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The UK’s 250 bee species have distinct winter behaviours. Where solitary bees tend to hide away in the cold months (known as overwintering), other species start their life cycles in winter, ending them when they lay their eggs in autumn.  And the winter habits of social bees, such as bumblebees and honeybees revolve around their hive and queen. Moreover, our changing climate is affecting spring temperatures and therefore, the hibernation patterns of bees. Bumblebee queens who usually hibernate over winter, have been observed to begin nesting in October or November and produce workers that collect nectar from the increasing abundance...

As we have developed the Mappy Collection of PACMATs, we've chosen places that either we have been to and have a connection with, or places we want to go to very soon! Here's our PACMAT picnic bucket list: Bucket list to go to 1. Isle of Skye 2. Isle of Arran 3. Glasgow, Loch Lomond and Firth of Clyde 4. Yorkshire Dales 5. Shropshire Hills 6. Forest of Dean 7. Cranborne Chase   Bucket list we've been to Inner LondonIt's where we live London Parks (still checking off all of the parks)It's where we live and walk the dog. Peak...

Featuring high on our bucket list of places to visit is The Isle of Skye, in the Highlands of Scotland, famous for its spectacular scenery and landscapes. The island is 50 miles long, the largest of the Inner Hebrides. Skye Is rich with wildlife (eagles, seals, whales, dolphins, red deer and otters) and a popular destination for keen walkers and climbers. Old Man of Storr is probably the most famous walk on the Island, with its iconic spikey pinnacle of rock. But there are many other fantastic walks and things to see, see the links below.Top 10 Walks on Skye...

Our Patch, Solo and Family PACMATs can all be folded so that they fit through a standard letterbox. So if you want to send a gift, or order for yourself, you don't have to worry about someone being home to receive the parcel. Just send a note to us with your order and we'll make sure it is packed to fit through the letterbox.

  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...