechanics, leverage and risk management.

AIFO says its approach aims to address these concerns by emphasising structured learning, transparency and disciplined participation in financial markets.

Following its UK launch, the company plans to expand its education resources and community features as it continues to develop the platform

One In Three Brits Would Give Up Hot Water, Cooking And TV Before Losing Internet Access

April 2026: Brits are increasingly putting WiFi above everyday essentials. More than a third (36%) would rather go without hot water for a week than lose internet access, with 34% saying they’d sacrifice their fridge and almost half (47%) their cooking appliances. Even in the depths of winter, a third (32%) would choose to be without heating before going offline.
The study of 2000 UK adults highlights how the internet has moved beyond entertainment to become one of the most relied-upon household services in the UK.
Even traditional TV ranks below internet access. Over half of Brits (54%) say they would rather lose terrestrial TV for a week than the internet, highlighting how streaming, social media and online entertainment now dominate daily life.
Commenting on the findings, Stephen Warburton from Zen Internet, which commissioned the research, said: “This isn’t just about streaming and scrolling. The internet now underpins how we work, access money, manage our homes and stay connected to the people who matter. When people say they’d rather lose heating or hot water than go offline, it shows just how critical reliable connectivity has become in modern Britain. When something becomes this embedded in daily life, reliability stops being a luxury and becomes an expectation.”
Generational divide on digital dependence
Almost half (45%) say they would struggle to go without internet access beyond 12 hours, and only 12% of 18 to 24-year-olds think they could cope for a full week – a reliance that is reshaping expectations around connectivity.
Younger generations are also far more likely to prioritise internet access over physical comforts. Almost two in five Gen Z and Millennials (both 38%) say they would rather lose their heating in colder months for a week than lose the internet, compared to just under a quarter (24%) of Baby Boomers.
Similarly, 42% of Millennials say they would rather lose hot water for a week than go without internet, compared to 30% of Baby Boomers, pointing to a widening generational gap in attitudes towards digital reliance.
For many Brits, losing internet is more stressful than other everyday frustrations
Losing internet access is now considered more stressful than sitting in traffic, with 46% of Brits ranking 24 hours offline above being stuck in a jam (38%).
Similarly, 35% of Brits say losing access to online banking and 44% believe forgetting your phone is more stressful than losing your physical wallet (credit cards/cash), reinforcing the idea that internet access now underpins security and independence as much as convenience.
And not having access to WhatsApp or text messages is considered more stressful than having no email access.
 
The findings highlight how deeply internet access is now embedded in everyday life across the UK. As more services move online, expectations around reliability and resilience continue to rise.

Stansted Airport To Host Jobs Fair With Over 500 Roles Ahead Of Busy Summer

London Stansted is preparing to welcome hundreds of job seekers next week as it hosts a Jobs Fair on Wednesday 22 April at the Radisson Blu Hotel.
The event comes as the airport steps up recruitment ahead of a busy summer season, with more than 30 airport employers, business partners and support services set to attend. Together, they will offer over 500 vacancies in areas including customer service, security, retail, logistics and operations.
Several major names are confirmed to attend, including MAG Stansted, World Duty Free, Jet2, Border Force, UPS, Ryanair and Swissport, giving job seekers a chance to explore a wide range of opportunities under one roof.
Nathan Mullane, Employment & Skills Manager at London Stansted, said:  
 
“London Stansted is a key driver of growth and employment in the East of England and the UK. With more than 12,000 people employed across 200 on‑airport companies, there’s a huge variety of rewarding careers available.
“Employers are looking for friendly, dedicated individuals who thrive in a dynamic environment. Successful candidates can also enjoy benefits such as up to 80% off public transport, discounts on airport retail, free holiday parking, and access to dozens of free skills and training programmes.”
The airport’s Employment and Skills Academy will also be at the event, highlighting its free pre-employment courses, including fully accredited training schemes for job seekers and those needing extra support before applying.

