As the sun sets on the horizon and the gentle rustling of leaves fills the air, a network of arteries flows silently across the Earth, sustaining life and connecting cultures. These are the rivers, the lifelines of our planet, and on September 24th, 2023, we come together to celebrate and reflect upon their significance on World Rivers Day. This an...
As the vibrant days of summer give way to the crisp, golden hues of autumn, it's essential to understand the natural life cycle of wildflowers. You might have noticed our homepage notice, reassuring you that even though the seasons are changing, your wildflowers are still very much alive and well. Let's take a closer look at what this means and why...
September 5th is Amazon Rainforest Day, commemorated across Brazil since 1850 to mark the creation of the Province of Amazonas. The Amazon rainforest is of paramount importance to both UK residents and the entire world due to its significant impact on global climate, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. Here's why: Climate Regulation: The Amazon a...
Honey bees are fascinating and vital insects that play a crucial role in pollinating plants and contributing to the biodiversity of our planet. Not only do they provide us with delicious honey and beeswax, but they also help sustain countless agricultural crops. Identifying honey bees is an essential skill for nature enthusiasts, beekeepers, and an...
Step into the world of meadows and grasslands with the Big Meadow Search, a captivating initiative sweeping across the United Kingdom and Ireland. Developed by the Carmarthenshire Meadows Group, this project is set to enlighten minds about the marvels of grasslands while meticulously documenting their diverse plant species. In the calendar of 2023,...
Native plant specialist Cumbria Wildflowers has come a long way from its humble beginnings over a decade ago. More than just cultivating flowers, this Lake District-based firm is growing its capabilities, capacity, and impact on habitat restoration across the UK. Founded in 2011 by lifelong nature enthusiasts, Cumbria Wildflowers started as a small...
In a world brimming with biodiversity, few creatures hold the key to ecological balance and agricultural prosperity quite like the humble honey bee. These industrious insects play an essential role in pollinating crops, contributing to the global food supply and sustaining countless ecosystems. Recognising their vital importance, National Honey Bee...
Gardeners and enthusiasts across the United Kingdom are gearing up to celebrate a remarkable milestone – the 21st anniversary of National Allotments Week. Established by The National Allotment Society (NAS) two decades ago, this annual event serves as an occasion to promote the manifold benefits of allotment gardening, foster community engagement, ...
In the warm embrace of a vibrant meadow, a delicate dance of colours and creatures unfolds. Among the many wildflowers that sway in the gentle breeze, Birds foot Trefoil, Cat's Ear, Hawkbit, Kidney Vetch, Wild Thyme, and Red Clover stand out as alluring gems, drawing the attention of three enchanting butterfly species: the Common Blue, Small Skippe...
As the warm rays of the sun paint the UK's meadows and gardens with vibrant colours, an annual event called "The Big Butterfly Count" takes flight. This enchanting initiative, orchestrated by Butterfly Conservation, aims to not only mesmerise us with the beauty of butterflies but also to raise awareness about their declining populations and the cru...
Have you ever encountered a creature that's part bird, part insect, and entirely captivating? Meet the Hummingbird Hawkmoth, a fascinating species that's a true master of mimicry. Join us for The Big Butterfly Count and be on the lookout for these beautiful creatures – they might just leave you in awe! A Moth Like No Other At first glance, you migh...
International Bog Day, observed on the third Sunday of July each year, is a time to raise awareness about the significance of bogs in supporting biodiversity and preserving delicate ecosystems. These unique habitats play a crucial role in sustaining specialist peatland plants such as Sphagnum species and peat bog wildlife, and Cumbria Wildflowers i...
Every year, on July 28th, people around the globe come together to celebrate World Conservation Day. This significant occasion serves as a reminder of the crucial role that conservation plays in protecting our planet's diverse ecosystems and biodiversity. It is a day to raise awareness about environmental issues and to inspire action towards safegu...
Nature has a way of captivating our hearts and souls, and one of the most enchanting creatures that grace our surroundings are butterflies. These delicate creatures, with their vibrant colours and graceful flight, bring joy to our lives. From the 14th of July through to the 6th of August, nature enthusiasts across the United Kingdom will unite for ...
The natural beauty of England's Lake District conceals a little-known threat to its rivers and streams: excess silt. As rainwater runoff carries sediment from the fells into the waterways, it can alter riverbeds, increase flood risk, and smother aquatic plants and gravel spawning grounds needed by migratory fish, such as salmon. At Wasdale Beck in ...