There are more than 4,000 species of beetle (Coleoptera) in the UK, from familiar and endearing ladybirds to spectacular stag beetles to luminous glow-worms. Many of these species are useful allies in gardens, allotments and community green spaces. Beetles can pollinate our crops and flowers, keep harmful insects like aphids under control, and improve the quality of the soil. Beetles are also a vital part of the food chain, contributing to a balanced ecosystem. Hedgehogs an

February often suffers with the worst of the winter weather – with rain, sleet and snow making it seem like spring is still a long way off. But, with a bit of luck, we may also have some warmer days this month. Early spring sunshine can lure out the first bumblebees and other insects of the year. When this happens, they will be looking for something to eat – and this is where spring bulbs like snowdrops and crocuses can be really useful, as they provide nectar when there’s l

Gardens and community green spaces can be fantastic habitats for wildlife. From frogs and toads to bumblebees and butterflies, our gardens are capable of supporting all sorts of birds, mammals, insects and amphibians According to Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, there are an estimated 16 million gardens in the UK – and whether these are big or small, together they form a wide network of spaces that has the potential to be a vast haven for wildlife. Wildlife gardening needn’t be h

Every year in the UK, around 10 million tonnes of food is thrown away. There’s a spike in food waste over the festive season, when many households hold gatherings – often with a focus on eating and drinking – and buy or cook more food than is needed. For example, millions of mince pies are discarded every year. And hundreds of thousands of turkeys and portions of Christmas pudding are also thrown away each Christmas. This is bad news for the environment, because when food e