Counting on … day 1.045

14th February 2023

St Valentine’s Day is associated with the coming of spring and the mating of birds – the two go together. One bird that is very much under threat is the swift because of an increasing lack of places where they can nest. If you have space why not install a swift box ready for when they arrive in May? The RSPB has instructions for making (or buying) a swift box and where to place it.

https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/nature-on-your-doorstep/garden-activities/create-a-high-home-for-swifts/

Other birds too are in need of nesting places – you can install different sorts of nest boxes, plant trees and hedges (as future nesting places) or  build a dead hedge, and so help encourage a resurgence of bird numbers. As you prune plants back and clear dead stalks, you can gather materials for building a dead hedge – https://greentau.org/2021/10/19/count-down-87/comment-page-1/

Counting on … day 1.044

13th February 2023

Nearly Valentine’s Day: a day for showing our nearest and dearest our love for them. As well as being a day for business to boost profits! Imported flowers, over-packaged goods and overcrowded restaurants can be avoided. Try and ensure that we you spend shows not only your love for your Valentine but also shows your care – if not love – for the people who produced it, sold it, served it and for the planet.