AUTUMN is upon us! It’s the season for muddy woodland walks and enjoying the delights this time of year has to offer.
The trees will shed, and you’ll find yourself kicking through piles of crunchy golden leaves on walks. Tree seeds will also ripen and fall, and you’ll find heaps of acorns and shiny conkers on the ground.
Although autumnal walks with your dog can be beautiful, it’s important to be aware of the seasonal dangers that could be harmful to them.
PDSA Vet Lynne James says: “Acorns and conkers perfectly signify the seasons changing, and whilst we may enjoy collecting or playing with them, don’t forget that they can be a danger for our pets if they’re swallowed.
“Thankfully, the bitter taste stops most pets eating them, however they can be tempting to play with and some owners enjoy throwing conkers for pets to catch without realising the risks.
“They can easily swallow them, causing tummy upsets or even a potentially life-threatening blockage of their throat or intestines. Not forgetting they do also contain toxins, which can be harmful to pets.
“If your pet is showing signs of choking on an acorn or conker, this is when pet first aid can become a life-saver. We would advise pet owners to download our free pet first aid guide and learn a few very basic steps to help protect your pets.”
What to do if your pet is choking
“A choking pet will usually have difficulty breathing, make choking sounds, might paw at their mouth and you might see their lips, gums and tongue turning blue.
“Although panic can be a natural reaction in an emergency, try to keep yourself and your pet calm. If they are choking and conscious, try to gently open their mouth to look for something that’s stuck. If you can see a blockage in their mouth, you can use tweezers from your pet first aid kit, or a strong pen to remove it. Always take care when putting anything in your pet’s mouth and never use your fingers as they may panic and could bite you by accident.
“If you can’t remove it and your pet is collapsed and unconscious, lay your pet on their side and place both hands on the side of your pet’s rib cage. Then push quickly and firmly or strike the rib cage with the flat of your hand three to four times – the idea is to push air and the object out of their lungs.
“If you are still unable to dislodge the object, call your vet straight away for an emergency appointment.
“Contact the vet even if you successfully remove the blockage or if your pet clears the object but is still coughing.
Acorns
“Acorns contain a toxin that if ingested, can upset your pet’s stomach, and make them sick. Although rare, if eaten in large amounts, acorns can even cause kidney and liver failure. It’s actually unripe, green acorns that are more poisonous than brown ones, but all parts of the oak tree are poisonous if eaten!
Conkers
“Conkers contain a mixture of toxic compounds which may cause signs of poisoning, such as vomiting, diarrhoea and collapse. They do have a bitter taste that puts most pets off from eating a lot of them, however if consumed in large amounts, conkers can cause more serious effects, and in some rare cases, can even be deadly.
“It’s important to know what signs to look out for, should your pet get their paws on acorns or conkers and consume them. Signs of illness will usually show within a few hours following chewing or ingestion, but can be delayed for up to a couple of days. The most common signs include:
Loss of appetite
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Restlessness
Collapsing
“Should your pet show any of the above, or other unusual signs, it could be an indication that they are unwell. Always seek advice from your Vet as soon as possible.”
Make the most of the outdoors in Edinburgh and the Lothians this autumn with the National Trust for Scotland and create shared memories to treasure, with the opportunity to take part in stunning outdoor walks through spectacular autumnal gardens and fun-filled playparks for the whole family to enjoy.
As Scotland’s largest conservation charity, the National Trust for Scotland shares and protects over 100 places across the country thanks to the help of its members and supporters, including Malleny Garden and Newhailes Estate. With a wealth of captivating places to discover, wildlife to wonder at and picturesque landscapes to immerse yourself in.
Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure, a fun day outdoors with the family, or an opportunity to witness Scotland’s natural heritage through a relaxed guided tour, there are experiences to be shared at Trust places across the country.
At Gladstone’s Land, history lovers can explore the new immersive visitor experience and discover the fascinating lives of the people who once lives in the property – the perfect way to get children and young people engaged with and excited about Scotland’s history.
With guided tours available at numerous Trust places, those with a passion for Scotland’s history and heritage can learn more while exploring some of the region’s most interesting places.
