As we get into the swing of July some of us are loving the summer sun, me included. BUT, and there’s always a but, when we are busy enjoying BBQ’s with friends and sunbathing it’s important to think about our other garden visitors. For all the birds, bees, and hedgehogs in our gardens so let’s take a quick look at what we can do to make the summer heat a little more bearable for our wildlife.

I really never expected to spend so much time thinking about bees. They hum around my brain constantly, at least they have been for the past year. More specifically, I had never anticipated that I would spend months designing experiments for creatures the size of my thumbnail, hoping they’d cooperate. But here I am, fresh from the whirlwind of my dissertation, with my mind still buzzing (pun absolutely intended) with everything I learned.

There’s something magical about stepping into a garden that feels alive, not just with plants but with birdsong, bees, and butterflies. If you are anything like me you might be finding yourself wanting a pocket sized paradise where nature thrives, not just survives. But achieving it can be a daunting challenge. Some I have done some digging (literally) to explore some simple ways to make your garden a little greener, a little wilder, and a whole lot friendlier to the creatures who call it home.

By now we know why recycling at home is important, and some of you may be a recycling pro! But for those of us who get confused by which wrappers belong in which bin, recycling can be a confusing and daunting task! So, if you need some handy pointers or are just looking for ways to up your recycling game; here are seven easy steps to get you started.

Let’s face it, we all love to receive flowers be it on valentines day or just to make your day more special. Getting a bouquet of carefully arranged flowers makes you feel special, but did you know that the blooms do more then just brighten up your room. They can carry a secret message, and not just from a secret love letter tucked in among the stems. Today lets explore the world of floriography, the “language of flowers.”

Photography is about more than taking a pretty picture, it can be an important tool in engaging people with the natural world. They say a picture paints a thousand words, so it’s no wonder that conservation campaigns use clever photography to highlight the threats facing wildlife. Here we will explore the art of wildlife photography, its impact on conservation efforts, and get that perfect shot with our ‘Neighbourhood Nature’ photography challenge.

I’ll be honest, I am not a morning person! But I do think that waking up can be made just a little easier by turning it into a peaceful morning ritual, helping you to start your day the right way. Picture this: sitting in bed with a cup of herbal tea, fresh honey on toast, and the birds chirping in the garden behind your curtains. Wellness experts call this a ‘slow morning’ ritual, and can help to soothe your nervous system and give you a minuet of calm before a busy day. Today I am going to make some helpful suggestions that you can add to your morning routine, so enjoy earth nerd!