Category Archives: Just for fun :)

Garden projects, how to take the perfect bird picture, recipes for humans, pets or for wildlife, building projects; whatever it is we want to hear your best ideas!
So email us your photos and a few words about what it is and we will post it here ?

My best idea ever was to turn empty jam jars into Penny Jars – today we make almost £10 every day just on pennies! Are you saving your pennies for Hallswood?

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Going on a garden bug hunt

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Going on a Garden Bug Hunt

 

How many minibeasts do you think to live in your garden?
We often see ants, little flies, bees, and slugs, but what else might we find and where should we look for them? Well, creepy crawlies often like to find somewhere a little bit hidden so that they don’t get munched up by birds, so we could start looking for hiding places underneath things. What have you got in your garden to look underneath?
Any pieces of wood lying about, or logs? They make great insect hunting grounds! What about stones, or bricks, or plant pots? Can you find anything under there? Take a soft paintbrush and an empty jam jar with you so that you can gently place any creature you want to have a good long look at in the jar, but remember not to leave it in there too long, and always remember to place it back very carefully just where you found it.

Keep a pad of paper and a pencil with you, and maybe you could draw or record what creatures you find. If you aren’t sure what they are, could an adult help you? A magnifying glass would be really useful if you have one. Always remember to leave the creatures you find in the place where they were, nobody wants to find the best caterpillar ever, and then have it get eaten by a bird!

Please let us know what you find!

Thank you for the photo Matthew Jones www.dmjnature.co.uk

Water for wildlife – Wildlife gardening

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Let there be WATER!

Water is literally a lifesaver and contrary to popular belief, it is essential to help wildlife with this basic need all year round.
We often see and hear people encourage you to provide water during the hottest day of the year but what about during that long dry spell in June or those freezing days in January?

The obvious thing people think about is a pond but you don't have to go that big to be able to help! A shallow dish with water kept topped up, will do nicely.
Things to think about are:
*Keeping it clean
*Keeping it safe with escape routes for tiny creatures
*Keeping it ice-free in the winter (but do not add salt or de-icer please. Just break the ice)
*Try putting it in a safe spot where smaller birds fell secure

It is as simple as that really 🙂

We would love to see how you provide water in your gardens, green space or balconies! Pop a comment on this post with your best tip and/or picture!