For the perfect autumnal walk just half an hour’s drive from the capital, the House of the Binns parkland trail has it all. Discover woodland wildlife, wander amongst ancient trees and take in the rewarding views.
Create memories to remember as you discover the prominent and breath-taking landmarks around the estate. For those willing to venture slightly further afield, in October and November, animal lovers may spot grey seal pups at a number of National Trust for Scotland places, like St Abbs Head in the Scottish Borders.
In Edinburgh and the Lothians this autumn, visitors can experience a range of activities for all ages across Newhailes, Georgian House and Gladstone’s Land.
Families can visit the spooky Haunted Woodland at Newhailes this autumn and enjoy an eerie trail through the woods. In the city centre, fans of the hit tv series Game of Thrones can enjoy learning all about the real Scottish events that inspired iconic moments from the hit show, like the infamous ‘Red Wedding’ at Gladstone’s Land on 23rd November.
Stuart Maxwell, Regional Director for Edinburgh and the East at the National Trust for Scotland, said: “At the National Trust for Scotland, we look after and provide access to a wonderful breadth of places across Scotland, with many looking at their very best as the leaves change.
“Whether you’re looking for a family day out, to make memories with friends, share a new experience with a loved one or get a boost from connecting with Scotland’s nature, beauty and heritage, there’s a place and activity for everyone across the over 100 properties our charity is proud to care for.
“In and around Edinburgh this autumn, our visitors can embark on a scenic cycle around Newhailes House & Garden estate, or enjoy the hidden treasure that is Malleny Garden, a tranquil oasis on the outskirts of the city.
“Thanks to the support of our members, visitors and donors we’re able to continue protecting and sharing Scotland’s special places, providing a backdrop for memories that last a lifetime.”
· Historic city centre hotel partners with sleep specialist Donna Fairley to create a recipe for the ideal winter’s night sleep as the UK prepares for clocks to change
· InterContinental Edinburgh The George has also worked with independent Scottish perfume house, Jorum Studio, to create a new bespoke scent – featuring Scottish botanicals of lavender and gorse – to help guests drift off
· Guests will also have access to in-room yoga sessions from Hot Yoga Edinburgh, to relax the mind and body
· The room add-on service is bookable from 30 October when clocks change to Greenwich Mean Time for winter
Travellers to Edinburgh will have even sweeter dreams from October at InterContinental Edinburgh The George, as the luxury hotel launches A Moment of Tranquillity aimed at helping guests to unwind and get a great night’s sleep in time for the season changing.
The historic city centre hotel has worked with a selection of local partners to develop the ultimate relaxation package, which will launch on 30th October to coincide with the clocks changing.
Partnering with behavioural sleep expert Donna Fairley, a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist for Insomnia from Sleep Consultancy Ltd in Edinburgh, the hotel has gathered expert tips on counteracting issues that the changing seasons can bring to slumber, to create the new room add-on package.
InterContinental Edinburgh The George has also worked with Scottish perfume house Jorum Studio to develop a signature scent, which will be spritzed during a luxury turndown service.
Jorum was established in 2010 by Euan McCall as one of Scotland’s first fragrance houses. In 2019, Euan launched Jorum Studio with his partner, Chloe Mullen, and the pair have been building a new, world-class perfume making industry in Scotland from their base in Edinburgh’s charming Stockbridge. Jorum crafts everything in-house, creating innovative and eclectic fragrances with the highest quality materials.
The new sleep-inducing room spray is named after the winter Celtic Goddess Cailleach, and encapsulates the soothing scents of chamomile, jasmine, ylang ylang, lavender and raspberry. The luxurious soft musk-based fragrance also features gorse, in a nod to the Scottish landscape that has inspired much of the interiors of the luxury property.
Meanwhile, to help guest clear their minds before sleep, yoga studio, Hot Yoga Edinburgh, has provided a bespoke aromatherapy yoga class and morning wake-up routine, available for guests to view in room.
