Latest news with #Mitcham
BBC News
a day ago
- General
- BBC News
Fire-starting tortoise quickly rescued by brigade
LFB A fire-starting tortoise has been rescued from the fourth floor of a block of flats in south London. London Fire Brigade (LFB) was quick to respond after the lumbering land reptile knocked over a heat lamp which set fire to the hay in its enclosure on London Road in Mitcham on Thursday. A black dog, hiding under the stairs, was also rescued and returned to its thankful owner following the fire at 11:40 BST, LFB said. Crews from Mitcham, Wimbledon, Tooting and Wallington brought the fire under control by about 12:20. LFB Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to
The Independent
2 days ago
- General
- The Independent
The pet tortoise that set its owner's London flat on fire
A fire broke out in a south London flat after a tortoise knocked over its heat lamp, igniting its hay bedding. London Fire Brigade crews were dispatched to the incident on London Road in Mitcham. Firefighters successfully rescued the tortoise and a dog, which was found hiding under the stairs. Both pets were safely returned to their owner, and the fire was brought under control within an hour. The flat sustained only light damage, with pictures showing crew members posing with the rescued animals.
The Independent
2 days ago
- General
- The Independent
Tortoise rescued after starting fire in south London flat
Firefighters were rushed to a blaze started by a tortoise, managing to rescue the reptile and its canine companion from a flat. The fire broke out in a south London flat on Thursday, after the tortoise knocked over a heat lamp in its enclosure, setting alight its bed of hay, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) said. Crews attended the scene at London Road in Mitcham after they received a call. They were able to save the tortoise from the fire, alongside a black dog belonging to the same owner, who was hiding from the blaze under the stairs. The LFB sent crews from Mitcham, Wimbledon, Tooting and Wallington to tackle the fire. After returning the pets to their owner at 11:40am, they were able to bring the flames under control by 12:22pm. Pictures from the aftermath of the scene show crew members smiling and posing with the pets, with the flat understood to be only lightly damaged by the fire. A spokesperson for London Fire Brigade said: 'A mischievous tortoise and his canine friend were rescued last week from a fire on London Road in Mitcham.' 'The fire was caused by the naughty tortoise knocking over his heat lamp which fell onto the hay, a combustible material, in his aquarium.' 'After being made aware that there were two pets in the property, crews found and rescued a tortoise and a dog who was hiding under the stairs. Both animals were returned safely to their thankful owner.' 'The Brigade was called at 11:40am and the fire was under control by 12:22pm. Crews from Mitcham, Wimbledon, Tooting and Wallington Fire Stations attended the scene.' The incident occurred only a day before more than 70 firefighters were called out to a flat fire that also broke out in south London. The LFB said the blaze left the building 'completely alight,' with crews managing to bring it under control within an hour. Fire crews in the area were forced to act again later in the day as another blaze broke out at an industrial estate in southeast London overnight. Over 150 firefighters were called to tackle the fire at a scrapyard in Erith, working until 7am on Saturday to bring the flames under control.
BBC News
2 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Fire-starting tortoise quickly rescued from flat by brigade
A fire-starting tortoise has been rescued from the fourth floor of a block of flats in south Fire Brigade (LFB) was quick to respond after the lumbering land reptile knocked over a heat lamp which set fire to the hay in its enclosure on London Road in Mitcham on Thursday.A black dog, hiding under the stairs, was also rescued and returned to its thankful owner following the fire at 11:40 BST, LFB from Mitcham, Wimbledon, Tooting and Wallington brought the fire under control by about 12:20.
