David Domoney

Category: Wildlife

Advice on caring for Garden Wildlife from TV Gardener and Chartered Horticulturalist David Domoney. David is an Ambassador for the RSPB and Patron of The British Hedgehog Preservation Society.

  • Top 10 Bee-friendly Plants

    Top 10 Bee-friendly Plants

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    Bees are necessary in gardens. They pollinate and bring life, playing an important role in growing all sorts of crops.

    Sadly, bees in the UK are under threat. So it’s down to us avid gardeners to help them out. There are ways in which we can prepare our gardens to attract bees, encouraging them to pollinate all the year round.

    Here are the top ten bee-friendly plants that will attract the bees into your garden.

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    1. Lavender

    These plants are very rich in nectar for all pollinating insects. It’s a marvellous plant to get in your garden. With a lovely fragrance, and looks brilliant. Plus you can use some of the flowers and leaves in food too!

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    2. Viper’s Bugloss

    The Bumblebee Conservation Trust suggests Viper’s Bugloss is the ultimate plant for bumblebees. It flowers from June to September, giving bees with the nectar they need when their colonies are at their largest and require the most food (June/July).

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    3. Mahonia

    Bees struggle to find food in winter months. I’d suggest planting some mahonia that will help them out. Mahonia is an evergreen shrub that produces lovely bright yellow flowers throughout winter.

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    4. Hawthorn

    Hawthorn tends to blossom around May time. With lovely fragrant flowers that yields a great nectar for bees and the berries will also attract birds to the garden too. They will grow happily in all soil conditions, though don’t let the soil get too moist. You can plant them in a sunny or shady spot in either an exposed or sheltered position.

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    5. Bluebells

    Pollinating insects absolutely love bluebells. In early spring, bluebell covered fields and woodland floors are usually overrun with bees, butterflies and hoverflies. Keep an eye on the bluebells as they can spread easily. Once they have finished flowering, dig the bulbs out whilst they are still in leaf. If you want to compost the bulbs you need to store them in black plastic bag for 12 months first – otherwise, they’ll take over your heap.

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    6. Crocuses

    As a late winter/early spring flower, bees rely on crocuses to provide them with nectar during the cold winter months. A really bright and attractive flower, they’ll look great in your garden.

    There are 3 varieties to look for:

    1. Early – that like to be planted in soil that drains well and can be placed in sunny spot.
    2. Autumn – this type of crocus will grow well in soils that drain easily and must planted in full sun.
    3. Specialist – these crocuses prefer a sunny spot in free draining soil. You can plant them in container, by adding grit to your compost. Avoid the bulbs getting wet during summer.

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    7. Rosemary

    With its delicious fragrance added to your garden, rosemary will also be popular with bees too! Rosemary has all sorts of culinary uses, so it’s a really practical plant to grow as it feeds bees and you!

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    8. Borage (Star flower)

    One of the most important plants for bees, borage is being planted across the nation to attract bees. It has a pretty blue/purple colour and a great way to brighten up your garden.

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    9. Crab Apple Trees

    These trees are stunning. They produce fabulous pink and white flowers around spring that are abundant in nectar for bees. Better yet, crab apple trees pollinate other apples, so if you’re trying to grow your own edible fruit, they’re a great choice for the garden.

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    10. Ox-eye daisy

    The open flowerheads of ox-eye daisy attract lots of pollinating insects, especially bees. Flowering from May through to September, they’re a great plant to grow in your garden. Although, in some countries they are listed as invasive, they can be a great addition to wild areas or wildflower meadows.

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    Ideally, bees need a lot of different plants and flowers to keep them healthy. So try using several different of the types I recommend to encourage them into your garden.

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  • Rescuing the bees: What to do if you find a wild bee colony

    Rescuing the bees: What to do if you find a wild bee colony

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    No doubt some of you know that I’m a beekeeper. I got my first colony in 2014 and now have three hives. Bees are vital for the environment and ecosystem as pollinators, and so much fun to keep!

    But beekeeping is not just about looking after your own bees. Sometimes bee colonies set up home in the wild, often in houses, sheds and gardens. Experienced beekeepers can rescue wild bee colonies and move them to safety in a managed hive. bees David Domoney

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    Rescuing a wild bee colony

    Just last week, a farmer found a wild colony when he was cutting a hedge along a roadside near Stratford-upon-Avon. He chopped off the top and discovered an active colony nestled among the branches.

    He contacted a beekeeping farmer, who put him in touch with Brian Donley, chairperson of the Stratford and District Beekeeping Association.

    Brian set out to visit the colony to assess the situation and what equipment was needed. The next day he returned and cut some of the hedge away. Then he was able to lift out the combs.

    He placed it in type of beehive called a national hive with a double brood chamber. It’s a large one to take the length of the six combs the colony had built.

    The cold weather meant that the bees remained tightly clustered and none of them flew out to try and defend their home. You can see them between the combs in the image below.

