Category Archives: gardens

Mapping our species-rich grasslands

Posted on November 5, 2019 by

According to UK charity Plantlife, Britain has lost 97% of its species-rich grassland in less than a century. Hundreds of plants, fungi and invertebrate species rely on these important habitats – which in turn support healthy populations of birds and … Continue reading →

Posted in battleby, biodiversity, Cairngorms National Park, citizen science, Ecology, Flowers, Fungi, gardens, graduate placement, Habitat Map of Scotland, Land management, mapping, meadow, plants, SNH, Staff profile, Uncategorized, wild flowers, wild land, Young people | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Graips of Sloth: the List of Winter Gardening Don’ts & Dos

Posted on February 5, 2019 by

This week, our gardener at our Battleby office, Jim Carruthers, shares some great tips on what to do – and NOT to do – to keep our gardens in good shape over winter.  Many are tempted to atone for the excesses … Continue reading →

Posted in battleby, gardens, plants, Scottish Natural Heritage, SNH, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , ,

Glasgow – the pollinator’s friend

Posted on August 21, 2018 by

As our largest city, with a rich industrial history, you may not immediately think of Glasgow as a place for pollinators. However, make no mistake: Glasgow is more than doing its bit for our pollinators, as SNH Pollinator Strategy Manager … Continue reading →

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How should you manage giant rhubarb in your garden?

Posted on August 2, 2018 by

Have you got giant rhubarb in your garden? A European-wide ban on the sale of this invasive non-native plant comes into force today. If you already have the plant, also known as Gunnera tinctoria, in your garden you can keep … Continue reading →

Posted in biodiversity, citizen science, Community engagement, conservation, Flowers, gardens, invasive non-native species, Land management, plants, Projects, Uncategorized, wild flowers, wildlife crime, wildlife management | Tagged , ,

Our dear green spaces – let’s celebrate the Glasgow Wildlife Garden Festival

Posted on May 21, 2018 by

This year, RSPB Scotland is teaming up with partners and community gardens to celebrate Glasgow Garden Festival’s 30th Anniversary.  Scottish Natural Heritage are delighted to co-sponsor these celebrations.  Fiona Weir, RSPB Giving Nature a Home project manager, tells us why … Continue reading →

Posted in biodiversity, Birds, Festival, gardens, SNH, Uncategorized, Volunteering | Tagged , ,

The fruit is out there

Posted on September 29, 2016 by

Autumn … we explore the ‘Season of mellow fruitfulness’ with our  Rambling Brambler, aka Jim Carruthers, Battleby’s gardener. The time of brambling is upon us. You and yours should take advantage of this fine autumn weather and get out there … Continue reading →

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Species of the month – the narcissus bulb fly, a fly in bee’s clothing

Posted on April 7, 2016 by

In a few weeks your garden will be buzzing with bees, hoverflies and butterflies, all feverishly collecting pollen and nectar from your flowers. Bumble bees are some of the most conspicuous garden visitors, and easily recognisable by their coloration and … Continue reading →

Posted in biodiversity, gardens | Tagged , ,