Experts suggest that the UK has over 15,000 known species of fungi growing in the UK. Around 25 new species are found every year. Fungi play a very important part in our ecosystem. Some varieties help rot down plant and animal matter whilst others help other plants grow. More than 1,000 species of insects and animals rely on mushrooms for food and shelter. As … [Read more...] about Podcast: Fungi in the UK
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Podcast: Frozen River in North Cumbria
Three weeks of sub zero temperatures in parts of the UK have led to rivers and large stretches of water to start freezing. In north Cumbria large clumps of ice have started to form on the River Eden in Carlisle. Some of the more still areas of the river have started to ice over. Snaking it's way from high in the Eden Valley, the Eden is one of the major rivers in … [Read more...] about Podcast: Frozen River in North Cumbria
Podcast: Hedgerow fruit
English hedgerows are bursting with summer fruits and seasonal apples. Within 100m we found rosehips, apples and brambles. All can easily be collected and turned in to some great pies, crumbles and cordials. Rich in vitamin C and other natural vitamins and minerals hedgerow food is fantastic and free. Please take care and only pick fruits and berries you know … [Read more...] about Podcast: Hedgerow fruit
Podcast: Grey Squirrel spotted.
The grey squirrel is spreading through the UK and wiping out the native red squirrel. We spotted this grey squirrel in a park in Carlisle, Cumbria last week. Grey squirrels are an alien species and were introduced to the UK from the USA in the late nineteenth/early twentieth century. They are distinguished from red squirrels by their grey fur, smaller ear tufts and … [Read more...] about Podcast: Grey Squirrel spotted.
Podcast – Bluebells in Eden
Hidden under the woodland canopy and only a few centimeters from the ground are small blue flowers called Bluebells. Found frequently in carpets of colour the Bluebell is one of the first nectar producing flowers of the year. English bluebells have gently nodding heads. The Spanish bluebell was introduced by gardeners and forms hybrids with English bluebells. This … [Read more...] about Podcast – Bluebells in Eden