Revealed: One In Five Brits Reach For Hot Sauce At Weddings And In Cinemas – As Heat Takes Over Roast Dinners, Pancakes And Even Porridge

Ginsters launches its new Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Chicken Pocket as research reveals Brits are craving bigger, bolder flavours at snack time.

24th March 2026: Britain has officially gone hot sauce mad – with fans now adding it to food at weddings, on public transport and in the cinema. 

New research from Ginsters, released to mark the launch of its new Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Chicken Pocket – a hand-held pastry designed to bring the tangy kick of Buffalo sauce to snack time in a convenient, on-the-go format – reveals the nation’s chilli obsession is no longer confined to the dinner table.  

Some Brits are now reaching for the bottle in all kinds of unexpected places. In fact, 1 in 12 sauce eaters (8%) admit adding it to food on public transport, while 1 in 14 (7%) have done the same at a wedding or other formal occasion.  

The most common place to use it outside the home is at a friend’s house (32%), followed by festivals and outdoor events (25%) and the office kitchen (19%). In Cardiff, almost a quarter (23%) even admit to taking their hot sauce habit into the cinema. 

And it is not just where Brits are using it – it’s what they are putting it on, too. 

Among hot sauce eaters, the most popular pairings are burgers and chips (both 42%), followed closely by chicken (40%). But the findings also reveal younger adults are far more adventurous, experimenting with unique combinations including sweet breakfast foods and desserts. Among younger consumers, around 1 in 10 have tried hot sauce on pancakes (11%), while similar numbers have splashed it on porridge (10%), waffles (10%) and even cake (11%). 

Even the humble Sunday roast is no longer safe. Overall, 1 in 10 hot sauce eaters say they have added it to a roast dinner (10%), with the figure rising among younger groups – showing just how willing Brits have become to spice up even their most traditional meals. 

Young Brits are the ones driving the craze. 

 A third of Gen Z (33%) say a snack or meal feels incomplete without hot sauce, compared with 15% of Brits overall. And while well over a tenth of Brits (15%) say they always choose a spicy or “hot” snack, that rises to 27% among Gen Z and 25% among millennials. 

 Regionally, London is the nation’s hot sauce capital, with 35% adding it to meals at least once a week. Yorkshire and Humberside follows on 25%, ahead of the East Midlands (22%), North West (21%) and North East (20%). 

The figures also show that when it comes to daytime snacking, Brits are putting flavour first. Taste comes top for 55%, rising to 64% in Scotland.  

To tap into Britain’s growing appetite for heat, Ginsters has launched the new Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Chicken Pocket – a flavour-packed, hand-held pastry designed to bring the tangy kick of Buffalo sauce to snack time in a way that fits easily into busy, everyday life. Whether eaten between meetings, on the way to the train, or straight from the fridge at home, the Pocket is made to deliver bold flavour – and can also be heated up for a warmer, more indulgent bite. 

Getting that flavour right took serious work behind the scenes. Over a year in development, the Pocket went through round after round of taste tests, tweaks and retesting to make sure the unmistakable tang of Frank’s RedHot Buffalo sauce still packed a punch in pastry form. From balancing the heat for die-hard Frank’s fans and more cautious spice eaters alike, to testing it hot and cold, the process was all about delivering the ideal balance of flavour, texture and satisfaction to create an unmistakable Ginsters x Frank’s tasting experience.  

The end result is a golden, flaky pastry packed with tender chicken and tangy Buffalo sauce – bringing together big flavour and real convenience. Made with 100% British meat, the new Pocket is easy to grab on the go and designed to slot into real life, offering a great way to enjoy the taste of Frank’s RedHot, whether on a train, at a desk or as part of a quick snack at home. 

Stephanie Allen, Marketing Manager at Ginsters, said: “We know people want more from their snacks these days – bigger flavour, quality ingredients and something that fits easily into busy lives, so this collaboration with Frank’s RedHot felt like a brilliant fit from the start.  

“With the new Pocket, we wanted to bring Frank’s unmistakable tangy kick into our golden, flaky pastry in a way that felt convenient, satisfying and full of flavour. We’ve put a huge amount of effort and care into getting it just right, and we’re really excited for people to try it.” 