Instructor Allison Harrison will guide guests through a restorative series of gentle seated and standing positions to help clear the mind, relax the body and reduce stress levels.
Michael Martin, General Manager at InterContinental Edinburgh The George, comments: “We know that whether you are travelling for work or play, sleeping well can help you to have a far more successful and enjoyable trip.
“Our specially curated Moment of Tranquillity package will help guests relax and enable them to have the dream stay in any of our splendid rooms.
“Everyone wants to get the most from exploring beautiful, historic city destinations like Edinburgh and our new offering will allow guests to wake up refreshed after a peaceful night sleep, ready for the day ahead.”
Behavioural sleep specialist, Donna Fairley, comments: “Autumn is a wonderful time for long nights, curling up with cosy blankets and relaxing by the fire. Getting a good night’s sleep in winter should seem like no problem.
“However, for some people, winter can wreak havoc on sleep quality and quantity, particularly when we set our clocks back one hour for daylight saving time. If you’re busy and travelling, perhaps even more so.
“During the first few days after setting the clocks back, you will also notice that it’s bright outside in the mornings and becomes dark at an earlier time each evening. If you’re one of those people who finds that these colder, shorter months mean more tossing and turning at night it may be because fewer hours of daylight in the winter can have a big impact on your sleep-wake cycle.
“There is no single fix for everyone but there are great sleep hygiene tips available. These scientifically validated tips have been included in ‘A Moment of Tranquillity’ to help visitors get the best night’s sleep possible in the luxury surroundings of InterContinental Edinburgh The George.”
Donna’s top tips and strategies for practicing good sleep hygiene:
1. Establish a consistent routine, try and keep a regular bed and wake time, including at the weekend, as this can help prepare you for time changes.
2. Get sunlight exposure as soon as you get up. Get outdoors in the morning, soon after the sun comes up. If that’s not possible, try to at least sit by a window during the first few hours of daylight.
3. Caffeine should be consumed in the morning as it can enhance performance. Caffeine consumed within six hours of bedtime can disrupt your sleep cycle. Avoid alcohol close to bedtime. Alcohol has a sedative effect and will make you fall asleep quickly, but it has been linked to poor sleep quality and duration.
4. In the evening, dim lighting is important. The bedroom should be as dark as possible with black-out blinds and lined curtains. When you are ready to sleep, the room should be so dark you cannot see your hand.
5. The bedroom should not be too hot; the ideal temperature is around 18 degrees Celsius. A drop in room temperature should start around two hours before you go to sleep, coinciding with the release of the sleep hormone melatonin.
6. If you tend to be a worrier, factor constructive ‘worry time’ into the early evening but not too close to bedtime. Try to think about what went well that day. Have a to-do list for outstanding tasks for the following day, so that when you waken during the night, you can reassure yourself that everything is in hand. Let it go!
7. Relaxing scents and fragrances can help you unwind.
8. Have a hot bath or shower two hours before bed, using scented oils to help you unwind. This will not only help you to relax but will initially raise your body temperature which will then fall and thereby optimise the natural effects of melatonin.
9. Practice stretching before bed. Yoga has been proven to initiate and allow for a deeper, more relaxing sleep.
10.With its soothing and mildly sedative effect, chamomile tea prior to bedtime can help with sleep.
InterContinental Edinburgh The George is perfectly nestled in Edinburgh’s old town. Each of its rooms and suites sit above the city bustle with a colour palette matching the Scottish landscape of Highland glens to forest ferns and mountain heathers.
Luxury interiors with homely design touches including throws, bathrobes and black-out curtains, make it the ideal spot for a restful night this winter.
A Moment of Tranquillity is a pre-bookable luxury turndown service, using the bespoke Jorum scents and includes access to Hot Yoga Edinburgh’s evening and morning classes, Byredo bath products, and warm chamomile tea served just before bedtime to help guests fully relax.
Building on the advice from sleep expert, Donna, the hotel’s housekeeping team will pre-set the room temperature to 18 degrees for guest arrival, to help them unwind from the moment the step inside the hotel. Guests can also dd a gentle morning wake-up call.
