The biggest barrier to British adults continuing their education is cost, with more than a third (35%) saying they’re unable to afford to study, while almost a fifth (19%) say they don’t have time.
A YouGov survey of 2,109 GB adults commissioned by distance learning provider Oxford Opening Learning found that, although 69% of respondents said they could be motivated to learn for any type of new qualification – from GCSEs to PHDs and industry certificates – only just over a quarter of Brits (27%) are likely to actually do so.
The five most common issues that stop adults continuing with education in the future are:
Lack of affordability (35%)
Time constraints (19%)
Not needing any further qualifications (18%)
Lack of motivation (17%)
Lack of energy (17%)
Almost half of millennials (25–34-year-olds) say they are likely to consider studying for a new qualification in the future.
The other barriers that Brits said most commonly stop them studying are that they don’t have the time to devote to it (19%) and feeling that another qualification would be unnecessary because they feel they are educated enough (18%).
As well as respondents also saying that they lack the motivation to study (17%), the same number also said they lack the energy. Many Brits also commented that they deem themselves too old.
The research also revealed that many British adults would be happy to continue learning if they felt they could. Receiving a boost to their pay packet is only the third most common incentive, agreed by three in ten (30%) of Brits , whereas 42% would be more likely to take a course simply out of their own general interest in the subject.
Greg Smith, Head of Operations at The Oxford Open Learning Trust, said: “The fact that so many would like to study further but don’t feel they can points to a lot of misconceptions that people have about adult education.
“For those who think they’re too old, adult learning isn’t only about furthering a career – it’s also extremely beneficial in terms of mental health. There’s evidence to show that, not only does keeping the brain active combat depression and anxiety, but also helps prevent dementia in later life and boosts confidence.
“Studying for a new qualification with a distance learning course is also vastly different to a classroom and can be spread over a longer period to fit in with your current work or lifestyle.
“The initial cost is often far outweighed by the benefits of gaining a new qualification, through an increase in pay, a promotion or a career change.”
Oxford Open Learning’s Top Tips for Adult Learners:
Make the learning experience as relevant and useful as possible. Draw on your personal experiences and link the subject matter to real world benefits for your work and personal life
Make learning as engaging as possible to boost motivation. Use a variety of learning stimuli, such as images, activities, videos, lectures and podcasts to find what works for you
Breaking down information into bite-sized chunks can also help to make it easier to process, and don’t forget to take regular breaks to help you maintain concentration
Master your skills by playing an active role in your learning experience. Exploring the subject matter through self-study and active participation can help you to learn in a way that is meaningful to you
Let learning occur through mistakes. Trial and error can make the learning experience more effective, while the sense of overcoming a challenge can help to boost confidence
More advice on how to overcome perceived barriers to adult education can be read here:
Two patients have spoken out on Skin Cancer Awareness Month about the difference NHS Lothian’s treatment has made to their lives.
Alan Vannan, 62 from Peebles, was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the second most common skin cancer, and has been administered with immunotherapy for two years.
Prior to this, patients like Alan with advanced SCC who’ve exhausted other treatment, such as surgery and radiotherapy, wouldn’t have had other options.
Alan said: “It started with a lump on my neck and cheek, so I went to the GP.
“When I saw the doctor at St John’s, he took one look and diagnosed it as skin cancer and said they’d need to operate on it quickly. A Macmillian nurse, who’s been brilliant, called me on the way home.
“Processing what people are telling you after a cancer diagnosis can be the most difficult part.
“Next was the surgery followed by radiotherapy, which wasn’t easy. Beforehand, I always thought of skin cancer as something minor and easily treated.”
Unfortunately, after his treatment, Alan received the news that the cancer hadn’t gone away.
Alan continued: “That was a difficult time. They couldn’t operate further. It came as a bit of a shock. Mentally, it was hard to process. They told me I had months left and that’s when I went to Dr Mackenzie.
“I was given immunotherapy and it’s the best thing that’s happened to me. I’ve gone from being told I had months to it being two years later.
“As soon as I started taking the drug the wound healed up. For me, it’s been absolutely fantastic. Every time I’ve got a scan I expected it to get worse, but it never has.
“I can’t praise the staff highly enough. The nurses, surgeons, radiologists and oncologists at the Western General and St John’s, and the Macmillian nurses, have all been amazing.”
