Tag: Spring

Final Signs of Spring sightings wanted across UK

  • The Royal Society of Biology and Field Studies Council are asking members of the public to log sightings of key spring indicator species in Signs of Spring citizen science survey.
  • Sightings of bumblebees, butterflies, bluebells, ladybirds, and dragonflies are being recorded across the UK.
  • The survey closes on 14 June.

Across the UK, members of the public are being encouraged to get outside and track their sightings of insects and flowers as part of the annual Signs of Spring survey run by Field Studies Council in partnership with the Royal Society of Biology.

Now in its third year, the results of the survey will help to log species emergence across the UK, particularly in light of the climate crisis.

Sightings of dragonflies, bumblebees, bluebells, ladybirds, and butterflies are in high demand.

Daniel Asaw, Biodiversity Training Programme Team Leader at Field Studies Council, said: “It’s been amazing to see this year’s records coming in for the Signs of Spring citizen science survey.

“We’ve already passed the 3,000 record mark, and there’s plenty of time for people across the UK to get involved and help us build an even clearer picture of how nature is responding to the seasons.

“As we move closer to summer, bumblebees are out in force alongside an array of ladybird species. Bumblebees have traditionally been the most commonly recorded insect in the survey, but this year, ladybirds could easily give them a run for their money.

“Every record counts, so we’re encouraging everyone to get outside, enjoy nature, and submit their sightings before the survey closes.”

Log your sightings in the survey before 14 June.

Spring has sprung at Dobbies

Two thirds of Edinburgh residents can’t wait to be back in the garden

It’s officially spring and Dobbies’ Edinburgh stores are gearing up for their busiest spring ever. In fact, new research from the UK’s leading garden centre retailer has found that a huge 65% of people in Edinburgh can’t wait to get back gardening now that spring is here.

The research, from Independent Media News, looked into this year’s gardening trends, attitudes towards gardening, garden centres themselves and some of the misconceptions about the UK’s favourite pastime.

It found over half of Edinburgh residents have the space to garden, with 41% wanting to learn more about gardening.

The research also looked into this year’s trends and found the top focuses in Edinburgh were encouraging more wildlife into the garden (45%), growing your own produce (37%) and creating an outdoor social area (37%).

When it comes to what type of garden Edinburgh locals might be looking to create, top trends are growing your own (35%), creating a social space (29%) and wild flowers (31%). So, it’s clear that people are looking to make the most of their vegetable patch, together with a well-formed BBQ area or space to socialise with friends and family, and enjoy a wild flower area in the garden.

Across the UK, even those without an actual garden are still looking forward to gardening. A massive 90% of people surveyed said they have still taken up gardening even if they don’t have an outdoor space by bringing the garden indoors.

From sunny window ledges to cool dark corners, lots of plants thrive indoors, and you can grow your own produce just as effectivity indoors as out. What’s more, studies have proven that houseplants improve concentration and productivity by up to 15%, reduce stress levels, and boost your mood.1.

Gardening sustainably is high on the list of priorities for gardeners according to the survey. Almost 33% of people in Edinburgh said they are more likely to shop at a garden centre that is sustainably focused and 20% go to the garden centre for advice and tips. Dobbies is notably 100% peat-free in relation to bagged compost and has just launched a partnership with elho to offer plant pot and tray recycling in-store. 

Marcus Eyles, Horticultural Director at Dobbies, said: “Spring is our busiest time of the year, with our garden centres featuring a whole host of popular and new plants, seeds, houseplants and garden furniture, ideal for the gardens, balconies and window ledges of Edinburgh’s homes.

“The past few years have seen a huge increase in the number of people enjoying gardening and recognising its benefits, for both physical and mental wellbeing. Our team are ready for a busy few months and we look forward to giving plenty of hints, tips and advice to gardeners, no matter their level of expertise or size of outdoor space.”

1. https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/indoor-plants-can-instantly-boost-your-health-happiness-ncna781806