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 »
By Liz Nicholson We will all be aware that the climate is giving hectic rainfall patterns, demonstrated locally with no rainfall in the month of May. Water security is of great concern across the entire population and, at Nicholsons, we are working hard to play our part in supporting long-term water security. Our forestry Read more »
By Libby Reeves The evolution of animals is widely known and monopolized. Dinosaurs have been used in films, books, and many other mediums for knowledge and entertainment. The backstory of humanity evolving from apes is used in a similar way. However, plants have evolved alongside these ancient beasts, and their history is equally important. Read more »
By Katie Stevens Welcome to the fifth blog in the Forest Tree series. This blog will focus on the densely tall Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata), shortened to WRC: a non-native conifer. Its foliage is flat and spread out into fairly even, alternating twigs of scale-like, oval leaves. It has a very glossy, dark Read more »
Gardens have always been spaces of natural beauty and serenity, but some gardeners seek to take their green sanctuaries to a whole new level. Enter topiary trees—the living sculptures that add a touch of artistry and whimsy to outdoor spaces. With their carefully trimmed forms and meticulous designs, topiary trees have captured the imagination Read more »
As the warmth of summer approaches, it's time to prepare your garden for the vibrant and flourishing season ahead. Whether you're an experienced gardener or just starting out, a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring a successful and thriving garden. In this blog, we will explore some essential gardening tips to Read more »
By Libby Reeves The last 12 months have been a very tricky time for us all. The painfully dry spring and blazing hot summer of 2022 was followed by the warm but unnaturally dry autumn and one of the coldest winters I can remember. The recent rain has been something of a blessing for Read more »
By Ruby Simpson Perfection is an interesting concept – and something that many humans strive for. This puts pressure on a lot of us, for various reasons; people feel they have to look perfect and portray a happy life because of social media, parents think they have to uphold unrealistic expectations because of fear Read more »
On Friday 21st April Nicholsons were excited to attend the 2023 Pro Landscaper Business Awards where we had been shortlisted for 3 awards. We are proud to announce that not only did we win 'Landscape Company Over £5m Turnover' but we were unveiled as the 'Supreme Winner'. Judges said "Nicholsons had a clear vision and Read more »
By Rachel Crapper, Ecological Consultant If you listen to old myths, bats have been portrayed as nightmarish figures that may get tangled in your hair or be a sign of a bad omen! However, this lovely (and extremely interesting) group of species are actually harmless. There are 18 species of Read more »
By Katie Stevens Welcome to the fourth blog in the Forest Tree series. This blog will focus on the versatile Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus); a native broadleaf. It has soft, bright green, oval-shaped leaves that are deeply creased; although they are similar to beech leaves, they are much smaller, have a pointed tip Read more »
By Jared Hutchings ...and Re-discover Herbaceous Perennials! Around about this time of year, with those pesky late frosts safely behind us, my lovely mum proudly announces “I’ve got the bedding plants in” and hurries me outside to witness the neat row of “geraniums.” “They’re pelargoniums, mum”, but she ignores my botanical pedantry. I duck Read more »
By Libby Reeves Traditionally, orchards were always a haven for local wildlife. In modern times, with a push for more productivity and consumerism, they have become void of their previous biodiversity. Unlike other ancient habitats, however, we are in a stronger position to replace them, as it takes far less time for these habitats Read more »
By Ruby Simpson Spring feels like it’s fully arrived – bulbs are bursting into flower, April showers are in full swing and the days are finally stretching out and giving us more hours of daylight to fit gardening into! I had a glorious day in the garden this week when I decided to get Read more »
By Ruby Simpson There are lots of ways to use colour in the garden to suit everyone’s individual tastes, but there are a few simple rules that will help you create a huge amount of impact in your border planting. Even if you love a lot of bright colour, removing just one or two Read more »
Following the launch of the DEFRA Prospectus in early February, Justin Mumford, Director of Consultancy, has prepared a short briefing note outlining a comprehensive list of land management options available through ELMs in 2023 and beyond, including details on the plans for the evolution of Countryside Stewardship and the Landscape Recovery Scheme. The Read more »
The ecology survey season has officially arrived! The Nicholsons ecology team are happy to help you with your surveying needs during the spring and summer seasons and beyond. Things to consider: Have you had a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA)? A PEA can determine which species groups are likely to be Read more »