Dr Joanna Mackenzie, Consultant Clinical Oncologist at Edinburgh Cancer Centre (above), said: “We’re always looking for ways to improve how we support our patients, and this has been a huge step forward in our management of difficult skin cancers.
“To see it make such a difference to people like Alan who, just a few years ago, we wouldn’t have had the tools to help is really fulfilling for us as a team.
“We’re also looking to conduct research to see if immunotherapy can be used at an earlier stage to help a wider number of patients with SCC.”
NHS Lothian last year also invested in a new superficial x-ray machine which treats basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common type of skin cancer.
The machine is used for patients where surgery is not the preferred option, which can be due to other health conditions or the location of the cancer.
BCC is rarely life-threatening but is typically seen on the face and attacks surrounding healthy tissue, sometimes leading to deformity.
Lynda Gordon, 74, from Joppa, said: “About two years ago, I woke up with a hole at the end of my nose, so I contacted the GP.
“I was referred to the hospital at Lauriston and had an appointment to meet with a plastic surgeon, an oncologist and a dermatologist at the Joint Cutaneous Oncology Clinic.
“It was diagnosed as a BCC and I chose to receive radiotherapy.
“An operation would have required taking skin from elsewhere and because I’ve had that before, with an SCC in 2017, I couldn’t go through that again.
“I went for the procedure at the cancer centre in February with this new machine.
“I went every weekday for one week. Staff are lovely and make sure to explain everything. It only takes about two minutes each time.
“The healing process was a bit unpleasant but three to four weeks later it settled, and my nose is looking absolutely fine. I’m really pleased with the results.
“The care provided by staff is just brilliant.”
This Skin Cancer Awareness Month, NHS Lothian is also urging everyone to take simple precautions when enjoying the sun.
Dr Mackenzie continued: “It’s easy for us to think that, because we see many months of cold weather, the summer months can’t cause too much damage.
“But whether at home or abroad, we all need to make the effort to protect our skin.
“Simple ways to do so are avoiding the sun at peak times and wearing high-factor sunscreen as well as hats, sunglasses and clothing which covers sensitive areas more prone to sun damage.
“Please contact your GP if you’re concerned about any unusual changes to your skin.”
If you can’t come this Friday, and you need assistance from me as your local MSP, you can also contact my office via phone on 0131 600 0134 or email me at ben.macpherson.msp@parliament.scot
As the impact of the cost of living crisis hits home for millions of people, Which? shares tips to save consumers hundreds of pounds on their broadband and mobile bills:
Broadband and mobile customers across the country are paying more than they need to for their connections – but reducing these costs doesn’t have to be hard. There are simple things all of us can do to make sure we’re not paying over the odds, such as switching or haggling, taking advantage of perks on offer or ditching costly insurance.
1. Switch provider and save £240 At the end of broadband and mobile phone contracts, Which? suggests switching providers as an easy way to save money. New customers often get affordably priced introductory offers which can cost as much as 90 per cent less than standard tariffs. In some cases, switching could save hundreds per year. Which? research found that broadband customers who switch away from the ‘big four’ providers (BT, Sky, TalkTalk and Virgin Media) typically save hefty amounts on their annual broadband bill – as much as £190. Customers with a TV and broadband package can save even more – over £200. Switching mobile providers netted customers an average annual saving of £40. Customers leaving O2 and Three made the largest savings on average.
2. Haggle at the end of your contract and save up to £162 Providers often expect and invite haggling. The biggest potential savings are available to customers with a TV and broadband deal – when Which? surveyed customers who’d haggled with their provider, it found the average saving was £128. Broadband customers who haggle save an average of £85 annually. Meanwhile, the average mobile customer saved £34 a year by haggling. Customers with the major providers saved even more: the average Three customers saved around £45 a year by haggling, and the average EE customer saved £75.
3. Think twice before taking out a mobile contract and save £288 While contracts allow customers to spread the expense, they often cost more in the long run and are sometimes subject to mid-contract price rises. For those who can afford to buy their phone outright, a low-cost Sim-only deal for the right amount of data you need can save money and help make future payments more predictable. Which? compared prices and found Three selling the iPhone 12 on a 24-month contract with 4GB of data at £42 per month, plus £29 upfront – £1,037 over the term. Purchasing an iPhone 12 outright for £629 with a rolling 30-day contract with Smarty for 4GB of data at £5 per month, could save £288 over the same period.