Guests booking Moment of Tranquillity are being offered an exclusive 20% discount at Jorum Studio, to explore the perfumery during their stay, and find their ideal winter scent.
A Double Classic Room starts from £170. To arrange Moment of Tranquillity on a visit to InterContinental Edinburgh The George, email edinburghthegeorge@ihg.com.
Now that autumn has officially started, Dobbies’ Edinburgh store will host a Grow How Session on Saturday 1 October at 10:30am, focused on seasonal gardening tips. This free session will showcase the perfect plants for autumn tubs and baskets, how customers can create an instant colour display and top maintenance tips as we approach the cooler months.
Hosted by local Dobbies’ gardening experts, customers will be taught how to instantly brighten up their tubs and baskets and refresh their outside space by using Pansies, Violas and Wallflowers that will last right the way through winter.
Attendees will also learn how they can plan for the year ahead by preparing spring bulbs with expert advice on how best to group them in beds and borders. From Daffodils and Crocus which flower early, to indoor bulbs like Hyacinths and Narcissus Paperwhite, there will be hints and tips on how to prepare for Spring 2023.
The Edinburgh session will also emphasise the benefits of using Dobbies’ Peat Free No 3 Mature Plant Compost, organic feeds, and safer pest control products for their green space and environment.
Marcus Eyles, Horticultural Director at Dobbies, said: “Autumn is one of our favourite seasons of the year at Dobbies and it’s a prime time for gardening. Not only can you add bursts of colour to brighten your garden, but it’s also a great chance to get ahead and prepare for spring.
“We’re committed to sustainable gardening, and we hope our free autumn gardening Grow How session will not only inspire Edinburgh gardeners to carry on with their efforts as the season changes, but also encourage more people to take up gardening for a blooming 2023.”
For more details on Dobbies’ Edinburgh autumn Grow How session in October, visit: events.dobbies.com.
For customers unable to attend the events, Dobbies currently has a three for two offer across bulbs in-store and online.
As the nights draw in and the leaves begin to turn, The Ivy on the Square will celebrate the change of the season and the arrival of the autumn equinox with a ‘Harvest Moon’ themed installation, a seasonal cocktail menu carefully crafted with Johnnie Walker and an enticing new dessert.
Launched yesterday, The Ivy on the Square will mark Harvest traditions that have been celebrated by Britons for centuries with a new installation featuring an abundance of oversized vegetables and dried flowers, with touches of The Ivy on the Square glamour and theatre throughout the restaurant.
A new seasonal cocktail menu launched in partnership with Johnnie Walker includes the Smashing Pumpkin (£10.85), featuring sweet and smoky Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky, pumpkin purée, lemon juice, and topped with ginger ale, for that truly autumnal feel, and ThePerfect Pear (£11.50), complete with Johnnie Walker Black Label, xante pear cognac, pear puree, cinnamon syrup, egg white, and aromatic bitters.
Smashing Pumpkin The Perfect Pair
Additional new cocktails on the limited-edition menu include Thyme for Harvest (£11.75) containing Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve, Beet it juice, lemon juice, and sugar syrup topped with ginger beer, and the decadent Foraged Boulevardier (£11.50), complete with Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve, apple infused Mancino cherry Vermouth, and Aperol.
Thyme for Harvest The Foraged Boulevardier
For those with a sweet tooth, a showstopping new dessert, Hazelnut praline parfait (£10.95), will go down a treat. Complete with crushed pistachio, a rich dark chocolate mousse, and a whisky infused caramel sauce to help guests celebrate the age-old Harvest Moon traditions in style.
New data predicts a record number of Brits will sign up for their flu vaccination this Autumn. The UK’s largest online pharmacy, Pharmacy2U, reveals that two thirds of people surveyed intend to get a flu jab this year, with over one in ten (14 per cent) signing up to have one for the first time.
Research commissioned by Pharmacy2U found that attitudes towards getting the flu jab may have changed among Brits because of the nationwide Covid-19 vaccine drive, with 35 per cent of those surveyed saying that having their coronavirus vaccine made them more determined to get their flu vaccine this year.
