Nature and Wildlife RSS

Cucumber Spider These spiders are green all over besides a small red spot on their tail. They can be found up until October in small bushes and hedge rows. They range from 4-6mm long. Jumping SpiderThis spider does not build a web but rather jumps on its prey. They are small (around 4mm) black, shiny and metallic looking - so look out for them shimmering in the autumn sun. Running Crab SpiderRunning Crab Spiders can be found in the UK from April to October in low growing vegetation. They are also small, reaching approximately 5mm in length. Like the jumping...

  You could grow a horse chestnut tree Place your best conkers in water, these will be the ones that sink and don’t float. Plant your conkers in 2cm of soil or compost. Water and place in a sheltered spot outdoors where they will be safe from predators and extreme frost. Water when necessary but be careful not to overwater The cold winter temperatures will encourage germination in spring. Water your horse chestnut as it grows and re-pot as it gets bigger. Your tree can now be planted elsewhere, ready to grow very large (always seek landowner’s permission) You could get creative with...

Late summer is a great time for foraging. The blackberry season is upon us and will peak in early September, with crab apples following behind in September and October. It's a great way to get the kids outside, looking for fruit for a sunny countryside picnic or ingredients for a tasty fruit pie! Remember, south facing slopes will ripen earlier. If you head out for a country walk in late summer you're bound to come across blackberries at some point, so don't forget your containers (check out these plastic free ones!) If your foraging has granted you more fruit than you can...

As part of Bees' Needs Week why not plant some beautiful bee friendly flowers? From June to September try Allium, Cirsium Rivulare and Foxgloves, as well most herbs, to help nature’s pollinators thrive.  From September to December Caryopteris, Dahlias (single-flowered) and Ivy will keep bees keen on your garden throughout the season!" Read more about flowers for bees here. See our Jennie Maizels Bee PACMAT here.

Did you know it’s Bees' Needs Week? 12th - 18th July Bees and pollinators are vital for growing lots of our favourite foods and for plants to flourish in our fields and gardens. Here are 5 simple steps to help: • Grow more flowers, shrubs and trees • Let your garden grow wild • Cut your grass less often • Don’t disturb insect nests and hibernation spots • Think carefully about whether to use pesticides   See our Bee PACMAT illustrated by Jennie Maizels See plants bees love. Find out more about Bees' Needs Week at @defraud and The British Bee Keepers...