Time Business News
19-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time Business News
Unraveling the Practices of Landscapers Mitcham: A Deeper Exploration
Imagine stepping out into your garden, the air tinged with the sweet smells of blooming flora and humidity. The sights are a symphony of colours and textures, meticulously shaped into an oasis that fills you with immense tranquility and satisfaction. This is the allure of a well-landscaped garden, an aesthetic wonder that significantly boosts your quality of life and pride in homeownership. At the heart of this enchanting haven are the artisans of the green world, the landscapers, who possess the skill and knowledge to turn any space into an Eden. Of these, Mitcham's landscapers stand out, renowned for their remarkable designs inspired by the unique Australian suburbs' characteristics. Understanding the Essentials of Landscaping Landscaping goes beyond mere gardening—it's a delicate art form that balances artistic expression and scientific understanding to harness nature's splendour within a designated space. It involves careful planning and execution of structures and features that modulate the land's appearance, dramatically transforming your property. The crucial components of landscaping include design, hardscape and softscape elements, and routine maintenance. The design phase involves crafting a functional and aesthetic blueprint for your exterior space. Hardscape refers to the non-living parts of your landscape, such as patios, pathways, and decks that provide structure to your garden. Softscape encompasses the living elements, such as trees, shrubs, and flowers, which bring colour and life to your landscape. Lastly, maintenance is vital to preserving your garden's overall health and appearance. The Influence of Mitcham's Unique Geographical and Climate Factors Being nestled in the southeast suburbs of Melbourne, Mitcham boasts diverse geographical features that dramatically influence landscaping practices in the region. With a distinct blend of hilly terrain, fertile soil, and a harmonious range of climatic conditions, this suburb is an Eden for a variety of native Australian plants. Given the varying geography, weather fluctuations, and unique soil composition in Mitcham, choosing plants that thrive here is pivotal for successful landscaping. The region's climate exudes a Mediterranean vibe, favoring plants such as agapanthus, olive trees, and creek lilies, which are drought-tolerant and embody the essence of Australian beauty. Techniques and Trends from Mitcham's Finest Mitcham landscapers embody a unique blend of traditional and modern approaches to their craft. They follow sustainable landscaping practices, utilising local plants that foster biodiversity which in turn, contributes to the overall health of the ecosystem. These landscapers also embrace design trends that create spaces perfect for outdoor relaxation and entertainment — crucial components considering Australia's love for backyard gatherings. Water features are commonly used, such as fountains, ponds, or even swimming pools, adding a serene touch to landscapes. They also incorporate the use of recycled materials, focusing on sustainable trends. These special traits and techniques mark out Mitcham landscapers as distinctly unique, highlighting their commitment to both beauty and responsibility. Beyond Aesthetics: The Functional Importance of Good Landscaping Landscaping is not merely about making federal lands pleasing to the eye. It also serves numerous practical purposes. For instance, proper landscaping can protect your home from flooding by ensuring effective drainage and can reduce heating and cooling expenses by providing natural windbreakers and shade. Furthermore, it also promotes biodiversity, especially when it incorporates native plants which attract local fauna. A well-designed landscape also increases usable outdoor space, giving room for activities like gardening, gameplay, or outdoor entertainment. Practical Tips for Achieving Your Ideal Landscape Achieving your ideal landscape involves meticulous planning, possible research, and patience. It starts with sketching out a master plan, considering factors like available space, regional climate, soil type, and specific personal preferences. Homeowners may choose to hire professional landscaping services to handle the complexities of the project, ensuring that all elements are properly harmonised to create an aesthetically pleasing and functional space. For DIY enthusiasts, learning about local flora, gathering inspiration from nearby gardens or parks, and starting small could be the way to go. Challenges and Solutions While landscaping can be a delightful undertaking, it might be fraught with challenges that could make the process daunting. Common concerns include selecting suitable plants for your specific location, managing pests and diseases, and handling water management issues. However, every challenge is surmountable with the right information and preparation. For instance, consulting with local horticulturists or landscapers could guide you in choosing the right plants. Integrated pest management approaches might keep diseases at bay, while rain gardens or other water-wise strategies could solve water issues. Investment and Costs The financial aspect of landscaping can vary significantly based on the size and complexity of your project. Costs may include initial design expenses, installation charges, and regular maintenance costs. Despite the initial financial outlay, quality landscaping can be a valuable investment, significantly boosting your property's market value. Interviews with Actual Mitcham Landscapers Several Mitcham based landscapers generously shared their insights and experiences for this article. Among the advice gleaned from these experts was the importance of understanding the local ecosystem and how best to work with nature rather than against it. Consideration needs to be given to water conservation, plant selection, and maintenance routines. Conclusion As we delve into the world of landscaping, it's clear that it's much more than a simple aesthetic enhancement. It facilitates wellness, fosters a deeper connection with nature, and serves as an extension of our living space. For dwellers in Mitcham, embracing landscaping is not just about enjoying appealing views; it's about living harmoniously with the natural beauty that surrounds them. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
