fields

July 31 (UPI) — British oil giant BP announced plans Friday to sell off its North Sea business, ending six decades of exploration and extraction in the U.K. Continental Shelf since the company first struck gas there in 1964.

The firm said that nothing would change for the time being while a buyer was found, vowing in a news release that it was fully committed to continuing to run its operations, prioritizing safety and dependability, while delivering for its customers, partners and investors.

The outcome of a review of its portfolio, BP said the goal was to enhance the value of the company by making it simpler and stronger through adhering to its approach of allocating capital in a rigorous fashion.

“The North Sea remains integral to the U.K.’s energy system. However, as we focus our portfolio and direct capital to our highest-value opportunities, we believe our North Sea business will be better positioned as part of another company. It has world-class people, resilient assets and a proud heritage, and it is precisely these qualities that can attract an owner ready to back its next chapter,” said BP.

“We are seeking an outcome that recognizes that value.”

CEO Meg O’Neill stressed that Britain would remain of key importance to the company going forward, saying BP was proud of the employment it generated, its input to the economy and its role in keeping energy flowing every day.

As recently as May, O’Neill described the North Sea basin as one of “untapped potential.”

The share price gained slightly on the news, rising a little more than 1% to $7.36 in mid afternoon trade on the London Stock Exchange on Friday.

BP has 24 fields across five main nodes in the North Sea, including its key Clair Ridge and Schielhallion fields of the Shetland Islands, with 1,100 workers pumping a little under 100,000 barrels of gas and oil daily.

Energy consultant Rystad, which estimates the North Sea business was worth $2.6 billion, told the Financial Times that it believed that the TotalEnergies-HitecVision-Repsol joint venture Neo Next +, Delek Group of Israel or Eni of Italy were in the running to buy it.

A Southern California music festival featuring only women musicians and created by Olivia Rodrigo? That’s not such a bad idea.

Rodrigo, fresh off the release of her junior album, on Monday unveiled her Daisy Chain Fields music festival and the roster of all-women artists set to take over Irvine’s Great Park on Aug. 29. The lineup will include Rodrigo, Chappell Roan, Katseye, Mitski, Doechii and special guests Karen O, Sarah McLachlan and Stevie Nicks.

The 23-year-old Grammy winner and vocal advocate for women’s rights said in her post that her dream festival has finally become a reality and that earnings from the spectacular will go to charities benefiting women and girls.

“The lineup is truly insane and full of my heroes and friends,” Rodrigo said in her announcement. “I firmly believe that joy, community, and music can be the drivers of meaningful change and I’m hopeful this festival will be just that.”

Artists Bikini Kill, Die Spitz, Eli, Garbage, Not for Radio, Quiet Light, Rachel Chinouriri, Santigold and the Breeders are also set to perform. Fans hoping to snag tickets can sign up for pre-sale access on the festival’s website.

Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Fields comes to Irvine a month before the former Disney Channel star kicks off her massive Unraveled tour, promoting her latest release “You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love.” She will take over Inglewood’s Intuit Dome for four nights in 2027: Jan. 12, 13, 16 and 17.

In his album review, Times pop music critic Mikael Wood writes that Rodrigo’s latest release sees the singer-songwriter approach romance and heartbreak with “new wisdom, drawing sophisticated conclusions about why people in love do the things they do (and don’t do the things they don’t).”

A STUNNING 25-acre lavender field is opening to the public for summer.

From this weekend, visitors will be able to visit a sprawling purple paradise for the ultimate picturesque walk.

Mayfield Lavender Farm offers expansive floral fields, perfect for frolicking, and welcomes visitors during the warmer months every year.

With the lavender plants blooming once again, the Surrey farm is open for days out from Saturday, June 6.

Opening hours are from 9am to 6pm every day, with last entries at 5:15pm.

With 25-acres of sensationally scented land to explore, the area is located in Banstead, just 15 miles from central London.

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It also provides the perfect backdrop for some striking photography or a serene summer stroll.

With the farm’s gates set to remain open until August 23, flower fans can expect the plants to offer the best blooms in mid July.

There’s even a contrasting red phone box nestled amongst the violet buds that provides a rather aesthetically pleasing Instagram photo opportunity.

Entry to Mayfield is affordable with ticket prices for adults and children over 11 starting from £7.40. Tickets for little ones aged between four and 11 start at £2.50, while under fours get in for free.

General admission tickets allow entry to the fields with access to the on-site cafe and shop.

There’s also the option to pay a little more for the likes of a tractor ride around the fields, the opportunity to adopt a lavender plant and get access to the farm’s potting station.

Tickets can be purchased upon arrival, but it’s recommended to grab them online before you go during busier periods like weekends and school holidays.

There is free parking on site, too, although it is limited.

Visitors can also make their way to the lavender farm via train from London Bridge Station to Woodmansterne, with services taking as little as 40 minutes.