Gus writes: We should be thinking about the challenges to the natural environment and whether we could respond to these in our own small way. There is concern about the decline of insects and especially pollinating bees. This is what
Overwintering biodiversity
This from Chris Packham’s Facebook page recently. Timely advice and a good excuse to be careful when clearing up the plot after winter …
Allotment Ecology
Gardeners World (BBC2 on Friday 21st June) – Frances Tophill visited an allotment in Oxfordshire to meet a gardener (Nadine Mitschunas) who is growing her crops alongside plants attractive to pollinating insects and other wildlife. Nadine works at the same
Of interest to members …
Two items from members that may be of interest this month. Firstly an article on why gardens don’t need pesticides – which is timely following the AGM discussion around the use of chemicals on allotments. The second is an article
Bee walks and nest boxes
Oxford Plan Bee are offering plotholders the chance to attend one of their free upcoming Bee Walks, in either Wytham Woods or Oxford City (with a possible bonus visit to the Botanic Gardens). Walkers will visit some of their solitary
City bees: allotments and gardens can help arrest decline
A recent article in the Guardian reports that allotments, weedy corners and fancy gardens are all urban havens for bees and other pollinators, a study has found. Allotments are particularly good places for pollinators because they provide a mix of