As spring arrives, many garden birds begin choosing nest sites, building nests and raising their young. Species like Blue Tit and European Robin may already be exploring nest boxes, sheds or other…

Dr Cath notices mistletoe appearing in parts of Shropshire where it was previously uncommon and learns that its range is expanding beyond its traditional Midlands stronghold. Research suggests…

Each winter, native and migrant starlings gather in the UK, drawn by softer ground rich in insects and larvae. Though sometimes seen as greedy garden visitors, starlings are striking birds,…

This year brought a small but joyful harvest — homegrown hazelnuts from the garden. From their role as a prehistoric superfood to their place in ancient folklore and everyday superstition,…

Dr Cath Price celebrates a bumper year for hedgerow fruits, with berries and nuts ripening earlier than usual. While some worry this could leave birds short of food later, Cath reassures us that…

Many of us supported wild plants and pollinators this summer by letting our lawns grow instead of mowing.

I must have been about five years old. My brother and I were given shrimping nets and set free to ‘guddle’ in a pond while we were visiting relatives in the Easter holidays. We probably had our…

About mid-February, I noticed the red kites were back. Once again, the skies over our cottage and fields are graced with the flight of these beautiful raptors, and I can stand in the garden, head…

This month I’m hoping for some cold, crisp days when I can get out to the mosses.

With the shorter days and colder weather, December is perhaps a month for staying nearer home, so this month I’m looking at gardens as a wildlife habitat. It’s a good time to plan what you might…