If you stay around long enough, you will be recognised. This has definitely been the case with The London Highline (The Great Eastern Parks Route).
The East London Garden Society has been involved with this project for some years now, including its ups and downs. We have now been informed that we are to meet with The Greater London Authority officers to enable the routes to be recognised.
We have persevered with this project for a long time which provides an important message for the urban green environment. It is indeed a win for all who pursue a better living environment throughout east London.
If you value having someone campaign on your behalf to protect the environment and having access to useful articles about gardening and local environmental matters, please make a donation to help us with the cost of maintaining The East London Garden Society.
A community garden hub is being proposed for the area of land alongside the Hertford Canal and this proposal is being supported by The East London Garden Society.
The plan would include a Canal Garden hub with dual use as a Community Gardening Resource. With support from Capel Manor College Garden Design students, the site will be transformed into a productive garden farm, eventually producing food for an onsite café.
Closed-loop processes will minimise waste and support onsite food growing at scale. A space for community gardening workshops and practical horticultural training, will draw local groups together and facilitate networking.
A Canal and River Resource at this location on the Hertford Union Canal links together a major East-West route for boaters, walkers and cyclists, connecting Victoria Park with the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Using shared facilities, the hub is an excellent location to promote the Canal and River Trust for fundraising, to accommodate volunteers, educate visitors about its history, the environment and funding of the canals as a local amenity.
An easy option for making leaf mould is to simply scoop the leaves into bin bags. Fill the bags three-quarters full, tie them closed at the top then puncture holes into the bottom and sides to allow its contents to breathe.
Leaf mould can take one to two years to completely break down depending on the types of leaves you use. When it is ready, the leaves will be a lovely deep brown colour and crumbly to the touch, with a touch of moisture.
There are other advantages too:
Varroa mites are devastating honeybee populations, affecting 54.8% of colonies and making bees more susceptible to diseases and harsh conditions. Colony collapse disorder remains a significant threat, with 70,650 colonies lost in just three months, despite a 34% decrease from the previous year.
Neonicotinoid pesticides, particularly thiacloprid, have long-lasting effects on honeybees, disrupting their energy metabolism and gut microbiome even when exposed as larvae. Industrial agriculture practices force bees to mature too quickly, shortening their lifespans, while areas with more natural habitats help bees live longer and healthier lives.
You can help protect bees by avoiding neonicotinoids, supporting organic farming, creating pollinator-friendly spaces and choosing untreated plants for your garden.
Common pesticides in your garden are contributing to the alarming decline in honeybee populations. One study shed light on how neonicotinoids, particularly thiacloprid, have long-lasting effects on honeybees even when exposed during their larval stage. Thiacloprid, once considered less toxic to bees than other neonicotinoids, is now under scrutiny for its significant impact on bee health.
The research reveals that exposure to sublethal concentrations of thiacloprid during the larval phase leads to reduced survival rates in adult bees. The exposed bees showed increased sugar-water consumption without corresponding weight gain, suggesting a disruption in their energy metabolism.
This means that bees exposed to thiacloprid as larvae struggle to maintain their energy balance as adults, impacting their ability to forage and contribute to the colony's survival.
Armed with this knowledge, you have the ability to make a difference. Start by avoiding the use of neonicotinoids and other synthetic pesticides in your own garden. Choose organic, regenerative gardening methods and support small farmers who practice bee-friendly agriculture. When shopping for plants, ask nurseries if their plants have been treated with neonicotinoids and choose untreated options.
Remember, protecting bee health is ultimately about protecting your own health and the health of future generations. By making conscious choices, you're not just helping to preserve bee populations but you're also reducing your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
The research on how thiacloprid affects bee metabolism and gut health serves as a warning sign for human health as well. As you work to create a safer environment for bees, you're also creating a healthier world for yourself and your loved ones. Every small action counts in the fight to preserve our pollinators and ensure a truly sustainable future for all.
The article is taken from an article in The USA, however it is prevalent throughout the western world, as is the pesticide Glyphosate. We have learnt and are still learning what harms us in gardening.
This is an intriguing dip that goes well with raw vegetables or slices of crusty bread. The recipe is for 6 to 8 servings.