Nature journaling: A Sense of Place

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Nature journaling: A Sense of Place

Social media is a wonderful way to connect with kindred spirits, but has its downsides too.  It’s  easy to believe from all of those attractive posts and beautiful photos that everyone else’s life is so inspiring and interesting, compared to our own!

The same thing's true about our encounters with the natural world. I'm often guilty of this! I see people who live in stunning locations, having incredible wildlife in their neighbourhood, and I sigh. Then I  remind myself ……

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Nature in Mind - Watching Butterflies

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Nature in Mind - Watching Butterflies

Butterflies are simply gorgeous, aren't they?  They're iconic, and so often portrayed as the very essence of nature. 

These little beauties aren't just about looks, though. They benefit the environment as important pollinators with a key position the food chain, and  act as indicators for the health of our ecosystems.  Their fascinating life-cycle, (from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis) is one of the wonders of nature, and a great way to teach children about the natural world.   

Watching butterflies is good for us!

UK mental health

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Little Wild Patch in April: Bumblebee Rescue

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Little Wild Patch in April: Bumblebee Rescue

Spring is here in the UK; well, sort of. There was a sunny, warmish start, but that's been quickly followed by cold and wet, wet, wet (and not the 80's band). Normally I'd be hoeing and planting seeds for the summer, but it's going to be a late one this year.

It's not all bad news.  Blossom time is set to go full scale shortly, and I've seen several hardy birds with beaks full of nesting material. A pair of jackdaws are building in the roof of a house opposite (probably not great news for the owners)  but it's brilliant for us to watch them popping in and out!

There are so many things that make me feel excited in the springtime.  Especially early flying bumblebees. I've talked about how important it is to have flowering plants ready to feed these brave little creatures, but, they may also need another kind of help.......

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House Sparrows: Nothing is Ordinary!

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House Sparrows: Nothing is Ordinary!

House sparrows are in decline in the UK. Never did I think that I'd see the day these funny, friendly little birds, in their vast numbers would become endangered. It was unthinkable. We don't know why they're in decline, but, like many other species they now need our help to survive.

As I watched our flock of sparrows this week, I was reminded that until the end of last year we had never had one in our wildlife garden.  We changed the seed mix we use, and, wham! 

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Squirrel Antics

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Squirrel Antics

I suspect a lot of you are watchers, and probably feeders, of the visitors to your garden. One of the favourite guests to our feeding stations are grey squirrels. Yes, they can do a lot of damage; we continually need to replace our peanut dispensers, and rescue tulip bulbs,  but what fun they are to watch! If I'm feeling a bit low on a gloomy day, these characters never fail to cheer me up with their wonderful games and acrobatics.

Who needs a sports channel for entertainment? ' The Squirrel Games' are much more exciting - and there are no adverts!

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