Hedgelaying and culture wars
Nick Mann bemoans the fact that many concerned about conservation are opposing hedgelaying on social media because of a perception that it’s damaging to plants and wildlife. Read more
Sacred forests of Ethiopia: how they can be recreated anywhere
In these days of gloom and confusion it is good to remember that our world is not ONE continuous story where everything inexorably gets worse – or better – but that our world is full of many stories that are unfolding in parallel. This weekend I was uplifted by the moving account of the holy… Continue reading Sacred forests of Ethiopia: how they can be recreated anywhere Read more
Establishing urban orchards to benefit people, communities and nature
The Orchard Project are a superb group establishing and maintaining urban community orchards. The are beneficial in so many ways, including biodiversity, community cohesion, local food, carbon storage and human well-being. Here, they explain an approach called ‘nature-based solutions’. Read more
August forage of the month with Ruby Taylor
Nettles are a truly amazing plant. I recently found out about the ‘super food’ that is nettle seeds, and have been making the most of the nettle patch at the end of the garden ever since. Read more
Nests and baskets: were birds the first basketmakers?
Featuring weavers, dunnocks and wrens, Ruby Taylor of Native Hands reflects on nests and baskets, asking if birds were the first basketmakers. Read more
For the love of trees: my musings on trees
Sean Fagan of Pioneer Bushcraft brings the outdoors to life as he shares his musings on trees and why it is he loves them so. Read more
WWF shocking report on wildlife, and why the response will be inadequate
It’s been a while since wildlife—not just a species here or there but wildlife at large—has been front and center in the news. Usually the biggest environmental news pertains to climate change at the global level, or local pollution problems such as lead in the water pipes. “Biodiversity” gained traction as an issue in the… Continue reading WWF shocking report on wildlife, and why the response will be inadequate Read more
The Wool Carder bee – and why it’s one of my favourites
Which are your favourite species of bee? For Nick Mann of Habitat Aid, ranking high among them is the Wool Carder bee. Read more
Sowing wildflower seed onto grass
Keen to transform your lawn into a wildflower meadow but not sure how? Nick Mann of Habitat Aid shares his guide to sowing wildflower seed onto grass. Read more
May – June forage of the month with Ruby Taylor
Elderflower fritters, anyone? Ruby Taylor of Native Hands shows us how to make a delicious early summer delicacy in her May – June forage of the month. Read more
Blossom, blossom and more blossom!
Nick Mann of Habitat Aid charts a five month journey of beautiful blossom and how people and pollinators alike can benefit from its bounty. Read more
The 12 principles of permaculture: a way forward
We share a guest post from Ethical.net, in which Elizabeth Waddington sets out the twelve principles of permaculture. There’s plenty more to it than gardening, we promise! Read more
April forage of the month with Ruby Taylor
In her April forage of the month, Ruby Taylor of Native Hands takes the sting out of nettles with a delicious soup recipe. Read more
March – April forage of the month with Ruby Taylor
Ruby Taylor of Native Hands shares her March – April forage of the month, starring cleavers and nettles in a springtime tonic we can appreciate all the more in these challenging times. Read more
Could you be a recorder for the Nature’s Calendar project with the Woodland Trust?
The Woodland Trust share the latest findings from their Nature’s Calendar project and invite you to get involved as one of the thousands of volunteers who make it happen each year. Read more
February forage of the month with Ruby Taylor
Bramble tips are on the menu with spring approaching, as Ruby Taylor of Native Hands shares her February forage of the month. Read more
Could you help save ancient woodlands as a “threat detector” with the Woodland Trust?
As the number of UK ancient woodlands threatened by built development tops the 1000 mark, we hear from Ruby Harrison at the Woodland Trust about their volunteer “threat detectors” and how you can join them. Read more
Hedgelaying for wildlife: it’s worth the effort
We hear from Nick Mann of Habitat Aid about why hedgelaying for wildlife is well worth the effort – and the workout – it entails. Read more
How invasive non-native species threaten our woods and what we can do to help
Approximately 2000 non-native plant and animal species have been introduced into the UK, causing irreparable damage and changing landscapes forever. The Woodland Trust looks at how non-native species are invading UK woodlands and what can be done to stop the spread. Read more
Wildflower meadows in spring: what to look forward to
As the winter solstice approaches, Nick Mann of Habitat Aid takes a welcome look forward to the delights of his wildflower meadows in spring. Read more