I thought I would get ahead of the game and purchase some seeds before I actually need them, but while I still have a sporting chance of actually getting hold of some. I went to Seed Co-operative and decided to pick some bee-bird-human friendly seeds in my bid to increase natural food for my wildlife. This article shows how – once again – our desire … Continue reading Sowing Seeds
I’ve been away for a week, and come back to find the Verbascum in full flow. It’s a great plant, and bees and hoverflies love the tall spikes of exquisite little flowers. The buddleia is also in flower, as are the evening primrose – currently full of pollen beetles. I have masses of bindweed all over the garden, and I have always had a fondness … Continue reading Summer Garden
I love a bit of synergy. I read a blogpost from George Young, aka Farmer George about gene editing. This phrase (it’s an excellent post: do please take a look) is particularly resonant with me: Of course, he continues to highlight the numerous ways that nature actually has everything it needs and more to keep our planet healthy and productive, especially in response to the … Continue reading Bees, Chickens, and Worms
So, the restrictions for poultry have increased to full containment from the 14th December. This is problematic for me as I rely on ranging as the birds’ outdoor area and many of my coops – although they have runs attached – are not big or secure enough to house the occupants full time. Hens do need a remarkable amount of exercise and fresh grazing and … Continue reading Bird Flu II
The UK is currently under high alert for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N8) so even those of us with a few hens are required by law to adhere to the biosecurity measures set out by government. Oh, if only it were as simple as donning a mask and maintaining social distance… I am disappointed as I have recently – finally – had a few birds … Continue reading Bird Flu
I have reinstated my Gardening for Bees and Wildlife course as it is a great time to think about planting for next year, and get some good habitats in place before the weather sets in for the winter. It is becoming increasingly clear that our apiaries, gardens, and public spaces are not just a valuable contribution to insect life, but one that is essential if … Continue reading New Course! (Sort of…)
This between time is a rare chance to catch up with some thoughts, and both reflect on the previous year and look forward to the one coming. The more I read/hear/watch about the world we are living in, the more I keep reverting to a stance of resilience and working with natural systems rather than going against them either from ease or some sense of … Continue reading New Year
I received a phone call yesterday for someone who appeared to have a swarm in their conservatory: hundreds of bees, all crawling up the windows. They’d arrived that afternoon and the gentleman had rung pest control who said they’d be along in the morning to gas them (!) but thankfully the homeowners decided against that option and asked me to come and fetch the bees. … Continue reading Honeybees? No, ivy bees
I have devised this course to show people how best to cater for bees and pollinators, and show that by adopting best practice for our bees, we can help other wildlife too. There is a certain amount of confusion around how to “Save the Bees”, and many – rightly – feel that honeybees get too much attention given the fact we have so many other … Continue reading New Course: Gardening for Bees and Wildlife