Elisha Reeson, EMEA Licensing Lead at Frank’s RedHot, said: “Our Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Sauce has earned its place as a fan favourite because it delivers the perfect blend of bold flavour and the right amount of heat. It’s that unmistakable, iconic taste that people crave time and time again.  

“Through this partnership, we’re excited to bring our signature Buffalo flavour into the snacking occasion, in a way that feels both familiar for existing fans and exciting for people discovering it for the first time.” 

The Ginsters x Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Chicken Pocket is available now in Co-op stores nationwide as part of the meal deal snack offering, with rollout into Asda, One Stop and Sainsbury’s from 6 April, followed by Tesco from 17 May. 

American Airlines To Launch Electronic Boarding Gates At DFW, Ushering In The Next Evolution Of The Boarding Experience

FORT WORTH, Texas — American Airlines is advancing the future of air travel with the official launch of electronic boarding gates at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) beginning this summer. Following a successful pilot in November 2025, and strong customer feedback, American is now deploying the technology at scale at its largest hub, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to a more seamless, user-friendly and consistent boarding experience.

American will be the first major U.S. network carrier to install dormakaba electronic boarding gates at scale at a major U.S. airport hub, starting in the new DFW Terminal C Pier Expansion, setting a new standard for how customers move from gate to aircraft.

“Boarding plays a key role in how customers experience the final moments before their flight, and electronic boarding gates will further elevate that experience, creating a more seamless and consistent process,” said American’s Chief Customer Officer Heather Garboden. “This innovative change is part of a broader shift toward creating a more intuitive travel journey, one that blends technology and service to guide customers through each step with greater ease and confidence, delivering a modern, consistent experience wherever they travel with us.”

    Electronic boarding gates are powered by proprietary infrastructure and industry-leading technology designed to guide customers smoothly through the boarding process.

A more seamless, enhanced journey

Electronic boarding gates extend American’s broader digital journey by giving customers clearer guidance and a more predictable path from the gate to the aircraft.

The nearly 20 dormakaba Argus Air XS electronic boarding gates will support customers and team members throughout the boarding process by:

  • Streamlining manual tasks for American’s team members during boarding, allowing them more time to provide exceptional customer service and operationally critical tasks
  • Providing clear, American-branded touchscreen instructions so customers know exactly what to expect
  • Automatically validating boarding passes before opening, allowing customers to proceed smoothly to the aircraft
  • Regulating the pace of boarding to reduce congestion and improve jet bridge flow

“After piloting the technology late last year and seeing positive feedback from both customers and team members, we’re excited to further incorporate electronic boarding gates at DFW,” said American’s Senior Vice President of DFW Hub Operations Jim Moses. “This is another step forward in creating a modern, seamless journey for customers, while keeping our people at the center of the experience.”

The new gates will debut at American’s new Terminals A and C pier expansions scheduled to open this year. The piers are part of a multiyear modernization project of DFW, aimed at delivering a smoother and enhanced experience for customers and team members. The gates will be another opportunity for American to simplify its customers’ boarding experience, while enhancing the airline’s already rigorous security standards.

Together, these capabilities help deliver an innovative boarding experience — regardless of flight, time of day or destination.

A foundation for the future of travel

Boarding is one part of American’s broader focus on improving the end-to-end customer journey. Following the launch at DFW, American plans to expand electronic boarding gates to additional hubs and gateway airports over time, helping standardize the boarding experience across the network.

Electronic boarding gates are the latest in a series of digital innovations American has introduced to enhance the customer experience across every stage of the journey. Last year, American added faster, more secure flight connection and identity verification processes through the rollout of One Stop Security for international connecting passengers and the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program, which are making the airport experience quicker and more consistent for travelers.

This year, American continues to invest in technology that brings clarity, consistency and confidence to travel with the launch of free inflight Wi-Fi, sponsored by AT&T, for all AAdvantage® members, ongoing mobile app enhancements and smarter disruption-management tools that help customers rebook more easily during irregular operations.

