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THE top 40 outdoor pursuits Brits want to try in 2025 include foraging, stargazing, and wild swimming.

A poll of 2,000 adults revealed 64 per cent are motivated by a desire to reconnect with nature.

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As such, natural world-inspired pursuits feature prominently in the list, with the likes of rockhounding – collecting rocks, minerals, and fossils, nature journaling, and wildlife photography all featuring.

Other popular wildlife-inspired pursuits for the year ahead include fishing, horseback riding, and swimming in natural pools.

Along with hiking, cycling, zip-lining, and archery, and running or trail running, cross-country road trips, beachcombing, and outdoor yoga.

Kristian Cholmondley, managing director of Jeep UK, makers of the Avenger Electric, which commissioned the research, said: “It’s clear Brits are increasingly seeking ways to reconnect with nature, which speaks to our fundamental need to escape the digital world and embrace the physical world around us.

“The research highlights how much people value outdoor activities that not only offer the opportunity to experience freedom and adventure, but also to improve mental health and wellbeing.”

The study also found 77 per cent of adults are ‘likely’ to try one or more outdoor pursuits during the coming months – and they’d be willing to travel an average of 39 miles to do so.

It emerged 81 per cent are ‘particularly’ interested in outdoor pursuits which are nature orientated.

With other motivations for getting out and about including to relax (50 per cent), to boost or maintain mental health (43 per cent), and to get fitter or maintain fitness (38 per cent).

But enjoying the great outdoors comes with some challenges – including lack of time (37 per cent), the cost of travel (28 per cent), and lack of confidence (28 per cent).

Despite this, those polled manage to spend an average of five hours and 15 minutes outside for leisure each week.

Carried out through OnePoll, the research also identified the biggest priorities among motorists should they invest in a car designed for rural roads, with price (45 per cent) coming top.

Other ‘musts’ include reliability (44 per cent), comfort for long drives (23 per cent), and safety features (23 per cent).

Jeep UK’s Kristian Cholmondley added: “The focus on reliability, comfort, and safety speaks to the kinds of experiences people are looking to have in the wild.

“Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a spontaneous outdoor adventure, the need for accessible, dependable transportation is at an all-time high.”

SWNS:South West News Service

LOVE Island star Luca Bish dropped a clue about his secret feud with Scott Thomas before they squared up to each other.

A furious Scott, 36, was seen squaring up to his villa friend, 25, as a fiery row erupted.

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Eroteme

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It all kicked off during a game of truth or dare, as the Islanders enjoyed a Las Vegas themed evening.

It started when Scott said he had a truth he wanted to as Grace – who Luca is coupled up with – but said he “didn’t want to say” it aloud.

The row then escalated further and the other Islanders were forced to step in, and the group tried to continue playing after the first row, but things took a turn for the worst when Luca was dared to kiss who is in here for fame.

But viewers have noticed that Luca had called Scott “vanilla” repeatedly before their feud, hinting that something wasn’t quite right between them.

While Scott had said that Luca reminded him of his younger self, Luca called Scott vanilla during a challenge in what appeared to be a dig at the star.

After witnessing the tense feud on the show during the sash challenge, one social media user wrote: “Luca has actually been digging at Scott this whole series tbh. How has no one else seen that?

“I would’ve cracked too if I was Scott. Luca had it coming.”

A second person penned: “Because Luca kept provoking Scott, you could see Luca boiling and ready to go for Scott at any moment.”

Someone else wrote: “Not sure why people are surprised that Scott finally reacted after how Luca has been.”

And someone else echoed: “Luca has called Scott vanilla repeatedly.”

In the scenes that played out, Luca kissed Scott on the cheek and said he thinks he wants to get far in the villa, adding “that’s why you’re with Tina and you’re not feeling it now”.

Tina looked horrified and asked for someone to explain – as she learnt the truth she walked away crying.

Furious, Scott squared up to Luca for the second time and asked: “This guy, who are you bro? Wow?”

The row came after Scott confided in the boys about how he was really feeling about Tina – who he is coupled up with.

And Scott’s brother Ryan Thomas has shared his thoughts on the feud too.

“I’m sorry Luca,” Ryan could be heard saying as he sat on the sofa watching Love Island on Sunday night.

“That’s a snakey move, that. That is a snakey move to do that publicly. I am so upset with him,” he fumed.

In the next slide, Ryan said: “This is horrible, you know.”