4. Look out for incentives from broadband providers and get £100 in vouchers Many broadband and mobile providers offer incentives to entice new customers, typically vouchers and reward cards. Sometimes hardware is on offer too – Which? spotted perks such as free wireless speakers, tablets and televisions. Comparison sites often offer vouchers for checking broadband deals through them. Which? found that vouchers for £100 aren’t uncommon – and they’re not only associated with the priciest deals. Researchers regularly spot £50 and £75 vouchers, often for use with Amazon, John Lewis, M&S, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Uber Eats. Consumers can explore which incentives are available using a comparison service, such as Which? Switch Broadband.
5. Don’t overpay for mobile data Premium phones are commonly sold on contracts with high data deals, but for those who aren’t heavy data users, most of that will go to waste. Which? recommends customers keep track of their data and minutes, so they know how much they need. A low data contract such as 5GB of data from ID Mobile costs £6 a month, whereas 100GB of data from EE costs £34 a month. There are plenty of options between these extremes, such as 60GB of data from SMARTY for £10 a month.
6. Check your roaming charges Travellers should ensure they know exactly what their provider will charge for using phone data abroad. Since Brexit, EE, Three and Vodafone have all introduced new charges for using data in Europe, whereas O2 has not. If travelling beyond Europe, the cost can vary dramatically between providers. For example, Which? found that using data when roaming in the US varies dramatically. Plusnet charges £6 per MB, compared to just 20p per MB with Giffgaff, so users could potentially save £5.80 per MB by switching.
7. Be aware of price rises to avoid paying an extra £55 a year Popular providers such as BT, EE, John Lewis Broadband, Plusnet, Shell Energy Broadband, TalkTalk and Vodafone all include price increases in their contracts. Usually, customers are given the right to exit a contract penalty-free if the provider announces a price hike, but if they are included in the terms and conditions of the contract that no longer applies. Customers within their minimum contract period will have little choice but to accept the price increase (or to pay a pricey exit fee to terminate the contract).
However, not every provider specifies price rises in contracts, Virgin Media and Sky stick to ad hoc price rises. Other providers such as Hyperoptic, SSE, Utility Warehouse and Zen Internet all commit to keeping their tariffs the same for the duration of a contract. When Which? looked at the average amounts affected customers pay, it found that this year’s price increase would add as much as £55 to the average customer’s annual broadband bill. Customers can avoid the extra cost by switching away or picking a provider with a fixed price.
8. See if you’re eligible for a social tariff and save a potential £144 Social tariffs help financially vulnerable customers afford their broadband and mobile costs. Customers on a means-tested benefit, such as Universal Credit, could be eligible. However, Ofcom found that out of around 4.2 million households that are eligible for social tariffs, only 55,000 have signed up so far.
Several broadband providers, including BT, Hyperoptic, Virgin Media, and most recently Now and Sky, offer them for customers who receive certain benefits. Vodafone has also recently expanded a social tariff plan for its Voxi mobile network to those receiving benefits, offering unlimited 5G data, calls and texts for £10 for up to six months
While it doesn’t offer a social tariff, TalkTalk partners with the Department for Work and Pensions to offer six months of free fibre broadband to certain jobseekers. However, this isn’t available to all customers; eligibility is determined by Jobcentre staff so those on Universal Credit should ask their Jobcentre Plus work coach if they’re eligible.
The typical standard broadband package costs £27 a month, but social tariffs are available for as little as £15 a month, meaning it’s possible to save a potential £144. Social tariffs for fibre broadband are also available for as little as £15 a month.
9. Take advantage of the extras on offer Some broadband providers also offer mobile and energy deals and offer their customers discounts on other services. For example, EE, Virgin Media and Vodafone can offer discounted mobile phone deals, while SSE and Utility Warehouse often offer discounted broadband and energy bundles.
Which? found other extras on offer from some providers that can also save money. Shell Energy Broadband gives customers access to its Shell Go+ programme, which includes three per cent off 60 litres of fuel per month. Now Broadband offers discounted Now TV services and Virgin Media customers can access discounts via O2 Priority. The savings on offer vary depending on which benefits customers take advantage of. It could be a modest £1.05 for Virgin Media customers who take advantage of a free Greggs sausage roll, or £32 annually for those taking advantage of the discounted fuel on offer from Shell Energy Broadband.