Together, these advancements reflect American’s broader commitment to creating a more intuitive, connected and modern experience — one that empowers customers with the right information at the right time, whether they’re planning a trip, navigating the airport or settling in on board.

About American Airlines Group (NASDAQ: AAL)
American Airlines is a premium global airline connecting more of the U.S. to the world. With roots tracing back to an air mail carrier in the Midwestern United States in 1926, American now operates more than 6,000 daily flights to more than 350 destinations in more than 60 countries and serves more than 200 million customers annually. Powered by a proud and talented team of 130,000 aviation professionals, American’s team lives out the airline’s purpose of caring for people on life’s journey every day.

The world’s largest airline proudly celebrates its centennial year in 2026, reaching a milestone that reflects a century of innovation and the Forever ForwardSM spirit that changed the industry and the world. American introduced the first scheduled air cargo service, the first airport lounge and the first airline loyalty program and continues to reinvent the customer experience today. The airline is also a founding member of the oneworld alliance, whose members serve more than 900 destinations around the globe.

Get the latest about American at news.aa.com and @AmericanAir.

Hua Hin Marathon 2026 Combines Fitness And Sustainability With Chiva-Som Wellness Experience

Chiva-Som Hua Hin invites runners to experience wellness in motion at the 2026 Hua Hin Marathon: Chiva-Som Hua Hin - Running on the beach

Set along the tranquil Gulf of Thailand coastline, the Hua Hin Marathon 2026 is set to return on 10 May, offering runners the opportunity to combine athletic ambition with environmental purpose.

Organised by the Preserve Hua Hin Group, which is led by globally acclaimed wellness destination Chiva-Som, the marathon attracts local and international runners who seek not only the exhilaration of the race but also the chance to support local conservation efforts, including the preservation of Krailart Niwate, Hua Hin’s last remaining urban mangrove.

The Preserve Hua Hin Group continues to lead impactful environmental and social initiatives aimed at sustainable practices, inspiring both residents and visitors to adopt practices that protect Hua Hin’s ecosystems for future generations.

The Hua Hin Marathon has always been more than just a race but a celebration of health, nature and the local community. From the 5km fun run to the full 42km marathon, runners enjoy a picturesque route with scenic coastal views and rolling hills set against the soft dawn light as the sun rises over Hua Hin. Beginning and ending at the Buddhist temple Wat Khao Krailart, runners also experience the vibrant spirit of the local community shaping the route.

The race welcomes runners of all levels with distances of 5 km, 10 km, 21 km and the full 42 km marathon, each route offering its own moment of challenge and exhilaration. To commemorate the event’s prestige, the first male and female finishers in the marathon will be honoured with the Royal Trophy graciously bestowed by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, celebrating not only athletic excellence but the spirit of dedication and perseverance that defines the race.

More than a race, the event reflects a deeper commitment to sustainable wellbeing. The marathon supports environmental initiatives such as the Krailart Niwate Mangrove Preservation and Ecosystem project and community development in Hua Hin while encouraging people to embrace healthier, more active lifestyles.

Inclusivity is central to the event’s ethos, with visually and hearing-impaired runners welcomed to participate alongside volunteer guides under the inspiring theme “Run2gether.”

Embodying the marathon’s ethos of health and sustainability, Chiva-Som invites both local and international runners to enhance their race experience through its exclusive Rest, Run and Recover offer, featuring savings of 15% on retreat rates for all marathon participants.

Chiva-Som Hua Hin invites runners to experience wellness in motion at the Hua Hin Marathon

Guests can expect the signature Chiva-Som approach of highly personalised wellness consultations, expert fitness and physiotherapy guidance, and restorative spa therapies to aid muscle recovery and optimise performance. Nutritionally balanced cuisine, hydrotherapy facilities and holistic treatments further complement the journey, ensuring runners and wellness seekers experience the harmony of movement, rest and renewal.

