It’s an age-old tradition – using fresh holly branches to adorn your table and give your home a festive look – but conservationists are warning that using too much could leave wildlife out in the cold this winter. Holly is a valuable source of food and shelter for a number of birds, mammals and insects. Thrushes, robins, dunnocks, finches and goldcrests use it for … [Read more...] about Don’t over trim your holly bush
Cold Weather
Bittern numbers increase
Bittern numbers are on the increase, according to the latest research. This threatened heron has enjoyed its most successful year since it recolonised the UK in 1911, following 25 years of British extinction. Conservationists add that this year’s success is even more remarkable, following the long spell of cold weather earlier in the year, which was known to have … [Read more...] about Bittern numbers increase
Raccoon filmed wild in the UK
Wildlife Trust cameras have captured the first raccoon ever filmed in the North East of England. The North American mammal was photographed and filmed in a garden in County Durham by cameras operated as part of the North East Wildlife Trusts WildPlaces project. The owners of the house, who are not being identified, are members of Durham Wildlife Trust, and contacted the … [Read more...] about Raccoon filmed wild in the UK
First signs of Spring in Cumbria
Looking out into the garden this afternoon we can see the first signs of spring. After all the cold icy weather the first shoots and flowers are starting to appear indicating the winter will soon be behind us. … [Read more...] about First signs of Spring in Cumbria
Big Garden Birdwatch 30-31 January 2010
Now in it's 31st year the RSPB big Garden Birdwatch is hoping to gather even more sightings of garden birds than ever before. Around half a million people are expected to be watching the garden birds this weekend (30-31 January 2010) for the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch. As Britain has endured its harshest winter since the launch of Big Garden Birdwatch over 30 years … [Read more...] about Big Garden Birdwatch 30-31 January 2010