One month ago I took possession of three ex-battery chickens who are now contentedly pecking away on my roof in central London, writes Julia Stephenson

Many people assume one must be living in a rural idyll to keep livestock, and are surprised to hear that chickens are roosting within clucking distance of Peter Jones. But I say why not? Chickens are far lower maintenance than cats or dogs, plus they provide us with at least one egg a day.

Judging by the number of books recently published about the joys of swimming in the sea as well as in Britain’s many lakes and rivers, outdoor swimming is enjoying a renaissance writes Julia Stephenson.

Despite being as soft a Southerner as they come, in warm spells I am a regular at the Serpentine in London where I love nothing more than flinging myself into the lido for energising swims. Brrrrrr. Yes it’s bracing but boy do you feel wonderful afterwards.

During hot spells this Elysian paradise is crammed choc-a-bloc with permatanned lounge lizardy types all chatting each other up energetically.  If you are a glam over 60 and looking for a hot date on a Saturday night, it’s the place to be.

When celebrities embrace a cause it often puts people’s backs up, writes Julia Stephenson. 

Many of us prefer our celebs pretty, pointless and mute, and there are sneers and snarls when they use their fame to shine a spotlight on something more interesting than their fitness regimes. I was amused by Sharon Stone’s recent peace initiative (`I’d kiss just about anyone for peace in the Middle East’), at least she’s having a go and keeping a sense of humour. With our rulers discredited and too cowardly to put human rights before short term profit, no wonder there is a void so easily filled by actors, television chefs, pop stars and models.

"It's the little things citizens do. That's what will make the difference. My little thing is planting trees"

So says Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai, whose vision and energy has led the planting of billions of trees across the world.