In addition to regular retreat programme offerings such as accommodation; personal Health & Wellness Consultation; daily treatments; three wellness cuisine meals per day and more; the offer includes complimentary services such as 25-minute Physiotherapy; pre-marathon muscle warm-up Functional Mobility class on 9 May 2026; Hua Hin Marathon ticket (any distance category); round-trip transfer to/from the Hua Hin Marathon event on 10 May 2026; and a marathon Static Stretch group class on 11 May 2026. Bookings for the Rest, Run and Recover promotion close on 10 April 2026.

Since opening in 1995, Chiva-Som has established itself as one of the world’s most respected wellness destinations, known for its holistic philosophy that integrates evidence-based health science with time-honoured Thai healing traditions.

The experience at Chiva-Som extends far beyond the treatment room with the belief that wellness and sustainability must go hand in hand. The resort is the environmental steward of Krailart Niwate just moments away. Guided walks and tranquil pathways wind through mangroves and wetlands, while educational experiences reveal the delicate biodiversity that sustains Hua Hin’s coastline, allowing guests to learn more and become part of the shared effort to safeguard the natural beauty that makes Hua Hin such an inspiring place to run, recover and renew.

As the Hua Hin Marathon 2026 approaches in May, Chiva-Som invites travellers to pair the marathon with a holistic wellness experience, in a place where performance meets purpose and where every step is part of a journey towards a healthier lifestyle.

The Rest, Run and Recover offer is available to book until 10th April 2026. Rates start from THB 26,350++ (approx. GBP 606++) per person, per night for minimum 3-night stays*.

For more information about the marathon, visit: https://www.runlah.com/en/huahin2026 

For more information about Chiva-Som Hua Hin, visit: www.chivasom.com

The Pavilions Launches Luxury In-Room Wellness Treatments At Rome Hotels

The First Rome by The Pavilions presents wellbeing in the Eternal City with new in-room treatments and wellness rituals: The First Musica, The First Arte Spa Suite Terrace, The First Dolce Suite

Boutique hospitality brand The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts has partnered with Roman wellbeing concierge service Privilege to launch a new in-room wellness service at its trio of luxury urban hotels in the Eternal City. Guests at The First Arte, The First Dolce and The First Musica, Rome by The Pavilions can now browse, book and enjoy Privilege’s range of massages, beauty treatments, personal training sessions and wellness rituals in the comfort of their own room or suite.

Bookable via an in-room QR code, the new collaboration is designed for comfort and ease, while also reaffirming The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts’ dedication to crafting sophisticated, private spaces in which to relax, connect with cultures and explore some of the world’s most desirable destinations.

Guests can choose from a range of relaxing and invigorating massages; personalised facials; manicures and pedicures; make-up and hairstyling; and personal training sessions. The choice of seven massages comprises Swedish; Relaxing; Aromatic; Lymphatic Drainage; Foot Reflexology; Sports Massage and Ayurvedic Massage (from EUR 150 for 50 minutes; approx. GBP 131).

Personalised facials encompass the Kobido Facial Massage, known as the ‘Japanese natural facelift’, the Purifying Facial Treatment and the Anti-Aging Facial Treatment (from EUR 150 for 50 minutes; approx. GBP 131).

Brightening, Anti-Stress and Anti-Ageing Facial mini rituals incorporate bespoke skincare consultations and rejuvenating massages (from EUR 270 for 120 minutes; approx. GBP 233).

Deeper wellness and beauty immersions are also available, such as the Privilege Experience, which includes a 60-minute private personal training session; 80-minute sports massage; Hands & Feet Ritual; hair wash, mask and blow dry; and full couture makeup session (from EUR 705; approx. GBP 615). Brides to be can also choose from a range of bridal hair, makeup and spa packages (from EUR 330; approx. GBP 288).

Designed for those seeking the ultimate in elevated privacy, luxury and wellbeing, The First Arte’s four Spa Suites and Spa Suite Views provide a serene Roman rooftop retreat in which to relax and rejuvenate. Each features a private wellness area and outdoor terrace complete with a Jacuzzi and sauna, creating a sanctuary of serenity and peace in the Eternal City.

