The year, as we all know, is divided into four seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. With Spring starting on 21st March, Summer on 21st June, Autumn on 21st September, and Winter on December 21st. (These dates are not to…
Features
Wild garlic – Seasonal foraging and food
Last spring, like most of us during the lockdown, I did a lot of exploring in my local area. While wandering through the woodlands and coppices I had discovered on the Dorset/Wiltshire border, I came across loads of wild garlic…
Hedge cutting: when and how to do it – some balance.
There is a lot of outrage over hedge cutting. This gives me so much hope, as it shows a level of emotional investment in these wonderful habitats. Often, this frustration is justified, but sometimes it’s a little misplaced. Let’s have…
Want to Blog – but don’t want the admin?
Want to try to write something? Passionate, or got something to say? This might be the place for you. Read on. We are looking for people that would like an opportunity to write for this site. Anything from regular features…
Fly Agaric – The archetypal toadstool
Fly Agaric (Amanita Muscaria) is regarded as the archetypal toadstool: with a red (often white spotted) cap and white gill is often used as a cartoon representation of fungi. It looks as though it should be deadly poisonous and will…
Rooksbury Mill Nature Reserve – a mosaic of wetlands valuable for wildlife
Formerly used for Gravel extraction, now important for many rare and declining species of wilslife. Andover is fortunate to have Rooksbury Mill Nature Reserve, nestled between the A303 and Watermills Park. The site started life as part of the Rooksbury…
Mindfulness in gardening – connecting with life.
About connecting with the ebb and flow of nature through gardening. This is an article that has previously been published by Psychologies – so I’m going to be lazy and just provide a link. https://www.psychologies.co.uk/mindfulness-gardening
Where to start when creating a new nature reserve
Recording first, and what platforms to use. When creating a new nature reserve either on a large scale, or just creating a wild area in your garden, or improving a wild area, it is best NOT just to get stuck…
Ladies Walk – more than just a walk
Many Andover residents know of Ladies Walk it’s a stunning area with views right across town. The walk was planted with an avenue of trees in 1863 to commemorate the wedding of The Prince of Wales to Princess Alexander. The…
Anton Lakes – an urban paradise
Local residents will be aware of Anton Lakes Nature Reserve. Despite its size and urban setting, there is a variety of important habitats, ranging from lakes to grassland. Wetlands provide ideal conditions for plants like the aromatic meadowsweet, water avens,…