Steve Ott
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Top shots of 2017 – and ’18
RHS Photo Comp winner. Credit: Picture: Dianne English/RHS Judging the thousands of images submitted to the 2017 RHS Photographic Competition was a ‘Herculean task’, say the judges. The winners and runners-up in each of the nine categories – Celebrating Gardens,…
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Voting for the environment
These animals need protecting. With the General Election fast approaching and canvassers out in force, environmental organisations are urging their supporters to seize the opportunity for a little reverse doorstepping. The next government will be making big decisions about food,…
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Young gardeners green the grey
Greening Grey Britain. Credit: Picture: Royal Horticultural Society Media Image Collection Young people from schools, Scout groups and youth clubs across the UK will be helping community gardening groups to transform unloved local spaces this summer. They will be working…
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Veg on prescription
With fruit and veg this colourful who could say no? The Kindling Trust, a Manchester-based charity promoting social and environmental change, is working with a Stockport GP practice to test the effectiveness of prescribing good food and gardening as an…
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600 turn out for Big Dig
The Big Dig was a big hit with the public! Over 600 Londoners took part in this year’s Big Dig. The event, on April 22, saw 48 school and community gardens across London welcoming new volunteers. Organised by food-growing network…
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Perfect for pollinators… ?
A busy bee diving into some gayfeather. New research has found that many of the plants sold in garden centres as ‘bee-friendly’ or ‘pollinator-friendly’ actually contain dangerous levels of pesticides. Research by Dr Dave Goulson of Sussex University tested 29…
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Wildflowers on the verge
Crested cow-wheat, one of the threatened plants that grow on verges. Credit: Picture: Sandy Wildlife Roadside verges are a vital refuge for wildflowers driven out of farmland, says conservation charity Plantlife, and it is calling on councils to adopt management…
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Jeremy left on the shelf
Jeremy and baby. Credit: Picture: Dr Angus Davison/The University of Nottingham The rare ‘lefty’ snails brought together following a public appeal by Dr Angus Davison of the University of Nottingham have produced their first offspring. More than 170 baby snails…
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The Open Garden Squares Weekend is back, and bigger than ever
By Andrew ShawLondon’s biggest garden visiting weekend will return for its 20th year on June 17-18, 2017. A record 230 London gardens will be open to the public this June, giving visitors the unique opportunity to discover some of the…
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Eat fruit and veg “for a healthy glow
Yet another reason to enjoy tomatoes. People who eat higher amounts of fruit and vegetables are perceived as having more attractive skin than those who are merely suntanned, a new study has found. Research from the University of Newcastle in…
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Project opens at the Weald and Downland Living Museum
By Andrew ShawOver 200 friends of the museum turned out to celebrate the grand opening. Opened by local resident and avid supporter, Hugh Bonneville, the Gateway Project cost £6 million and was largely funded by the Heritage National Lottery. Oxen…
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Eight out of 10 city-dwellers don’t spend enough time in nature
By Andrew Shaw A new poll has found that 80% of people living in British cities feel they’re growing apart from Mother Earth. Around 2,500 people took part in the survey, conducted by YouGov on behalf of The Wildlife Trusts. Almost…