Commenting on the new wellness partnership, Andrea Pierini, Cluster General Manager, The First Rome by The Pavilions, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Privilege to further elevate the personalised, heartfelt service we provide to our discerning guests. We are dedicated to continually evolving our curated experiences, ensuring guests leave with lasting memories, and this latest collaboration further cements our commitment to providing a refined urban sanctuary in the heart of Rome.”

A unique deconstructed resort concept in the heart of Italy’s historic and vibrant capital, the trio of five-star boutique hotels exemplify modern Roman luxury through crafted cultural, gastronomic and wellbeing experiences. Presenting elegant, contemporary design by Studio Marincola, each hotel is just steps away from some of Rome’s most renowned landmarks and high-end shopping streets.

The First Arte presents 26 rooms and suites; over 200 carefully curated artworks; and innovative Mediterranean cuisine as prepared by Chef Daniele Lippi at its Acquolina restaurant – one of Rome’s three two-Michelin-starred restaurants.

Inspired by the creativity of music, The First Musica features 24 suites and rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Tiber River, as well as ALTO, a glamorous three-floor restaurant and bar concept accompanied by wraparound views of the Roman skyline.

Featuring 23 suites and rooms, The First Dolce draws inspiration from la dolce vita, serving deliciously crafted pastries, desserts, afternoon tea and cocktails at its authentic pasticceria Velo.

The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts portfolio comprises a diverse and decorated collection of 13 award-winning hotels and resorts across Asia and Europe. The Pavilions Phuket, The First Arte, Rome by The Pavilions and REVĪVŌ Wellness Resort, Bali were each awarded One Key in the MICHELIN Guide for Hotels 2025. The Toren, Amsterdam by The Pavilions also secured its fourth consecutive ‘Best of the Best’ recognition in last year’s Tripadvisor® Travelers’ Choice® awards, while The Pavilions Bali and The First Arte, Rome by The Pavilions were rated among the top 10 per cent of Tripadvisor listings worldwide.

Rates start from EUR 400++ (approx. GBP 349++) per night at The First Musica, Rome by The Pavilions; from EUR 500++ (approx. GBP 436++) at The First Dolce, Rome by The Pavilions; and from EUR 600++ (approx. GBP 523++) at The First Arte, Rome by The Pavilions, based on two sharing a Prestige Room.

The Stay Longer, Enjoy More offer in Rome offers guests 25% savings on summer stays of four nights or more. Bookings are available until 30 June for stays from 1 July to 31 August. Terms and conditions apply. 

New ‘Connect to Nature’ Podcast Launches to Inspire Outdoor Living and Sustainability

Tuesday 31st March: Immediate, home to trusted brands people love including Radio Times and Good Food, announces the launch of Connect to Nature, a new social media brand and visualised podcast designed to redefine what it means to get close to the natural world. 

The new brand is the go‑to resource for people who care about the planet. Its content will have a strong focus on nature and the environment, bringing together expert faces and voices for meaningful conversations, and offering inspiration on simple, accessible ways to take action.  

Hosted by gardener and author Amy Chapman and broadcaster and nature enthusiast Katrina Ridley, the first season of the Connect to Nature podcast is sponsored by Woodland Trust and explores accessible and inspiring ways to look after ourselves and the planet. Across eight episodes, expert guests join Amy and Katrina to discuss topics including discovering wild places, rewilding responsibly, challenging fast fashion, embracing technology, easing eco‑anxiety, and how creativity and music can help people reconnect with the wild. 

Guests include wildlife biologist Liz Bonnin, ornithologist Dr Mya‑Rose Craig, and wildlife TV presenter, author, activist and co-founder of a birdwatching collective, Nadeem Perera, alongside other passionate voices from across the environmental and creative communities. 

Speaking about the new podcast Ben Youatt, Head of Podcasts at Immediate, says: “Connect to Nature is a space where curiosity, creativity and environmental awareness meet. This series brings together inspiring voices who are reimagining how we interact with the natural world, and we’re thrilled to share these conversations with a new generation of nature‑lovers.”  