    The colony is now back in Brian’s apiary with a big block of baker’s fondant on top. The bees were close to starving after spending so long withstanding frosty temperatures in the hedge. Now they have a safe home and plenty of food to build up their strength.

    Brian estimates that the bees had probably been living in the hedge since last summer, because the comb was still a white-yellow colour and pretty clean.

    It is unusual for a wild colony to set up home out in the open like this. And even more so for the bees to have survived this long into the winter, especially with all the wet and freezing cold we have had recently.

    Alternatively check out the BBKA’s list of events to find out what’s on near you.

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    What should I do if I find a wild bee colony?

    Finding a wild bee colony in a hedge is fairly rare. Bees usually build hives in hollow trees, but there aren’t many of those left today. Most of the time when people find a wild bee colony, they have set up home in a brick cavity in a house or down a chimney.

    But if you do find wild bees in your house, garden, property or on your land, Brian’s advice is to leave them well alone! Contact your local beekeeping association with the details from the British Beekeeping Association website (BBKA).

    It’s a charity that will send a volunteer beekeeper to check over the site and safely remove the colony.

    [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column_inner][/fusion_builder_row_inner][fusion_builder_row_inner][fusion_builder_column_inner type=”1_1″ align_self=”auto” content_layout=”column” align_content=”flex-start” valign_content=”flex-start” content_wrap=”wrap” spacing=”” center_content=”no” column_tag=”div” link=”” target=”_self” link_description=”” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” class=”” id=”” order_medium=”0″ order_small=”0″ hover_type=”none” border_color_hover=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” box_shadow=”no” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ box_shadow_color=”” box_shadow_style=”” z_index_hover=”” z_index=”” overflow=”” background_type=”single” background_color_medium=”” background_color_small=”” background_color_medium_hover=”” background_color_small_hover=”” background_color_hover=”” background_color=”” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center center” linear_angle=”180″ background_image_medium=”” background_image_small=”” background_image=”” background_image_id_medium=”” background_image_id_small=”” background_image_id=”” lazy_load=”none” skip_lazy_load=”” background_position_medium=”” background_position_small=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat_medium=”” background_repeat_small=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_size_medium=”” background_size_small=”” background_size=”” background_blend_mode_medium=”” background_blend_mode_small=”” background_blend_mode=”none” background_slider_images=”” background_slider_skip_lazy_loading=”no” background_slider_loop=”yes” background_slider_pause_on_hover=”no” background_slider_slideshow_speed=”5000″ background_slider_animation=”fade” background_slider_direction=”up” background_slider_animation_speed=”800″ background_slider_blend_mode=”” sticky=”off” sticky_devices=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_offset=”” absolute=”off” filter_type=”regular” filter_hover_element=”self” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″ transform_type=”regular” transform_hover_element=”self” transform_scale_x=”1″ transform_scale_y=”1″ transform_translate_x=”0″ transform_translate_y=”0″ transform_rotate=”0″ transform_skew_x=”0″ transform_skew_y=”0″ transform_scale_x_hover=”1″ transform_scale_y_hover=”1″ transform_translate_x_hover=”0″ transform_translate_y_hover=”0″ transform_rotate_hover=”0″ transform_skew_x_hover=”0″ transform_skew_y_hover=”0″ transition_duration=”300″ transition_easing=”ease” scroll_motion_devices=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_delay=”0″ animation_offset=”” last=”no” border_position=”all”][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hue=”” saturation=”” lightness=”” alpha=”” user_select=”” content_alignment_medium=”” content_alignment_small=”” content_alignment=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” class=”” id=”” margin_top=”” margin_right=”” margin_bottom=”” margin_left=”” fusion_font_family_text_font=”” fusion_font_variant_text_font=”” font_size=”” line_height=”” letter_spacing=”” text_transform=”” text_color=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_color=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_delay=”0″ animation_offset=”” logics=””]

    How do I become a beekeeper?

    Beekeeping is immensely rewarding for gardeners and I love it! You don’t need any formal qualifications to become a beekeeper, but you should join your local beekeeping association – find the details on the BBKA website.

    The associations run local training courses to help you get set up. They will be able to put you in contact with other beekeepers so you can ask for advice and learn from them. They also run taster days throughout the year so you can go along and give it a try.

    If you live locally, come along to the Stratford Association’s Introduction to Beekeeping Course starting in February.

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background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”false” border_sizes_top=”0″ border_sizes_bottom=”0″ border_sizes_left=”0″ border_sizes_right=”0″ first=”true” spacing_right=””][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]

    For more garden planting ideas, check out my blog:

    [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_2″ layout=”1_2″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”true” border_sizes_top=”0″ border_sizes_bottom=”0″ border_sizes_left=”0″ border_sizes_right=”0″ first=”false”][fusion_text]

    Or check out my Pinterest board for more ideas:

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  • RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch: How to take part in 2016

    RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch: How to take part in 2016

    How to take part in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch!

