By Rachel Crapper, Assistant Ecological Consultant The Eurasian otter is the apex predator of the UK’s freshwater ecosystems. As opportunistic carnivores, they primarily feed on fish but will also eat crustaceans, frogs, molluscs and even small water birds. Otters require a mix of good quality water sources in close proximity to terrestrial habitats, making Read more »
Throughout its natural life, a tree will face all manner of trials. These can be as a result of encroaching human development, competition from their neighbours or even the relentless cycle of the elements around them. Some will weather the storm better than others and go on to be prominent champions of the landscape. Read more »
The hazel dormouse, Muscardinus avellanarius, is one of the UK’s smallest and rarest protected mammal species. With its sleepy nature and fluffy, golden-brown fur, the hazel dormouse is undoubtedly one of our most adorable resident species. Beatrix Potter once kept one as a pet, naming her Xarifa, and wrote in her journal, “I think Read more »
Our team always take great pride and feel a great sense of responsibility to honour the fellow foresters that came before us, particularly when it comes to utilising timber from the trees that they so lovingly planted and tended for decades or centuries before us. When we manage our woodlands, we always work with Read more »
By Libby Reeves, Head of Horticulture There is an association between soil fungi and plant roots that covers over 90% of plant life, this is known as mycorrhiza. It works in a symbiotic way with benefits to both the plant and the fungi. The plant provides carbohydrates from photosynthesis whilst the fungi assist with Read more »
By Charlotte Harris, Associate Director of Personnel In 2019, The Ornamental Horticulture Roundtable Group - a body of industry leaders - identified a gap in green skills and knowledge, with more people retiring from the industry than entering it. For an industry that packs a huge punch on the economy, employers and educational institutions Read more »
Some shocking statistics that might make you reconsider the value of the brown friable substrate I call soil but many people call “muck” or “dirt”. Across our UK landscape, we would be forgiven for thinking that our carbon stocks are in our trees and hedgerows but in fact 95% of land carbon stocks are Read more »
Author: Harriet Smith, Landscape Department What is Building with Nature Building with Nature (BwN) is the UK's first green infrastructure benchmark which provides a framework for the creation of high-quality places with an environmental focus. Schemes can gain BwN accreditation by demonstrating that excellent quality green infrastructure is placed at the heart of Read more »
With the weather alternating between sun and rain, the garden weeds are thriving. Bindweed snakes its way up and around our shrubs until you can barely see what’s under them, ground elder marches relentlessly across our borders, brambles burst forth through the foliage of our shrubs, clumps of meadow grass announce themselves in the Read more »
This April, we would like to raise awareness about an emerging threat to our cherished oak trees: the Oak Processionary Moth (OPM). This species of moth, characterised by its caterpillars that nest on oak trees, poses significant risks to both the health of our trees and the well-being of humans and animals. Understanding OPM: Read more »
Article prepared by Rachel Crapper, Assistant Ecological Consultant Importance of ecosystem health We all benefit from a well-functioning and health ecosystem which improves water and air quality and helps limit disease and stabilize the climate. How do beavers help? Ecosystem health Beavers have an important role to play Read more »
December is the month where the ‘big sleep’ typically starts for bats. They may have already started longer periods of physical inactivity referred to as ‘torpor’ during November depending on weather, temperatures and food availability. December typically sees the temperature getting colder and bats moving to their winter roosts, sometimes in small groups, but Read more »
By Libby Reeves Nicholsons Plants covers The Plant Centre, where we encourage you to come in and purchase all your garden essentials and look at some of the artisan products we have available. It also covers the Nursery, where we are growing Plant Healthy-certified trees, shrubs and hedging which are ideal Read more »
Bicester Village has received a prestigious Gold standard certificate at the Thames & Chiltern in Bloom awards. The awards are one of 16 regional and national campaigns that make up Britain in Bloom, in association with the Royal Horticultural Society and is Europe’s largest horticultural competition. Entries are invited from communities of Read more »
John Lockhart of Nicholsons and Kate Russell of Tellus Natural Capital Ltd explain what natural capital is and what opportunities it can offer to landowners. Why is Natural Capital Important? Despite the fact that natural capital is now common currency in the language of environmental policy and strategy, there is Read more »
By Harry Poole Nicholsons were recently lucky enough to spend a day visiting Burmington Farm of TR Tame and Son, which specialises in the cultivation and production of Walnuts. The farm has been established for over 10 years, with more than 1000 Walnut trees on their land, consisting of over 60 different cultivars. They Read more »
The introduction of water to your garden can support nature, create visual appeal, and establish a sense of calm. A water feature can punctuate outdoor spaces when positioned effectively, such as centrally in a courtyard, at the end of a path, or in a location that displays beautiful reflections. Being Read more »
By Ella Geden-Davies This year, we have curated a collection of ornamental trees within the nursery. With planting season soon approaching, browse the suggestions below to learn about their features and the ideal planting location to guarantee optimum health and longevity. Read more »