10. Look outside the ‘big four’ mobile providers The majority of mobile customers are with one of the ‘big four’ networks – EE, O2, Three and Vodafone. These providers are often at the more expensive end of the market, particularly for low data packages. To attract customers, virtual providers sometimes run deals on their packages which can mean extra savings. Which? found that opting for a smaller provider could save £240 in the first year. A 10GB Sim-only deal with EE costs £27 a month. Smarty offers 12GB of 5G data for £4 a month for the first three months, and £8 a month thereafter.
11. Refer a friend Many broadband providers, including BT, Virgin Media and Vodafone offer bonuses if satisfied customers refer a friend. These usually come in the form of a gift card, but some providers offer bill credit or money off tariffs instead. For example, BT offers a £50 voucher to both parties.
12. Weigh up mobile phone insurance Customers should weigh up the extras that are bundled into their mobile phone contract, as it could work out cheaper to buy them separately or not at all. Customers might already have contents insurance which may cover mobile phones through personal possessions cover. This protects your belongings whenever you leave your home and could even offer protection when you travel abroad. If their phone is covered by contents insurance, customers could save £120 per year on mobile insurance costing £10 per month.
Adam French, Which? Consumer Rights Expert, said:“Despite the cost of living crisis, many providers have not hesitated to impose above-inflation price hikes, leaving customers feeling the pressure. But, there are steps you can take to minimise the cost of broadband and mobile bills.
“It’s worth shopping around or haggling for the best deal, particularly if you’re out of contract. Which? research has found that haggling with your providers or switching deals could save you hundreds of pounds a year.”
We all love a good bargain, and often these can be found through second-hand items and purchased both online and in-person. While these items are often fine, some may face problems when buying them, particularly if they are purchased online.
Selling experts from second-hand retailer for-sale.co.uk have revealed six red flags you should look out for when buying used items to avoid disappointment, or worse fraud:
The seller asks for payment outside of the app or website:
Many resale sites and apps have security measures for making payments such as the option of a refund if an item doesn’t arrive, however these usually only work through the site itself.
If a seller is pressuring you to make the payment outside of the app, there is a chance that the person is scamming you, and you should avoid them.
The seller is selling a lot at once:
If there’s an item you’re interested in and the seller is also selling a lot of other items at the same time, this may be a red flag.
You should especially watch out for this if all the items they are selling are high value – few people are selling a laptop, a games console, a designer bag, and a phone all at the same time.
If an account on a selling site seems suspicious, avoid it.
If it seems too good to be true, it probably is:
If the item you are interested in is in high demand, consistently sold-out on online retailers, or is priced far below the market price, it is likely a scam.
Follow your gut: if something about the purchase doesn’t feel right, don’t go through with it.
The listing isn’t on a trusted website:
Many reputable selling sites will have in place measures to help protect buyers against scams.
Sites such as Depop and Poshmark authenticate designer items to avoid scams, and some encourage in-person sales to prevent people from selling items which don’t exist.
If you find an item for sale on a site that you don’t recognise or that doesn’t have a lot of positive reviews, it may be best avoiding it.
The seller is asking for money before giving you the item:
Although unavoidable in some cases, such as purchases made over Depop and eBay, if you are purchasing an item from a local seller, you shouldn’t pay until the item is yours.
If you’re collecting an item you’ve purchased online, don’t pay the seller until the item is in your hands and you can be sure it’s not a scam.
Selling items which don’t exist online is a common way for scammers to take your money, and there often isn’t a way of confirming the seller’s identity, meaning that you likely won’t get the money back. To avoid this, pay the seller after you receive the item, wherever this may be possible.
When buying electronic devices, ensure they work:
If an item you’re buying needs to be plugged in, don’t buy it until you’ve tried it. Again, this may be difficult in situations where the item is being sold online, but if the purchase is being made face-to-face, check that it works before buying. If you don’t, you risk being stuck with a broken item that the seller likely won’t accept a refund on.
People across Scotland are being encouraged to put a spring in their step this Easter with a few simple steps from NHS 24 to manage their health safely at home.
NHS 24’s Spring Campaign features lots of simple tips and advice on how to keep you and your family well by preparing for minor illness or bumps and scrapes.