He then later added: “I’ll be honest, wasn’t very fair that from Luca.

“To do it publicly around a table like that, in front of all them people.”

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AN INTERACTIVE tool showing where Britain’s most DANGEROUS drivers lurk has revealed the hotpot sparking hundred of crashes.

More than 5,700 crime reports of dangerous driving were logged by cops between 2022 to June 2024.

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The areas with the country’s dangerous drivers has been revealed[/caption]

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Data compiled by the Home Office found that Bradford is Britain’s drink driving epicentre[/caption]

New data from the Home Office includes 830 offences that caused a death or serious injury.

Since 2022, the number of crimes causing death or serious injury has increased by 12 per cent.

This has revealed Bradford to be ‘the dangerous driving capital’ of England and Wales with 1,039 driving offences.

Of those incidents, 39 resulted in a death or serious injury.

Nipping on its heels is the West Yorkshire borough of Calderdale which recorded 302 offences.

Bradford’s neighbour, Leeds, ranked third on the list.

Dangerous driving is used to describe a motorist’s actions falling “far below the minimum standard expected of a competent and careful driver”.

This means that they could not only be putting themselves at risk but also others.

From speeding to driving aggressively, those behind the wheel could be carrying out any number of risky behaviour.

These include overtaking dangerously, ignoring traffic lights, driving under the influence or when unfit to do so.

POTENTIAL LIMIT LASH

This comes amid reports that the drink-drive limit could be reduced for the first time in 60 years, with newly qualified drivers facing even harsher punishments.

New rules could see motorists judged as being over the drink-driving limit after just one pint, if the government takes on board police chiefs’ calls for changes to the law.

A report by the Daily Mail claims that the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the British Medical Association, and the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners want to cut the current alcohol limits for motorists.

The current limit, which was set in 1967, stands at 80 milligrams per 100ml of blood—roughly the equivalent of two pints of lager.

However, campaigners are now calling for the limit to be lowered, claiming that the number of drink-driving deaths has risen to 18 per cent of all road fatalities, according to new figures.

As a result, campaigners want to reduce the limit in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland to 50mg per 100ml of blood—roughly one pint of medium-strength beer.

This would match the rules currently in place in Scotland, which already has tougher drink-drive limits of 50mg per 100ml of blood and 22mcg per 100ml of breath.

Jo Shiner, the Chief Constable of Sussex Police and the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s roads policing lead, said: “In policing, we see the damaging impact of drink and drug driving all too often, and every fatality or serious injury that happens as a consequence of this is completely avoidable.

“Driving under the influence of drink or drugs will not be tolerated, and we support the BMA’s call for lowering the legal blood alcohol limit.

“In addition to our current powers, we will also continue to make the case for more effective legislation that enables faster interim disqualifications for those who fail roadside tests.”

Joy Allen and David Sidwick, the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners’ addictions and substance misuse leads, added: “Too many families have been devastated by the consequences of drink-driving, with around 300 people dying each year in collisions where a driver is over the limit.

“Even minimal alcohol consumption can significantly impair a driver’s judgement and their ability to react quickly.

“If we are to save lives and make our roads safer for everyone, we must convey the message that any amount of alcohol before driving is dangerous.”

Moreover, lobbyists from anti-alcohol pressure groups and the BMA, the doctors’ trade union, have joined the calls to lower the drink-driving limit.

The BMA also urged harsher limits on drivers who are within two years of passing their test, suggesting they be limited to a 20mg/100ml limit.

This would effectively prevent them from drinking at all before driving.

EXPERTS have revealed the hidden sign your car is on the verge of an eye-wateringly expensive breakdown.

Motors whizz Just Kampers have revealed new tricks to motorists to help prevent your car from letting you down as the winter chill continues to bite.

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A motors expert has revealed the key sign your car could be on the verge of a costly breakdown[/caption]

The cold months can have a big impact on your vehicle’s battery.

Car batteries use a chemical process that produces and stores electricity.

But cold weather can affect this, slowing down the key part and stopping it from holding a charge.

With all of this done, it’s time to take a look at your battery and make sure it’s still in good shape.

“Some older VWs like the T2 Bay have a bit of an infamous habit of leaking battery acid, which then corrodes the battery tray located to the side of your engine,” the expert said.

“Gnarly blueish crystals forming on the terminals, or damaged metalwork under your battery, are a sign that your vehicle’s battery might be due a replacement.