Amy Chapman adds: “Nature feels more important than ever, but it can also feel overwhelming to know where to start. What I love about Connect to Nature is how practical and uplifting it is – it’s about small, meaningful steps that help people feel more grounded, hopeful and connected in their everyday lives.” 

Katrina Ridley also comments: “I’m so excited to launch Connect to Nature! We’ve had some incredible conversations in this series, talking about everything from exploring wild places to talking honestly about eco‑anxiety. My hope is that listeners come away feeling empowered, informed and inspired to build their own relationship with the natural world, in whatever way feels right for them.” 

The Connect to Nature podcast is available to watch on the Connect to Nature YouTube channel and on major podcast platforms including Apple and Spotify. The brand will also be sharing social content from the podcast and more on Instagram and TikTok under the handle ‘Connect2Naturepod’. 

Full details of podcast episodes:  

BBC Gardeners’ World 2-for-1 Gardens Card Returns With Access to 360 UK Locations

2 for 1 entry to over 360 beautiful gardens across the UK and Ireland

Total savings of up to £4366.71

14th APRIL- BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine has unveiled the return of its hugely popular 2 for 1 Gardens card and guide for 2026, giving readers affordable access to over 360 gardens with exclusive 2 for 1 entry offers, on sale from the 2nd of April.

Available with the May 2026 issue of BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine, the guide and card allow visitors to enjoy 2 for 1 entry when accompanied by a full paying visitor. The card is valid until 24th March 2027, giving gardening enthusiasts and day-trippers alike a full year to explore some of the most stunning horticultural destinations the UK and Ireland have to offer. 

Garden lovers can enjoy significant price reductions throughout the year with this promotion, with savings of up to £38.50 in a single garden visit. In addition, 166 gardens offer a single visitor discount of up to 50%, making these visits an affordable way to explore the beautiful outdoors.

This year, as well as 14 brand new gardens included in the offer, visitors can choose from over 90 National Trust and National Trust for Scotland locations, 13 English Heritage Gardens and lots of other landmark destinations. These include some of the UK and Ireland’s most iconic gardens: Haddon Hall in Derbyshire (save £29.50), Leeds Castle (save £38.50), The Alnwick Garden (save up to £19), and Hidcote (save up to £19).

The 2 for 1 Gardens app is also returning this year with a refreshed user experience. New features include a new interactive map and more advanced filter options, making it easier than ever for visitors to plan their perfect days out. The upgraded digital guide allows users to tailor their searches to suit their needs, from accessibility requirements and dog-friendly locations to single visitor discounts and more. The app is free for anyone to download and now also allows users to purchase their digital card directly, making it quicker and easier to plan and book.

 Speaking about the return of the promotion, Content Director of BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Kevin Smith said:

“We’re incredibly proud to bring back our 2-for-1 Gardens Entry promotion for 2026, giving our readers even more opportunities to explore and enjoy beautiful outdoor spaces across the UK and Ireland. With over 360 gardens included this year, alongside additional savings for solo guests, it’s all about making inspiring days out more achievable and affordable. Whether you’re discovering somewhere new or revisiting a favourite, the card and guide are designed to help people make the most of every visit while enjoying fantastic value along the way.”

 The issue retails at £9.99 and will be on sale from 2nd April in all major retailers nationwide. It will include:

  • 2 for 1 guide and card 
  • 30% off tickets to Gardeners’ World Live
  • Special plant offer from Thompson and Morgan- 24 perennials collection worth £33.96 and £5 off your next order 
  • Single visitor discount of up to 50% valid at 167 gardens

This scheme aligns with recent research from the University of Sussex, commissioned by Immediate Media, which found that gardening ranked among the most rewarding leisure activities providing a boost to happiness, relaxation and wellbeing, with 81% of gardeners citing mental relaxation and 71% a sense of fulfilment. The BBC Gardeners’ World 2 for 1 scheme encourages people to switch off, spend time outdoors, and enjoy quality time with loved ones.

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