Latest news with #JamesEwens
Daily Mirror
02-07-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Brits urged to complete important window check now before flying ants swarm UK
Thanks to the warm and occasionally wet weather the UK has experienced this summer, flying ant swarms are expected to be worse than usual but there's an easy remedy to help prevent the pesky insects from getting into your home It's a natural annual occurrence that fills many with dread as the skies and air swarm with thousands of winged creatures. It's difficult to predict exactly when flying ant day will arrive as it's weather dependent, but we know it's usually around the third week of July, although it can come as early as Wimbledon week. It's most likely to take place when the temperature is above 25 degrees Celsius, with low wind, and a chance of rain in the following days. Despite popular belief that it only happens one day a year, the phenomenon actually occurs over several weeks. It happens when a new Queen is ready to start a colony and leaves the nest accompanied by thousands of males. There aren't many things you can do to prevent the critters getting stuck in your hair or fluttering around your face, aside from staying indoors while it takes place. So you need to make sure they can't easily get into your home too. James Ewens, a gardening and wildlife expert from Green Feathers has shared his top tips for keeping your safe sanctuary creepy-crawly-free. He says it's important to check entry points around your windows, doors and pipework. If there are any cracks, use a sealant to secure them and stop the flying ants from pestering you indoors. When it comes to windows, you could also install fly screens to prevent them entering. This will mean you can still keep an air flow coming in on hot days and won't have to melt while you're stuck inside watching them rise from the ground. Make sure you clear up any spillages of food and drink in your house, ensuring you sweep up any debris from under units and appliances too. Store food in airtight containers and make sure your bin lid is closed and secure. Uneaten pet food should also be cleared away so as to not attract them. Foraging ants lay down pheromone trails to direct other ants to food, so use a strong cleaning detergent to remove any traces and keep them off the scent. James doesn't recommend using chemical based ant sprays and says it's always better for the environment to opt for essential oils and natural ingredients instead. "A good repellent for flying ants is to create a homemade spray made from one part dish soap and two parts water, plus one or two drops of peppermint oil, all mixed together in a spray bottle," he says. "Spritz wherever you find ants." Once you've taken all these precautions, it's worth remembering that they may be annoying and make us recoil and shudder but flying ants are harmless and can't hurt humans. James points out that they are also great for the environment. "Their increased numbers gives birds in the area a brilliant source of food," he reveals. And they're good for your garden too. "As the females dig into the soil upon landing to try and start a new colony, flying ants aerate the soil, and they also recycle nutrients, and are natural pest controllers," he says.
Daily Mirror
19-06-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
UK households told to make urgent watering change to gardens this week
While the hot weather is great for those who want to sit outside and enjoy it - it's not as great for outdoor plants, and gardeners should change this one gardening habit during the heatwave As Britain basks in the heatwave that is forecast with temperatures skyrocketing to around 35C in some areas - and people are urged to make one certain change to their gardening habits this week. Global Forecast System runs from WXCHARTS shows huge areas of Britain set to be engulfed in the 35C heat, which could even be predicted to skyrocket higher, before the end of June too. With this in mind, it's important to make sure your plants are being looked after during the hot weather as too much heat can have a detrimental impact on our gardens - which can result in wilting, stunted growth and scorched leaves. READ MORE: Exact date 'Blowtorch Britain' will be hotter than Hawaii as weather maps turn dark red The main thing to focus on changing during a heatwave when it comes to gardening is when you water and how often. Harriet Worsley, from Worsley Design & Consultancy urged keen gardeners to "never water in the daytime when it's hot". She added: "And avoid spraying any water on the leaves in the sunshine as the water will boil in the sun and the leaves will frazzle – like watering your garden with a kettle," as reported by Country Living. Instead, the expert recommends watering late at night and "water intensely". The expert advised: "Fill pots to the brim and then fill again. It's the roots that need the water, not the leaves. Be particularly careful with pots and window boxes drying out, they dry out faster than beds." This is echoed by James Ewens, a gardening expert at Green Feathers, who explained that deep and infrequent watering is being more beneficial than little and often during hot weather spells. He shared: "When watering, you want to aim for the roots, so as low to the ground as possible, and water deeply and infrequently – either early morning or late evening. "Avoiding midday sun will ensure water does not evaporate quickly, and infrequent watering will enable water to soak deeply into the plant. You don't need to water every morning or evening, it's good to prioritise longer watering sessions, and watering every couple of days.' To be even more mindful, you could collect rainwater and recycle it over your plants, especially if there is a hosepipe ban in your area. Rainwater is better for your plans than using tap water as it hasn't been treated or contains any chemicals such as chlorine. You can do this by collecting the rainfall in water butts and water barrels, which you can then use over the summer when it's drier.
