Blog

The Habitat Aid blog is set in Somerset. The blog tries to introduce some of the issues surrounding our natural environment as understood by a non ecologist. You’ll also find some practical “how to” guides. It’s written by Nick Mann, who runs Habitat Aid. Nick is an increasingly curmudgeonly bald middle-aged bloke of familiar type.

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To Guard Or Not To Guard
January 29, 2021
We've planted trees for hundreds of years before the arrival of the plastic tree guard. John Evelyn didn't need them, so why do we now? Some suspec...
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Disconnected
November 2, 2020
We need to re-engage people with the landscape. Here's something which might help...
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Vanishing Hedgerows
September 16, 2020
Hedgerows are a critical natural asset and should be managed more carefully.
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Blossom, Blossom, And More Blossom!
April 18, 2020
You can have blossom in your garden from January to May. Here's why you want it and how you can have it!
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Trees For Votes
November 17, 2019
You can only be encouraged by the tree planting bidding war going on between our politicians at the moment, I suppose. 30 million trees, 60 millio...
- trees and woodland
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Best Trees For Windbreaks
January 25, 2019
What is a windbreak and what are the best trees for windbreaks? A brief guide, including recommendations for gardens and orchards.
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Planting or Not Planting Woodland
November 28, 2018
A little while ago I was involved in a great nonsense about wildflower seeds. Plantlife, the wildflower charity, essentially said all wildflower se...
- trees and woodland
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A Little Knowledge...
October 23, 2018
I had a great weekend, brushing up my little knowledge. On Saturday I was at the mighty Bumblebee Conservation Trust's (BBCT) members' day in Cardi...
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How Not To Plant "Woodland"
October 14, 2018
There's a great and commendable enthusiasm about tree planting in the UK. We know the reasons why. Every year, especially when the floods come, peo...
- biodiversity
- trees and woodland
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Will We Get a Green Brexit?
March 16, 2018
Many years ago I failed Latin A Level. My friend Tim and I sat slumbering at the back of a set full of classicists who all - except for us - went o...
- biodiversity
- trees and woodland
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The Cricket Field Oak
January 28, 2018
In winter when I do the washing up I can see the Cricket Field Oak. It's usually through Somerset rain which, as you can see, has left its mark ove...
- Hookgate Cottage
- trees and woodland
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Habitat Restoration
January 9, 2018
"Make it so", booms Jean-Luc Picard. And snick snack snorum, it is made so. If only life were as simple as it is aboard the USS Enterprise. And if ...
- trees and woodland
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