Rachel Bull of Live Urban Love Rural

If you think journalist Rachel Bull looks a bit familiar, that would be because she was a rather fabulous part of The London Word team not so long ago. In the last few months she’s started her own magazine – Live Urban Love Rural.

LULR offers a slice of the countryside to hardened urban Londoners like ourselves. Rachel was born in ‘beautiful, rural Yorkshire’, and despite six wonderful years in London, she found herself pining for all the country has to offer.

So LULR was born – sharing tips, tricks, interviews and events to keep readers up-to-date with the latest ‘rurban’ trends, from urban beekeeping to the latest community green spaces.

Tell us a bit about LULR – where did the idea come from?

‘LULR sums up everything I’m passionate about. Green living, community projects, local food, crafts… to name just a few. I’d been writing about these topics for several years, having previously worked at Country Living magazine, and came to realise that all the things I loved and craved about the countryside – I grew up in a tiny Yorkshire village – I could actually find in London.’

Can you give us a few examples of some themes you might cover?

‘We try to show readers that they can inject a bit of that idyllic rural lifestyle into their hectic London lives, and that it is possible to find calm in the city. We have tips and advice on a variety of topics from DIY to urban bee keeping, as well as craft ideas, features on community gardening projects and London’s secret green corners, and interviews with the people who make London a more creative, green place to be.’

What were the pitfalls involved with starting your own online magazine?

‘Not having enough time to do everything! I could spend all day every day working on LULR and there’d still be more to do. I think when something is your own baby it’s hard to be satisfied – there’s always more you could do.’

Any tips for readers looking to follow in your footsteps and start something themselves?

‘Know your audience and give them what they want. It’s a constant learning curve for me and you always have to be prepared to adapt.’

As someone who didn’t grow up in the city, do you think London can be a difficult place to get your head round at first?

‘Definitely! It was very hard for me when I first moved here six years ago – I  felt so lost. But once you find a neighbourhood you feel at home in and understand how the city works and how to find your own niche here the reward is like no other.’

What are your favourite things about living in London?

‘I don’t think there’s a more creative city in the world than London. I’m constantly meeting people who inspire me and discovering new and independent shops, markets and gardens that make me feel very lucky to be a part of it all.’

And a few things you’re not so keen on…?

‘I’m not a big fan of the City, I’ll admit it. Not enough colour in the square mile for my liking – far too much black!’

Do you think there are things the Mayor of London could be doing to bring a bit of rural into the city?

‘He’s actually already doing a lot. The Mayor’s Capital Growth Scheme, which aims to get more of London to grow their own, was one of the first things Boris initiated, and it’s been a huge success so far. He also runs a tree planting programme and is a big supporter of community gardens. We always list the Capital Growth events and open garden days in our What’s On page.’

Can you give us a few tips for bringing the countryside to our little urban flats?

‘Growing a few herbs is one of the easiest things you can do. No outdoor space required – all you really need is seeds and some compost. Make a few holes in an old veg tray – the sort mushrooms come in from the supermarket – fill with compost and press your seeds gently into the top of the soil. Then simply water and leave in a light, sunny spot! Rosemary and sage are hardy herbs so are easier to grow in winter if you can get your hands on some cuttings.’

And lastly…. how would you spend your time in London on:

a) a rainy day…

‘I’d take refuge in the V&A and have some creative thinking time. Or I might head to Colombia Road Flower Market – there’s nothing like fresh flowers to brighten up a rainy day.’

b) a bank holiday weekend…

‘I’d stay close to home and chill out in Crystal Palace, first with a long walk around the park, then cake in Soulcialize followed by a cosy evening in my new favourite pub, The Sparrowhawk.’

c) a Friday night after a stressful week at work…

‘I’ve recently moved house, so I’d probably grab a paint brush and do an hour or two of DIY to clear my head before pouring a large glass of wine having a cuddle with my boyfriend and our two tabby cats!’

To find out about how to get your fingers green, visit Live Urban Love Rural.