Beech – November’s species of the month
Beech – Fagus sylvatica I love beech trees… I shouldn’t have favourites, but this is definitely in my top 5! From the elegant, sweeping limbs to the perfection of its canopy in spring, summer and autumn. From the beautiful catkins to its knobbly beech mast and long, delicate leaf buds. Not to mention that its trunk looks like an elephant’s foot (and who doesn’t love an elephant) this is a species that has me captivated year-round. Did you know that copper beech is something which happens spontaneously, and can either be on one or two branches, or the whole tree.…
Robin red-breast – October’s species of the month
Robin – Erithacus rubecula With migration firmly in my mind for this month, I thought I would share some information about a much-loved and familiar bird species that mostly stays close to home. The robin (aka Robin red-breast) usually doesn’t move more than 5km from its territory at any time of the year, although some females will migrate to warmer areas of southern Europe ahead of the winter. Those which remain during the winter season are fiercely territorial and both sexes sing during this time of the year. The singing is intended to prevent physical disputes, but they have been known…
Mute swan – September’s species of the month
Mute swanCygnus olor Whilst my background is as a botanist, I also love birds and one constant in my time in Lancaster has been the remarkable mute swans that nest on the canal. These birds have consistently reared 6-9 cygnets a year (and as far as I can tell it has been the same pair) for 14 years. As a species which doesn’t start breeding until age 4, an average survival age of 10 years, and typically 4-7 eggs, these are remarkable birds indeed. If anyone knows whether these are the same birds, or a succession of different pairs, I…
Nature-based nurturing: A day retreat
A relaxing day of pampering On Thursday 15th February we held our first Day Retreat in conjunction with Amy Gunawan Willow Weaving and Leah Dalby, independent Tropic Ambassador. The theme for the day was the botanicals that featured throughout, we learned information about each species (see below), and used them in our willow-woven heart. The aromatic species (rosemary, lavender and eucalyptus) are all used in the Tropic Skincare products for their naturally beneficial properties (and they smell amazing, too!) and have been used for hundreds (if not thousands) of years by people for this reason. Rosemary, Lavender and Eucalyptus…
Marsh Community Centre project
In December we received our first grant funding from the Pots of Possibility fund (part of the National Lottery Community Fund). This is for a joint project with the Marsh Community Centre where we will be working with local people to: Cook healthy (and more sustainable) meals that are good value, given the cost of living crisis. Provide family activities to encourage participation. Work with cross-generational groups to reduce loneliness and isolation. Use waste- and locally sourced-materials for craft activities. Utilise the existing allotment to grow fruit and vegetables, encouraging groups to get involved and learn more about where food…
The Wellbeing Hour – September
What is ‘Wellbeing’? For our 3 sessions in September we have explore what wellbeing actually is and what we can do to help improve it. We looked at the 5 Ways to Wellbeing and how these might relate to nature: Connect – both with each other and with nature. Learn – with the natural world there is always something we don’t already know. Every day is a school day! Be Active – taking a walk in nature is a great way to do this. Give – both monetary, time and even some lazy ways to help support nature. Notice – really…
Claver Hill – 10th Anniversary
Sunday 27th August 2023 A community farm (in every sense) When they talk about ‘community’ at Claver Hill, it means everything as well as everyone. What do I mean by this? Well, it was clear from our Wellbeing Walk around the space that it is very much managed with the natural community in mind. All too often, we forget that we are part of nature: no matter how much we silo ourselves in buildings and (some) think that we are superior to it. Working with, rather than against, nature has clearly reaped a whole host of rewards at Claver Hill…
Mindfulness and nature
A personal journey Why do I have a photo of a cat here? Well, this was my lovely old Soots when he was in his prime, but I had to say goodbye to him this weekend. Aside from the obvious heart-wrenching grief of losing a precious member of my family, it has made me realise some things, and I wanted to share this in case it helps or inspires you. Firstly, I am a massive worrier and have been for a large proportion of my life. And I overthink. I am saying this with kindness to myself, not judging: it…
The Storey Gardens
Talk & Walk – Saturday 1st July A hidden gem in the heart of Lancaster The Talk The Talk portion of the day was delivered by Janet, a volunteer who has a wealth of knowledge about The Storey Institute and the Gardens. Janet delivered a fascinating insight into the history of the site (the gardens only exist thanks to World War II evacuees being located in The Storey), and how the Tasting Garden came to be. I had no idea that it was a conceptual art installation! The original sculptures from the installation are long gone (sadly, stolen for their…
The magic of June
Dog rose (Rosa canina). Image (c) Ros Jones As a June baby, I am perhaps a little biased that this is the best month of the year. This isn’t without merit, however, as I hope you will see from what I have gathered below. This is based on observations and questions from the Summer Nights walk (3) on 1st June around Fairfield Nature Reserve. There was so much to see, a real abundance for the senses, and so much has changed in the last few weeks. Our walk started from the Cromwell Road entrance to the reserve, through Flora and Fauna.…