NHS 24’s Medical Director, Dr Laura Ryan says: “Easter is one of the busiest times of year for Scotland’s health services. Lots of people tackle gardening or DIY over the break, so it’s a really good idea to think about what you might need at home to stay safe.
‘Treatments for minor injuries, such as plasters and antiseptic, are always useful to have at home, and your local pharmacy can help with advice about how to treat any minor cuts, bumps, bruises and scrapes.
‘If you have kids at home, some simple medicines such as ibuprofen, paracetamol, cold and hayfever remedies are great to keep in the cupboard to make sure that any sniffles or sore heads don’t get in the way of enjoying the break.
‘This year many GP practices and community pharmacies across Scotland may have different opening hours over Easter so it’s useful to know where to go if you do require medical advice or you have run out of medicines. NHS Inform has lots of symptom checkers on common illnesses so you can get fast, clinically assured advice that can help you decide what to do next. Managing minor ailments at home means we can enjoy Easter and make the most of the holidays.”
General advice and information on how to stay healthy this Easter canbe found at www.nhsinform.scot/spring.
Today, the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA) releases its annual population data, with a record 35m pets in the UK in 2022. Pet ownership is at a peak and 17.4m households (62%) own a pet.
In the UK there are now 13m dogs and 12m cats, 1.6m indoor birds, 1.4m domestic fowl, 1m rabbits, 900k Guinea pigs, 700k pigeons, 600k hamsters, 600k tortoises and 600k horses.
But while 4.7m households (17%) have acquired a new pet since the start of the pandemic, sadly 3.4m (12%) have given up a pet over the last year.
Although over a half (57%) of new pets have been welcomed into homes with children (2.7m households), Gen Z and Millennials represent 53% of those owning new pets (2.6m households). 25% (1.2m) are 16-24 year olds and 29% (1.4m) are 25-34 year olds.
Almost one quarter (23%) of the people in these age groups have been unable to keep their pet and 71% of all relinquishments can be attributed to this demographic (2.1m households). Looking at which pets were relinquished, 60% were dogs and 45% were cats. However, anecdotally, rehoming centres are seeing more small mammals such as rabbits.
Nicole Paley, PFMA deputy CEO, comments: “Reflecting the recent ONS report with its new shopping basket containing a pet collar[iii], we are not surprised to see these strong figures.
“However, on closer inspection, we are concerned about the number of owners who have given up their pet. We are keen to investigate why owners are giving up their pets and where they are being relinquished.
“We believe that many pets are being sold on to recuperate funds, in addition to being taken to rehoming centres. We are working closely with the CFSG (Canine & Feline Sector Group) plus other animal welfare charities to identify what the pet care sector can do to support owners and prevent this from happening.”
The main reason 16-24 year olds gave up a pet was a change in living arrangements with 34% citing this factor. 23% claimed financial obstacles and 22% identified a change in working arrangements.
Behavioural concerns were a reason for 13% of those who relinquished in this age group. For those slightly older aged 25-34 years old, both working and living arrangements were an issue affecting 41% and 39% respectively.
The research revealed that 40% of owners don’t have pet friendly offices with an extra 11% unsure.
Nicole continues: “At the PFMA, we believe there is a need to boost the provision of pet-friendly policies at work and in rental accommodation. There are some excellent campaigns focused on this.
“We also need to ensure that potential pet owners are aware of the full implications of pet ownership and the significant responsibility that comes with a new family member.
“We are active in supporting pet ownership education campaigns such as National Pet Month and we work to promote the many excellent resources provided by the network of UK charities and welfare organisations. Woodgreen, for example, have a service whereby struggling owners are supported in their own homes. Rehoming centres should always be the first port of call for owners unable to cope.”
Linda Cantle, Director of Pet & Owner Support Services at Woodgreen Pets Charity explains: “Sadly, we are seeing the number of requests for intake increase, which has been most significant for dogs and small pet species (rabbits in particular).
“Unfortunately, we cannot always accommodate pets straight away, resulting in concern about how these pets are being rehomed instead. Online or private sales may be worse for pets’ welfare in the long-term, especially if they have significant medical or behavioural needs that go on untreated.
“On a more positive note, we at Woodgreen have seen demand for our outreach, behaviour advice and online workshops increase. Well over 200 people receive support each week, indicating that many owners are keen to work at keeping a pet.
