Research
Solar farms can boost pollinator habitats & diversity
A five-year U.S. based study published in Environmental Research Letters reveals that solar farms can be hotspots for wildlife if seeded with wildflowers.
Gardens
Biodiversity: Every garden matters
New research paper by Garden Organic reveals how gardens are a key tool in tackling biodiversity loss.
Plants
Recovery of lost apple varieties
In association with Sanfords Orchards, the University of Bristol apple genotyping research project will be sampling heritage varieties from RHS Rosemoor to help recover lost West Country apples.
Research
Wetlands, parks and botanical gardens among the best ways to cool cities during heatwaves
Review led by the University of Surrey reveals that botanical gardens can cool the city air by 5°C during heatwaves.
Environment
Pollution is changing the scent of flowers
Sensory pollution arising from human activity is degrading the chemical compounds responsible for floral scents, confusing insects trying to locate flowers.
Research
Scientists reveal why blueberries are blue
Researchers at the University of Bristol have revealed that the tiny external structures in the wax coating of blueberries give them their blue colour.
Research
Nature’s therapeutic power: study on the psychophysiological effects of touching grass
Study reveals that touching real grass increased relaxation, comfort, a sense of naturalness and decreases anxiety levels.
Research
Sound waves appear to stimulate soil
A new study on sonic restoration has found that fungi respond to noise in soil, unlocking potential for improved ecosystem recovery.
Research
Lichen survives in space
Attached to outside of the International Space Station, lichen survived 18 months raising prospect life could exist on Mars.
Research
The enigma that is, the sunflower
Research shows that sunflower solar tracking and phototropism is more complicated than expected.