Daily Mirror
04-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Households with robins in the garden are urged never to do one thing
Robins are a national favourite among bird species, representing hope, but enthusiasts who want to spy the red-breasted birds have been warned to do so from a distance Robins are a beloved British bird, characterised by a bright orange-red breast, a brown back, and a dumpy shape. They are commonly found perched on a garden fence and are known as the garden birds that sing throughout the year to proclaim their environment. While their appearance may be cute, they are highly territorial and can exhibit aggressive tendencies, often driving away unwanted guests. Therefore, robins are often best appreciated from a distance. These birds are renowned for nesting almost anywhere. From flower pots to post boxes, there's really nowhere that a robin can't nest. They are one of the earliest birds to start building their nests, usually beginning in March to commence their breeding season, laying eggs around mid-April. If you see robins beginning to pile up materials like leaves and moss, chances are they are preparing to build a nest. While it might seem like a fun idea to keep an eye out for these nests during this season, households are advised not to. Robins are known to abandon their nests if they feel humans have discovered it or if they sense the nest is no longer safe. Despite being a popular garden bird, Robins are incredibly cautious of human activity. If they sense a potential predator, they will abandon the nest entirely to protect the eggs and their young. However, if gardens are considered a nest, it's best to wait a few days before approaching as they tend to return. Additionally, robins can have multiple broods each season, returning to the same nest for every brood unless something makes it feel unsafe. Brits are also reminded that, under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, all birds, along with their nests and eggs, are protected by law. Causing any disruption to these is a criminal offence. However, for Brits wanting to welcome these little birds into their backyard, it's important to invest in the correct bird box. Gardening expert James Ewens told Ideal Homes: 'Robins won't go near the classic bird boxes with the tiny round holes, they are great for smaller birds like blue tits. What you need is an open-fronted bird box, with a wide entrance, and a clear view.' He notes that robins tend to keep a close eye on their surroundings, as they often nest lower to the ground, making them more susceptible to predators than other birds. It's also important to consider what material your birdbox is made of. Robins are attracted to natural wood because it mimics the habitats they would naturally settle in, such as log piles or tree hollows. So, this nesting season, be prepared to welcome some robins, but be sure to keep your distance
Wales Online
30-04-2025
- General
- Wales Online
Attract and keep robins in your garden with this one affordable item
Attract and keep robins in your garden with this one affordable item Robins are one of Britain's best-loved birds, but they can be picky about where they choose to nest. If they're only making fleeting visits to your garden, there could be one simple reason why Making sure you have the right kind of bird box is essential to enticing robins to your garden (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto ) The little robin redbreast is a bird that brings immense joy to many - and if you want to entice them to your garden regularly, there's one essential item to add to your shopping list. Luckily, it's easy to find. According to the RSPB, robins hold the title of Britain's favourite bird, and it's not difficult to understand why. With their diminutive stature and intelligent gaze, they're often associated with good fortune and prosperity. There's even an age-old myth they carry the spirits of deceased loved ones, making their presence a poignant and heart-warming symbol for many. Robins can however be quite particular about where they choose to settle in your garden. If you've noticed they only make brief appearances, the issue might lie with your bird box. If your bird box is the wrong shape or size, they may opt to perch elsewhere. To encourage these charming birds to stay, gardening experts recommend investing in an open-fronted bird box, reports the Mirror. Unlike traditional bird boxes, open-fronted ones have an entirely exposed front, eliminating the need for birds to poke their beaks through a small hole to access food. James Ewens, a gardening expert at Green Feathers, shared with Ideal Homes: "Robins won't go near the classic bird boxes with the tiny round holes, they are great for smaller birds like blue tits. Article continues below "What you need is an open-fronted bird box, with a wide entrance, and a clear view." Love dreamy Welsh homes? Sign up to our newsletter here . He explained that robins have a preference for maintaining a watchful eye over their vicinity, leading them to "tend to nest lower to the ground." Additionally, he advocated that an ideal bird box should be crafted from natural timber, which mirrors the robin's habitat choices in the wild, such as log heaps or cavities in trees. Having the correct type of bird box is only part of the equation. Equally important is its strategic placement to attract returning robins. Robins favour north-east facing boxes, so positioning is key. Being solitary and territorial birds, it's essential to ensure the box is nestled within greenery and located in a more secluded part of your garden. The bird box must also be at least 1.5 metres from the ground – to safeguard against natural predators including cats, foxes, and rodents. Article continues below To make the box particularly inviting, it's best to ensure it is amply insulated. Materials such as wood shavings, grass, or even hay can create a cosy environment for the birds.
Daily Record
24-04-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Exact bird box that will attract robins to your garden and keep them coming back
Robins are a welcome sight in the garden as for many people, they've come to represent a connection with loved ones who have passed away. Seeing the red-breasted birds is sometimes thought to be a sign that someone is watching over you and is maybe one reason the sight of them is welcomed by so many people. But they are also a great ally for gardeners too as they feast on insects, worms and spiders, offering natural pest control and their foraging can help to aerate your soil too. Add to that their pretty appearance and sing song chirps, it's no wonder they're one of Britain's best loved birds. Attracting them to your garden and keeping them coming back, however, can be difficult if you don't have the right nesting spot or bird box for this discerning creature. They can be picky when it comes to where they like to hang out. They like certain types of bird boxes and they won't wait about if it's not available. James Ewens, a gardening expert at Green Feathers , explained that they won't nest in a bird box that has the wrong shaped entrance and they're also fussy about where it's positioned too. He told Ideal Home that the little feathered divas won't stick around for long unless their rider is met. He said: "Robins won't go near the classic bird boxes with the tiny round holes, they are great for smaller birds like blue tits . What you need is an open-fronted bird box, with a wide entrance, and a clear view. "Robins like to keep an eye on their surroundings, and they tend to nest lower to the ground. "Something simple and open - ideally made of natural wood - is perfect." But James stressed that you need to situate it in the garden facing north east. He added: "Robins prefer open-fronted boxes placed between north and east to avoid direct midday sun and prevailing winds. "This orientation keeps the interior shaded and dry, mimicking the sheltered nooks they naturally nest in." The height that they are placed at is also important if you want repeat visits from the red-breasted beauties. James said they need to be mounted 1.5 metres from the ground and should be tucked away in shrubbery or hedges too to give them a 'sense of cover'. Locating your bird box in a tranquil spot in the garden is also a good idea. Providing them with food will also help and you can buy seed and insect mixes which is suitable for them. If you do all of this, there is a good chance they will see your garden as a safe space and a place to return to year after year, added James. He said: "And trust me, once you have robins nesting , it's a real joy."
