Articles by Jo Foster

If you want your garden to become a haven for wildlife, why not build a garden pond? You can make your own using a simple plastic storage box! According to research by the Wildlife Trust, there are around 500,000 ponds in public places in Britain today, plus an amazing three million garden ponds. Some natural ponds are believed to be around 14,000 years old. Known as pingos, they were create...

After the unfortunate events of the past year, we all need and deserve a holiday this summer. As the UK's COVID vaccine rollout gathers pace and cases of coronavirus continue to fall, it could be time to start getting set for some fun. With foreign travel still uncertain, staycations in Britain might be the only way forward, but there are plenty of beautiful spots within the UK!  Our British...

May is a great month for gardening. The weather should be just right to go outdoors and start those seasonal jobs that will ensure your garden is blooming gorgeous throughout the summer months! As the herbaceous borders start to pick up pace, the sowing and planting of bedding plants can begin, depending on the weather. It's also time to start the regular lawn-mowing routine, as the warmer t...

Britain is well-known as a nation of animal lovers, with 54% of all adults owning a pet of some kind, according to research by animal welfare charity the PDSA. The most popular pet is a cat, with 10.9 million felines living as family members all over the UK. This is closely followed by dogs, with 24% of UK adults having a canine companion, totalling 10.1 million pet dogs, according to the Pa...

The past year has been stressful for many, taking its toll on our mental health. A lot of us have taken on a new hobby to help boost our health and keep our minds active. Did you know fishing is great for your mental health? You may think of it as a hobby, a relaxing way to unwind, or even a means of putting food on the table, but apart from these obvious benefits, it's also great for your p...

A hobby you can do alone, or with other people; an allotment can bring joy to many. April is the ideal month for allotments and gardens in terms of planting and tending your plot. People are taking advantage of the longer days since the clocks went forward, spending more time outdoors, especially in the warm sunshine. However, take care if you're planting seedlings or young plants, as there'...

While most people are aware you can recycle materials such as plastics, paper and aluminium cans, there are a whole host of other recyclable items that consumers may not know about. You can recycle more than you think, thanks to new initiatives by supermarkets, local authorities and the government. © gabriel12 / Shutterstock.com The latest green initiative rolled out by Tesco is its "...

The e-commerce sector has hit an all-time high, with a huge increase in online sales during 2020, largely as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic - online sales have increased by almost 30% in just 12 months. According to a survey by Engine, grocery e-commerce has soared, as have online purchases of medical supplies, baby items, cleaning products, toys and games, electronics, wellness products,...

People in the UK are hoping to be able to take a holiday in the near future, after the government pledged to relax lockdown restrictions as soon as possible. While it's unlikely we'll be going abroad just yet, staycations in the UK are set to become the norm, with coastal destinations a prime contender for that long-awaited holiday. In England, the "stay at home" restrictions are set to end ...

Officially launched in the UK by charity The Trussell Trust in response to a growing poverty crisis, the great British foodbank provides a vital lifeline for people suffering severe financial hardship. While they have been helping people in the United States since 1967, foodbanks were seldom seen in the UK before the beginning of the 21st century. Care professionals including social workers,...