“We’d encourage any owner experiencing problems with their pets to reach out as soon as possible for guidance, as many common issues can be improved in the home with trusted advice and support.”
Pet welfare expert at RSPCA, Dr Samantha Gaines, adds: “The relinquishment figures are very worrying but, sadly, not surprising as we are now starting to see an increase in requests for help and rehoming and particularly with rabbits.
“Bringing an animal home to join your family is a significant commitment and responsibility and the increase in ownership during the pandemic did cause concerns that some people may not have fully considered whether they would be able to properly care for them for the rest of their life.
“We understand that circumstances can change and, sometimes, this leaves families having to make the heart-breaking decision to give up their pets. However, we also know that animals are often signed over to charities, rehomed or even abandoned because people took on a pet without the necessary research or appreciation of the responsibility and commitment.
“Following the surge in pet acquisition during lockdown, with many people now returning to normal life, and with the cost of living rising at a shocking rate, at the RSPCA we fear this is just the start of a pet welfare crisis; and we’re worried that it’ll be charities like us that are left picking up the pieces.
“Pets are wonderful additions to the family, but it is a huge responsibility and people need to do their research. As we have highlighted in our research findings, the burden is too great for some people.
“To address this, the pet industry is working together to educate as many new owners and potential new owners as possible.”
With petrol prices hitting another record high, families and businesses are being hit in the pocket every time they fill the tank.
The RAC said today that it now costs £90 to fill a family car with petrol. The average price of a litre of petrol rose to 163.71p on Monday, and diesel also hit a fresh record of 173.68p.
The war in Ukraine triggered a surge in oil costs.
With prices so high, how do you ensure you get the most out of your tank of fuel? Greentech company SulNOx Group PLC has these top 10 tips:
Maintain your vehicle: Make sure your vehicle is regularly serviced, and regularly maintained between services. If an engine is not serviced regularly, it will use more fuel than one that is well-maintained.
Check your tyre pressure: It’s vital to make sure your tyres are inflated to the pressure shown in the car’s manual. Underinflated tyres can affect fuel economy – and so can overinflated tyres. Remember, your tyre pressure may need to be higher if you are carrying more passengers and/or a heavy load
Slow down: Excessive speed burns more fuel, as does harsh acceleration. Slow and steady wins the race!
Be smooth: In line with point 3, drive as smoothly as possible. Anticipate what’s going on ahead of you and try to slow down gradually by easing off the accelerator.
Easy on the A/C: Air conditioning burns more fuel, so don’t use it unless you need to.
Take it off: Lots of us have roof boxes and roof bars these days – and it’s often easier to leave them on. But the wind resistance caused by doing this means they use more fuel because of ‘drag’.
If you don’t use it, lose it: Lighter cars need less fuel, so don’t carry unnecessary items in the boot or the back seat.
Don’t fill up: The added weight of a full tank of fuel means burning more fuel. Next time, consider only filling half way. Don’t be tempted to run your tank down too much though. Always fill up before the red light comes on.
Get more bang for your buck: Revolutionary SulNOxEco™ Fuel Conditioners improve the combustion of light fuels including gasoline and diesel. In tests, they have proven to reduce fuel consumption by 8-10% and are certified to comply with fuel standards so any warranties remain intact. Adding SulNOx to your tank takes you further and reduces harmful emissions.
Plan ahead: Avoid rush hour black spots if you can. Use your SatNav to keep you on the right track and warn you of any potential hold-ups.
Richard Partington, garden paving expert from Simply Paving, offers his top tips on how to give your garden a well-deserved spring clean this month:
“As we move out of the winter months and start to enjoy those milder days and lighter evenings, getting outside and giving our gardens a spring clean is vitally important to help ensure they are refreshed, nurtured and a welcoming space both for us, and wildlife.
“There are some really simple tasks that you can carry out now that will make an immediate impact – from raking up leaves and debris to giving your patio slabs a clean – and a little bit of prep now will help ensure you can enjoy your outdoor space for longer.”
Clear up winter debris
There’s no escaping the fact that the first step in bringing your garden back to life is clearing out any remnants of winter.
It might feel like a big task initially but once you’ve done that first spring clean, you’ll not only feel a huge sense of accomplishment, but you’ll also find it much easier to stay on top of your garden over the coming months.
