There are a number of shrubs that have branched woody stems, which can grow to about one metre in height; and are associated with heaths and bogs.  There is heather, bilberry, cowberry, crowberry and bearberry.   However, the actual height of these plants is dependent on their level of exposure to the elements (elevation and aspect) -  particularly wind, the nature of the soil (its pH, nutrient and water status) and the level of grazing by herbivores (deer, sheep, rabbits). Read more...

Hopefully, you can print out this quiz and then ask your Christmas guests and family what they know about the Christmas tree. 1. In the UK, what is the most common species commercially grown for Christmas Trees? 2. Roughly how many commercially grown Christmas Trees are harvested in Europe each year? 3. In the US, how many artificial Christmas Trees are sold each year? 4. How old is a typical Christmas tree? 5. Roughly how many Christmas trees can you grow in an acre? Read more...

One of my passions is wood turning, from bowls and pots to spindles and tool handles but just lately it has become pen making, with a few specialist tools and lots of off cuts of wood within minutes you can create a wonderful item that will give much enjoyment.    So here I will share a little how to and hope that it helps others to find the joy I get from making these, First we start with the style of pen , there are many on the market from slim line to euro, some are fat some are thin and they all start out life as a kit which usually consists of brass tubes, a tip, a ring and an end, from there the next thing is to decide on wood or acrylic or wood, although I have made both i prefer wood its far more tactile and brings a personal touch to the pen. Read more...

Three evergreen plants come to mind at this time of year - Holly, Ivy and Mistletoe.   Holly and Ivy are 'immortalised' in "The Holly and the Ivy" , a traditional  Christmas carol. Both holly and ivy have been part of church decoration  since the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries (as recorded in churchwardens’ accounts).   Mistletoe, (also known as “the golden bough” or Viscum album), is well known for its connection to Christmas, in particular for the custom of “kissing underneath the mistletoe”.   Mistletoe associations go way back and there are many customs and myths surrounding the plant. For example, Druids greatly revered it, believing that it held the soul of the host tree. It would be cut from sacred oak trees with a golden sickle.   It was used in folk / herbal medicine to treat a variety of ailments.  Now, like many plants, mistletoe is being investigated for its phytochemicals and possible medical uses. Read more...

Deer stalking in your woodland can ensure a healthy herd is maintained locally, provide you with a supply of venison, and help to alleviate the problems of overpopulation of deer.  Too many deer can lead to damage to trees, woodland flora, wildlife habitats, and poor health for the deer themselves if their numbers are greater than the habitat can support.  With rapidly rising deer populations across the UK, having some sort of deer management plan is useful for woodlands of all sizes.  Owners of smaller woodlands will often club together to develop a plan often organised by a deer stalker - these arrangements have good side effects in that neighbouring owners meet up and advance their common interests. Read more...