Over half (58 per cent) said having the Covid-19 vaccine showed them how easy and accessible it was, over half (52 per cent) said they feel more knowledgeable about vaccines now, and over a quarter (27 per cent) said having had the vaccine, it made them less afraid of needles. Over half (53 per cent) said they now see the importance of the flu vaccine in protecting themselves and others.
Since the start of this year, Pharmacy2U has helped the NHS to vaccinate the nation against Covid-19, giving over 700,000 vaccines to people all across England. It continues to vaccinate people daily at its clinics across its 25 sites, in venues such as Odeon Cinemas, Morrisons, Village Hotels and The Jockey Club racecourses.
Pharmacy2U will continue working with the NHS, who recently announced that the free flu jab will be made available to 35 million people this year*, by vaccinating people in England against the common flu from 13th September onwards, for the second year in a row.
As the nation slowly returns to normal life, over two thirds (68 per cent) of Brits surveyed said they have concerns about their health this winter. Also, 43 per cent expressed concerns that their immune system may be weaker, with potential reasons including working from home (27 per cent) and limiting contact with many people (55 per cent) and the increased use of sanitisers (32 per cent).
In addition, 47 per cent expressed concerns about catching Covid-19 and flu at the same time and the health implications of this, and 68 per cent said they didn’t want flu to impact their newfound freedoms now lockdown rules have lifted.
Phil Day, superintendent pharmacist at Pharmacy2U, comments: “As we enter what could be a very challenging winter for many, this is a much-needed service for people up and down the country. Influenza can be potentially fatal, so having your flu jab is a vital way to play your part in protecting yourself and others.
“It is best to get your flu vaccination in the Autumn before flu starts circulating, so you should take a look at our website, where you find out more information and easily book your flu vaccine.”
Flu vaccinations will be available for free for patients in England that meet the NHS eligibility requirements, and additionally offered at an affordable rate for anyone else. For the full list of eligibility requirements, visit: www.pharmacy2u.co.uk/flu
Phil’s top tips for staying safe this flu season include:
Get a flu vaccination; flu vaccines help protect against the main types of flu viruses. It will also help to reduce pressure on the NHS and social care staff who may be dealing with coronavirus-related illnesses.
Wash your hands often for 20 seconds. Washing your hands properly removes dirt, viruses and bacteria to stop them spreading to other people and objects.
Use tissues to trap germs when you cough or sneeze, or alternatively sneeze or cough into your elbow. Dispose of your tissue immediately.
Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly to maintain good health.
Sleep well: adults need seven to eight hours of sleep each night, consistently, to stay healthy.
For more information and to book your flu vaccination in a few clicks, visit:
School support staff and refuse workers moved “a step closer” to industrial action yesterday after GMB members rejected COSLA’s latest pay offer.
95 per cent of members who participated in the union’s consultative ballot over the 2021 offer voted to reject an £850 increase for local government staff earning up to £25,000 a year.
The union will now move to a full industrial action ballot of nearly 10,000 members employed in schools and local refuse and cleansing services, increasing the possibility of autumn strikes.
GMB Scotland Senior Organiser for Public Services Drew Duffy said:“COSLA bosses have failed to table to a pay offer that reflects decent value for many workers who have been part of the frontline response to COVID-19.
“The prospect of an increase that would amount to little more than £15 a week extra in the pockets of workers like school cleaners and refuse collectors has been rightly and resoundingly rejected.
“COSLA’s dither and delay means local government staff across Scotland are still mired on pre-pandemic pay rates – there has been no “thank you” for these workers.
“It means the threat of strikes this autumn, disrupting schools and community services like waste collection and street cleansing, is now a step closer.”
Placing food out for animals to eat without needing to hunt or scavenge is a simple but effective way to look after local wildlife. Place fat balls or blocks out for birds along with grain and nuts to keep them going through the winter months.
2. Bonfires
Although big community bonfires won’t be happening this year, if you’re planning one at home it’s important to check for all animals and wildlife before setting it alight. These can include hedgehogs, toads and frogs. Prod underneath the bonfire with a stick to encourage the animals to move before you strike a match.