“All automotive batteries have a fixed shelf life, so try to think when yours was last replaced and whether it might be nearing the time to consider a new one.

“Your vehicles battery is a fairly major component, and having it give out on you is a massive inconvenience, even if it is relatively simple to fix.

“If you’ve disconnected your VW’s battery because it’s been in storage for the winter, then it shouldn’t have lost too much juice since then.”

Scooping a fresh car battery can set you back hundreds of pounds.

Factors such as your car’s make and model, driving style, the size and shap can all impact the price point, but motorists can usually expect to fork out between £100 and £300 for a new one, according to ProTyre.

What you can do to check your battery

The RAC recommends charging your battery once a week if your car is regularly used for short trips throughout the winter.

Halford recommends cleaning the battery often and checking its water levels.

If battery plates are exposed, it means your water level is low and needs filling with distilled water.

If you want to check to make sure your battery is still running smoothly, you can do it yourself using a multimeter or you can take it to a local garage and have a professional take a look.

If you aren’t using your car often enough during the colder periods, sporadically turn your car on, just to make sure the battery is still running.

And it’s not just your battery you need to regularly check during the colder weather to avoid a breakdown.

The RAC uses the acronym FORCES, reminding drivers to keep check of their fuel, oil, rubber, electrics and screen wash.

Most drivers will have a pretty good idea of how much fuel they have left in the tank but check it daily to make sure you have enough for your journey.

Oil is commonly forgotten about and needs checking regularly.

Double-check the wear and tear of your tyres and wiper blades to make sure they’re ready for action.

Coolant levels need to be kept an eye on so the engine doesn’t freeze.

Make sure all lights are working, it’s hazardous to be on the road with any faulty lights.

No one wants a dirty screen, so keep your screenwash nice and topped up.

If you want extra tips for checking your car over the winter period, read our six top tips to avoid breaking down.

Driving in winter conditions isn’t always easy and cars need to be kept safe against snow and ice.

DUNNES Stores fans are set to love a major trench coat dupe after it landed on racks – and it’s €195 cheaper.

The Gallery Alexa Double Breasted Belted Trench Coat is available in stores and online now.

It is priced at €50 and comes in sizes XS to XL.

Dunnes wrote: “Crafted with impeccable attention to detail, this classic, double-breasted trench coat from Gallery features notch lapels, gleaming gold buttons, and a detachable tie belt that cinches the waist.

“Designed with a single back vent for ease of movement and adjustable button-tab cuffs for versatile styling, this fully lined coat ensures comfort and durability.

“Gallery is available exclusively at Dunnes Stores.”

The trench coat is a great dupe for the Sezane version – which is priced at €245.

The designer piece is described as a “trench coat with tie belt, raglan sleeves, button tabs at shoulders and cuffs, back slit with button.”

Meanwhile, Dunnes Stores is making it easy for shoppers to start in the gym this year – with their gorgeous activewear range.

The range features some stunning pieces including jackets, flattering leggings and additional items.

With bargain prices, shoppers are rushing to the tills to pick them up.

One shopper has tried some of the new range, and shared her opinion on social media.

TikTok user Lauren Egerton shared a short video to the platform for her followers.

In the caption of her post, she wrote: “I got a few new pieces from Dunnes Stores and I decided to wear a few of them today! These are all still available to purchase, even the rest that I showed you!”

At the beginning of the video, she can be seen wearing a luxury pair of black pyjamas from Dunnes Stores, with white lining along the edges.

The set costs just €20 in total.

Lauren said: “A very basic outfit for today, it’s only Tuesday. I’m actually off, but I might take myself somewhere nice.”

“I have new bits, they’re very basic.”

The first thing she shows off is a stunning khaki-coloured padded jacket that is perfect for the cold weather.

Holding it up, she said: “Has anyone else bought these jackets in Dunnes?”

She notes that she bought it two weeks ago in black, but went back to buy the second colour.

The Hooded Quilt Jacket comes in four colours: black, blue, khaki, and winter white.

It is available in sizes XS to XXL, and is set to fly off the shelves as it costs just €30.

In the official item description on the Dunnes Stores website, fashion chiefs wrote: “Designed in a diamond-quilted texture, this jacket has a high neck, zip pockets, dipped hems, and a hood.

“Lightweight and shower-resistant, it’s a great option for transitional weather.”