Search - Articles

in it's own slug-trap cup. We had a scoring system which scored plus points for slugs and snails caught, and negative points for each ground beetle or other beneficial insect caught. Guinness was the resounding winner. I'm pleased to say that it works

with buzzing insects. I know the village is slightly nearer the equator than still-hibernating East Dulwich, but this was ridiculous.Dozens of honeybees were bobbing about on the flowers, together with their hoverfly mimics, droneflies (Eristalis tenax

.Types to sow now include crimson clover, fenugreek, field lupins - even broad beans. They germinate and grow quickly and reduce weed growth. Flowering varieties even attract bees and beneficial insects.Nothing could be simpler, and the green manures help break

the garden as an excuse for providing shelter and hibernation hotels for wildlife. Who can argue with that? It's true that many insects and creepy crawlies, frogs, toads and other wildlife do need a place to shelter, and a pristine, tidy garden provides few

years seems to have produced a bumper crop of them. Right now they look stunning in my grass (no, I don't call it a lawn) and the central strip of my drive. They're well loved by many insects and adored by the local rabbits (I wonder if this is a good

valuable nectar and pollen for visiting insects. During the summer months it's important to take precautions against the sun and heat. I always make sure I wear plenty of sunscreen and take a large bottle of water to drink from. I've started visiting

by the tendency of these little birds to strip yellow flowers, such as crocus, but so what? And don't forget that the adults not only eat weed seeds, but they also feed their young with insects and their larvae. All-in-all, sparrows are a delight and a help

as these lovely, helpful insects I've also got a good smattering of the not-so-helpful varieties of wildlife, such as slugs, snails, chafer beetles and assorted aphids.I've also spotted a few cabbage white butterflies hovering around my brassicas. It's hard

might flush out insect prey (they bob more in poor light), be a recognition signal to other wagtails nearby or to disguise them against the rippling and splashing background of the moving water that they regularly frequent.Who knows? My favourite though

in the morning. Examined carefully in the hand of nearly four-year-old, we discussed what could have happened to them, and what funeral arrangements might be appropriate.This is a vulnerable time for these popular and fascinating insects. Having spent several