Environment
Wildlife Trusts Great Big Nature Survey is live
The UK’s largest people and nature survey run by the Wildlife Trusts seeks to understand how public opinion on surrounding nature is changing over time.
Environment
Artificial grass turns off prospective house buyers, claims Winkworth
Winkworth Estate & Letting Agents explain that in addition to negative aesthetic and environmental impact, the use of artificial grass can be damaging to properties affecting appeal and value.
People
Frances Tophill partners with Chef & Brewer to create biodiverse, sustainable pub gardens for the chain
Presenter, author and designer, Francis Tophill is working with Chef & Brewer to improve their pub gardens, making them more sustainable, biodiverse spaces
Business
B&Q commits to selling only peat-free plants by 2026
The DIY and home improvement retailing company, B&Q have sold only 100% peat-free bagged compost since 2023, but have elevated their commitment to also selling only peat-free plants by 2026.
Design
The Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam greenhouse to become completely climate neutral
The eye-catching Amsterdam Hortus Botanicus greenhouse is being renovated to become completely sustainable, heated without gas – providing an inspiring example to all.
Wildlife
Latest Breeding Bird Survey reveals severe Swift, Curlew and Turtle Dove declines
The latest Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) revealed healthy Red Kite and Nuthatch populations, but also severe declines for birds such as Swift, Turtle Dove and Curlew.
Environment
The new RHS Environmental Innovation Award goes to World Child Cancer garden
Designed by Giulio Giorgi, the World Child Cancer Nurturing Garden wins the new award that recognises efforts made to reduce footprint at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Wildlife
Making bird feeding safer for wild birds
When it comes to supplementary feeding and the use of bird feeders, what exactly are we doing?
Dick Woods
Research
Ten years on: The Living Ash project
Established in 2013, the Living Ash Project (LAP) aims to restore ash as a thriving broadleaved species in the future.
Business
Royal Horticultural Society & Garden Centre Association list of peat-free only compost retailers
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and the Garden Centre Association (GCA) have produced a list of garden centres and retailers that stock only peat-free growing media.
Business
The Farewell Flowers Directory launched
Launching this week, is the first online service to connect people to independent funeral florists offering natural, beautiful and compostable floral arrangements across the UK
Environment
B&Q’s plant pot recycling stations
The DIY and home improvement retailing company, B&Q have recently launched plastic plant pot recycling stations in over 100 of their stores across the UK.
Wildlife
Hedgehog conservation initiaves
To mark the upcoming Hedgehog Awareness Week (5th – 11th May), thedirt.news sheds light on the various conservation campaigns and initiatives working to halt their decline.
Environment
The Lego Flood House: from vulnerable to flood resilient
Designed by Dr. Edward Barsley and Blue Heart, the Lego Flood House aims to help highlight the impacts of flooding and benefits of adaptation and resilience.
Environment
An estimated £2.9million spent on UK gardens, is wasted due to flood risk, says Flood Re
New data from Flood Re suggests that due to low awareness and understanding of flood risks, people in the UK are wasting £2.9 million per year on their gardens.
Environment
Two men charged for iconic Sycamore Gap tree felling
Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers have been charged with criminal damage for cutting down the 200 year old Sycamore Gap tree last September.
Health
New compulsory bird registration rules
Regardless of the size of the flock, Defra has announced compulsory registration requirements for all bird keepers to combat avian influenza outbreaks.
Gardens
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh seeks support to save the Palm Houses
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh needs to raise £250,000 towards completion of the Palm Houses restoration to ensure their ongoing to legacy inspire and educate.
Wildlife
Further insect declines highlighted in 2023 Bugs Matter citizen science survey
The Bugs Matter Survey report reveals that the abundance of flying insects sampled on vehicle number plates has fallen by a staggering 78% since 2004.
Environment
Forestry Commission on reducing plastic tree guards usage
The Forestry Commission outlines their move towards more sustainable forestry with plastic usage reduction and recycling programmes.