    Sit and stare out of a window for a whole hour. It sounds lazy, but in fact that’s all you need to do to take part in the world’s largest wildlife survey!

    Join the RSPB on the weekend of 30 and 31 January and spend one hour watching your garden. You simply need to count all the different birds you see and submit your findings.

    What is the Birdwatch?

    [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]

    Blackbird eating berries. Blackbirds are common garden birds
    Look out for blackbirds, seen in 90% of gardens

    The Big Garden Birdwatch helps the RSPB develop a clear picture of the UK’s bird wildlife and how it is changing.

    It started as a one-off project for children in 1979. They looked out for birds, filled in a form and posted their findings to the RSPB. But the idea became huge when it was featured on Blue Peter, and 34,000 children sent in their tallies.

    The RSPB decided to continue the project every year. More and more people started taking part, and eventually in 2001 it was opened up to adults too.

    Last year over half a million people took part, making it the largest wildlife survey in the world! Together the participants recorded sightings of over 8.5 million birds.

    Why should I take part?

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    Chaffinch birds can be spotted and counted during the Birdwatch
    Bird species like this chaffinch are recorded

    The Birdwatch was designed to build a snapshot of the UK’s garden bird populations. Thirty years later, it’s a vital project to steer conservation and research efforts. It also raises public awareness of the plight of many garden birds, and encourages more people to make their gardens bird-friendly.

    The Birdwatch has also identified that gardens are hugely important habitats for birds, providing food and shelter that is often crucial to their survival.

    You don’t need to be an expert to take part. You don’t even need binoculars. Order a free pack from the RSPB website here. Alternatively, register your details for easy submissions on the day, and get a £5 discount in the RSPB shop.

    Schools can also take part any day during January. Teachers can find more information here.

    The top 10 birds spotted in 2015

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    House sparrows are the number one Birdwatch bird
    House sparrows took the top spot!

    1. House sparrow
    2. Starling
    3. Blackbird
    4. Blue tit
    5. Wood pigeon
    6. Chaffinch
    7. Robin
    8. Great tit
    9. Goldfinch
    10. Collared dove

    Think you would recognise all these birds? Test your knowledge with our top ten bird quiz!

    Changes over time

    The vast amount of data collected has also given the RSPB chance to track the changes in bird species populations. Some fluctuations can reflect how mild or harsh the weather has been.

    But decades of counting has revealed long-term trends and changes too. Some birds are doing well while other species are declining dangerously.

    Going up

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    Wren bird sightings are rising. Join the Birdwatch here
    Wren sightings were up last year

    • The blackbird was the most widely spotted bird, with over 90% of participants recording one.
    • Robins were seen by 85% of people and moved up three spaces in the top ten list.
    • Wrens saw a dramatic increase in 2015 – double the sightings than in the previous year and the highest number since 2006.

    Going down

    [/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]

    Starling birds are in decline - take part in the RSPB's Birdwatch
    Starlings have suffered a steep decline

    • Song thrush sightings have fallen to an all-time low and they remain on the red list.
    • Once ubiquitous starlings are also in decline. Though still common, sightings have dropped by 80% since the first Birdwatch.
    • Greenfinches are also suffering because of a disease called trichomonosis. If you spot greenfinches in your garden, help protect them from infection by regularly cleaning bird baths, tables and feeders.

    How do I take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch?

    [/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]

    Goldfinches are a more common sight in our gardens
    Look out for garden stalwarts like goldfinches

    Spend one hour counting the birds you see in the garden on the weekend of 30-31 January. It is better to do this in the morning when birds are most active.

    You can keep a bird identification book to hand, or look on the RSPB website for the most common birds.

    If you’ll easily recognise most birds, why not see if you can spot any differences between male and female birds, or juvenile and adult?

    Count the birds

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    Wood pigeons are common garden birds. Take part in the Birdwatch this January
    Count how many wood pigeons you see

    For each species, keep a tally of how many you see at once. This means you don’t count the same bird twice. So if you see a blackbird appear three times, you put down one blackbird. If you see two blackbirds together, you put two.

    The birds must land in your garden, not fly over it.

    If you see nothing or very little, still submit your results. The survey wants to know what is missing just as much as what is there.

    Submit your findings to www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch.

    And encourage friends, family and neighbours to take part! The more submissions the better.

    Where to look for birds

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    Starlings on bird feeder during Birdwatch
    Top up bird feeders to attract more birds

    Keep an eye on fences and high walls which make great lookout posts. Many birds will sit a the top of trees.

    Put out some bird food and top-up feeders and bird baths. Birds still need to drink and bathe in cold weather. You can also clear space on the patio and lay some food for ground-feeding birds.

    Enjoy your Big Garden Birdwatch!

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