Head outside and start by picking up leaves that have collected around your flower beds, in pots and on paving slabs. You’ll be amazed by the transformation, and you’ll be protecting your plants from any harmful bacteria that might be lurking in the debris and muck below.
Get weeding and freshen up your compost
While we’ve been warm and cosy indoors, weeds have had free rein over the winter months and have most likely run wild, so now is the time to clear them out and prepare your soil for the spring.
Firstly, it’s important that you pull out any weeds at the root. Also, make sure you remove any winter mulch which protected your plants through the colder months.
Once all of that organic matter has been cleared away, you can add it straight to your composter, so it doesn’t go to waste. Remember to turn over your compost pile if it’s been laying dormant over the winter months, and you should find excellent mulch at the bottom which is ideal for spreading around your newly cleared flower beds.
Get planting
Now you’ve tidied, prepped and primed your borders, why not add some new blooms? Spring and summer gardens should be bright and colourful, so look at which flowers are suitable for springtime planting.
Rake over your soil to maintain airflow and ensure that when you start to plant new perennials, they will have the best growing matter possible, adding new topsoil as needed. You may also find that some of your existing plants could do with a little TLC so consider re-potting, moving them to a more protected area of the garden or trimming the stems to encourage new growth.
Clean your patio slabs
Whilst plants and lawns are affected by the dank and cold weather, so too is your patio. Often the place in the garden that sees the most footfall during the winter months, it’s important that any hard landscaping forms part of your garden spring cleaning routine.
As a bare minimum, give your paving slabs or block paving a once over with a stiff brush, and make sure to pick up and clean under any pots which can leave marks behind.
To help you get your patio looking its best, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide, which details three easy ways to get your paving gleaming again – and some handy hints to keep it in tip top condition all year round.
Show your lawn some love
Just like your garden slabs, you need to show your lawn some love too. Now is a good time to rake the grass and scarify the ground.
In doing so, you’ll remove any debris or old grass cuttings left over from last season and you’ll allow your lawn to breathe, preventing it from becoming waterlogged. You could also sprinkle new grass seed over your lawn to give your turf a helping hand.
Dust off your outdoor furniture
After all your spring cleaning and tidying, it’s time to start enjoying your newly revitalised garden just as soon as the weather allows, whether that’s dining alfresco or setting up an outdoor bar.
Bring out and uncover any garden furniture which may have been hidden away over the winter months, giving it a good clean with warm soapy water and a sponge to remove any cobwebs or dirt before placing on your garden paving.
Of course, if made of timber, start with a simple clean and then use the appropriate wood oil to seal it so it is protected from the elements.
Richard Partington – Garden Paving Expert at Simply Paving
Richard is one of the most experienced members of the Simply Paving team, having been with the company since 2006. He is responsible for simplifying the product choice on simplypaving.com and is dedicated to knowing the technical attributes of every product.
During his time at Simply Paving, Richard has picked up a wealth of knowledge about the laying and maintenance of patios and driveways.
Police haveseen an increase in catalytic converter thefts recently, they can be attractive items to thieves, due to the precious metals they contain (rhodium, platinum, palladium).
Hybrid vehicles are frequently targeted as they have two power sources, therefore the converter is used less frequently and the metals less corroded.
Vans and SUV’s are particularly at risk, as their high clearance makes access to the exhaust system easier.
To reduce the risk of theft:
Park in a locked garage where possible, alternatively choose a well-lit, populated area ideally with CCTV.
Avoid parking half on the pavement and half on the road, this will make it easier for thieves to access the converter.
In car parks, park alongside other vehicles and face the bonnet towards a wall if possible, to make accessing the cat convertor more difficult.
Vehicles with low clearance could be used to block access to those with high clearance.
Welding the bolts securing the cat converter may make removal more difficult.
Consider using forensic property marking kits (Selectamark / Catloc) which help deter theft and identify stolen cat convertors
Fit a ‘catloc’ (Secured By Design accredited) to prevent removal of a cat convertor.
Fit a tilt sensor which will activate the car alarm should the vehicle be jacked up.
If you see anyone acting suspiciously near to your property or vehicles please contact the police immediately with as detailed a description as possible of any person(s) or vehicle(s) involved.
Please call ‘999’ if an emergency and urgent police assistance is required or 101 to report the matter to the police.