3. Compost Heap
Compost heaps are a great place for hibernating animals to live due to the warmth it can provide. Take caution when turning your heap, or if you’re able to try and avoid turning it at all, or as much as normal, during the cold winter months.
4. Ponds
If you have a pond and see it frozen over, try and melt a hole in the middle so that the animals can still find a source of water. Do this by using a saucepan full of hot water. Don’t hit or crack the ice as this can cause shockwaves causing potential damage to the animals in the pond. If you don’t have a pond, a little dish of water at ground level will be a great source of water.
5. Berries
If you have any berry or fruit trees in your garden, ensure you leave some fallen fruit and berries untouched. By doing so, birds such as thrushes and blackbirds can enjoy food before winter hits. Traditional hedgerow berries such as blackberries, sloes and rosehips will provide food for birds during the colder months.
6. Bug hotels
Building a bug hotel with pieces of wood and leftover bricks and other materials will provide a safe place for bugs to call home. It can be as small or as big as you like and can be as simple as a pile of logs.
As autumn continues and winter approaches, our gardens may be starting to suffer from less TLC than during the summer months.
Toro, a global leader in turf and landscape equipment and Hayter, a premium British lawnmower manufacturer, have got some great tips to keep your garden looking lush this autumn:
Time for a tidy up
Now is the perfect time to tidy up the garden and prepare it for the colder weather, while also giving the lawn, plants and soil a head start for spring. Start by raking away dead grass and leaves from the lawn so that a thick blanket isn’t created, blocking out any sunlight or air as this can damage the grass underneath and create bare patches on the lawn, requiring reseeding or resodding in the spring.
Get the job done quicker by using Toro’s Flex-Force Power System® Leaf Blower with 2.5Ah 60V battery, especially if the weather isn’t great and the temptation to leave it a day is strong. NOTE: Other excellent leaf blowers are also available!
Keep your borders clear too, as too many dead leaves can encourage snails and slugs to gather, and in turn can begin to rot many of the plants in your borders. Also consider pulling up any annual plants that have had their time, and replant with varieties that will start to flower in spring, such as wallflowers or pansies.
Next, trim the edges of your borders to finish tidying them and be sure to use the Toro Flex-Force Power System® Cordless String Trimmer with a 2.5Ah 60V battery. Battery-powered and easy to use, the Flex-Force Power System® String Trimmer is the ideal option for a quick and easy tidy up of the border edges. NOTE: Other good strimmers are available!
Don’t forget wildlife
While you may not be in the garden as much over the autumn months, don’t forget about any wildlife that may still be visiting your garden. Leave out seeds, nuts and water for birds to enjoy, which can also be lifesaving during winter when food can be much more scarce. You could also try creating bug homes and leaving out suitable leftovers for wildlife you want to encourage to visit your outdoor space.
Take care of the lawn
Give your lawn a good cut before the cold and wet weather really begins to set in. When mowing in autumn, consider raising the mower blades a little, as slightly longer grass copes better with cooler conditions. Also, be sure to keep the mower blades sharp, as a clean cut to a blade of grass will help it heal quicker and prevent disease spores from infecting the grass.
Consider using the Hayter® Osprey 46 Cordless mower to help tidy up the lawn this autumn. Part of the Hayter GreenSeries® Power System, this mower provides the same power and convenience as your petrol mower, without emitting any exhaust fumes by running on a battery. Sharing the same battery as Toro’s Flex-Force Power System® String Trimmer, both ranges provide ultimate flexibility when it comes to tending to the garden. NOTE: Other good mowers are available!
Protect your plants
Autumn is the perfect time to start prepping your plants for winter and making sure they are protected from water logging and the cold.
If you have plants that are more susceptible to the cold weather, be sure to store then in the greenhouse or even a conservatory.
For those planted in the garden, try covering them with fleece or hessian to keep their temperature up. The first frost of the year can arrive during the coming months without warning and kill off your favourite plants, so be sure to get prepared now to keep your plants healthy and safe.
