This April, we would like to raise awareness about an emerging threat to our cherished oak trees: the Oak Processionary Moth (OPM). This species of moth, characterised by its caterpillars that nest on oak trees, poses significant risks to both the health of our trees and the well-being of humans and animals. Understanding OPM: Read more »
Article prepared by Rachel Crapper, Assistant Ecological Consultant Importance of ecosystem health We all benefit from a well-functioning and health ecosystem which improves water and air quality and helps limit disease and stabilize the climate. How do beavers help? Ecosystem health Beavers have an important role to play Read more »
December is the month where the ‘big sleep’ typically starts for bats. They may have already started longer periods of physical inactivity referred to as ‘torpor’ during November depending on weather, temperatures and food availability. December typically sees the temperature getting colder and bats moving to their winter roosts, sometimes in small groups, but Read more »
By Libby Reeves Nicholsons Plants covers The Plant Centre, where we encourage you to come in and purchase all your garden essentials and look at some of the artisan products we have available. It also covers the Nursery, where we are growing Plant Healthy-certified trees, shrubs and hedging which are ideal Read more »
Bicester Village has received a prestigious Gold standard certificate at the Thames & Chiltern in Bloom awards. The awards are one of 16 regional and national campaigns that make up Britain in Bloom, in association with the Royal Horticultural Society and is Europe’s largest horticultural competition. Entries are invited from communities of Read more »
John Lockhart of Nicholsons and Kate Russell of Tellus Natural Capital Ltd explain what natural capital is and what opportunities it can offer to landowners. Why is Natural Capital Important? Despite the fact that natural capital is now common currency in the language of environmental policy and strategy, there is Read more »
By Harry Poole Nicholsons were recently lucky enough to spend a day visiting Burmington Farm of TR Tame and Son, which specialises in the cultivation and production of Walnuts. The farm has been established for over 10 years, with more than 1000 Walnut trees on their land, consisting of over 60 different cultivars. They Read more »
The introduction of water to your garden can support nature, create visual appeal, and establish a sense of calm. A water feature can punctuate outdoor spaces when positioned effectively, such as centrally in a courtyard, at the end of a path, or in a location that displays beautiful reflections. Being Read more »
By Ella Geden-Davies This year, we have curated a collection of ornamental trees within the nursery. With planting season soon approaching, browse the suggestions below to learn about their features and the ideal planting location to guarantee optimum health and longevity. Read more »
By Libby Reeves Seeds are nearly always taken for granted. We buy packets and lose them down the back of a cupboard, the dog chews the packet, or a gust of wind carries them to areas where we don't want or need them. We plant them out in little lines then go along a Read more »
By Liz NicholsonChildhood memories of dens, treehouses and shepherd’s huts set the scene for often chasing the “home beyond the house walls”.In my case, the shepherd’s hut was the real deal, abandoned in a leafy beech woodland on a bucolic Cotswold estate. The shepherd’s hut of my childhood was scarce in its furnishings, bare in Read more »
On the 27th July 2023 DEFRA announced the indicative prices for statutory biodiversity credits: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/statutory-biodiversity-credit-prices#area-habitats Where biodiversity net gain credits are not able to be balanced on site, or off-set within land held by the developer, credits may be purchased from DEFRA’s “credit sales service” at a ratio of 2 credits per 1 biodiversity unit Read more »
“We are delighted to announce that John Lockhart has been granted approved assessor status for Building with Nature (BwN). Building with Nature is the UK’s first accreditation scheme that provides a robust benchmark for green infrastructure. The scheme is now becoming widely recognised and valued. It involves an independent evaluation against 12 identified standards, Read more »
Transport remains the largest emitting sector in the UK, responsible for 34% of carbon emissions in 2022 (Department for Energy Security & Net Zero, 2022). The rise in electric vehicles is a positive step towards a cleaner transport sector; Nicholsons has so far purchased 7 electric vehicles and has ambitions to expand this further. Read more »
By Oliver Ong The arrival of August means that we are firmly in school summer holiday season, which brings with it an excellent opportunity for families to come together and enjoy the outdoors. This week’s blog presents a selection of fun activities to entertain you and your family throughout the holidays. From outdoor pursuits Read more »
For the last year Nicholsons has been dedicated to achieving the prestigious Investors in People Gold Accreditation, demonstrating our commitment to excellence. We are proud to announce that our hard work has paid off, and we have been awarded the esteemed Gold Accreditation. Being a Read more »
Article prepared by Sam Hargreaves, Arboricultural Services Manager The hottest June weather on record will not have been so welcome to our teams on the tools, in particular the guys and gals suiting up in chainsaw trousers, boots and helmets to undertake the strenuous work arboriculture requires of them. But Read more »
Article prepared by: Rachel Crapper Scientific name: Meles meles The European Badger, is an unmistakable species, with a black and white striped head, white tipped ears, a stocky grey body and a short, fluffy tail. Night Walkers Badgers are nocturnal mammals, emerging from their burrows called “setts” at Read more »
