As the seasons take a turn, we’re all enjoying winding down for the autumn and winter months.

Estate agent comparison site, GetAgent.co.uk, reveals how homeowners can stop all sorts of creepy crawlies from getting into the home this Halloween, and how to get rid of the little blighters if they do manage to infiltrate. Bed bugs are small, flat, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of sleeping humans and animals.

Looking for ways to get into the Halloween spirit? CarMats.co.uk are here to help by revealing some pumpkin patches and farms up North to bring friends and family alike.

As we head into Autumn, the following weeks present an excellent opportunity to rejuvenate and revitalise your lawn. With the mild temperatures and increased rainfall during this time, the conditions become ideal for the germination and growth of grass seed, shaping your lawn for the colder months to come.

A new report published by The Wildlife Trusts urges the UK Government to put nature first, as it embarks on a housebuilding drive across England. The report outlines how planning reforms can help to address challenges of climate change, nature loss, housing and public health – but only by placing nature recovery at the heart of new developments.

A year after the illegal felling of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree which formerly stood proudly in the gap, towering above Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland National Park, the National Trust and Northumberland National Park Authority have revealed more details about the legacy of the tree – and its plans for how hope will prevail in the face of tragedy.

Snail mail: Collaboration between zoos sees largest release of Extinct-in-the-Wild Partula snails in history

One of the most important reasons to bring houseplants into your home during the autumn and winter months is their ability to improve air quality. As we spend more time indoors with windows closed, our exposure to indoor pollutants can increase. NASA's Clean Air Study found that certain plants can remove toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and ammonia from the air if you have enough of them.

As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, there's nothing quite like the anticipation of spring's vibrant blooms. Planting spring bulbs now is a simple yet rewarding way to bring a burst of colour to your garden and brighten your spirits. From cheerful daffodils to elegant tulips, and statuesque alliums to vibrant crocus, there's a bulb to suit every taste and style.

September is a lovely time of the year, with its gorgeous array of colours. During this month, the nights are becoming shorter and the weather is becoming colder. While this is a great time of year for many, September is also the start of the spider season in the UK, which can be devastating for some homeowners – especially those with a fear of these little critters.

New insight from over-50’s property specialists, Quickmove Properties, reveals how to make the most of a small garden, as they reveal the winner of the Park Home Gardener of the Year 2024, with this year’s winner demonstrating that limited space doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice creativity or beauty.

New series of reports – The Blue Carbon Mapping Project – provide the first estimate of carbon stored in UK seabed habitats, including in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). 37.4 million tonnes of organic carbon are stored in just the top 10cm of seabed sediments (principally made of mud) in the North Sea, plus coastal habitats including saltmarshes and seagrass beds. Seabed disturbances, including from bottom trawling and offshore development, are identified as threats to blue carbon stores, as nature charities call for stronger protections for UK seas.

Wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation has today declared a national ‘Butterfly Emergency’, with results of this summer’s Big Butterfly Count showing a marked and hugely concerning decline in numbers.

Autumn is a season of vibrant colours, cosy jumpers, and the delightful crunch of fallen leaves underfoot. But for many gardeners, the true magic of autumn lies in its bountiful harvest of berries.

Beekeepers are calling on people to make sure they know how to identify the invasive species, after more than 20,000 false reports of ‘yellow-legged’ Asian hornets last year. People are being encouraged to better familiarize themselves with the insects in their gardens, as efforts to increase awareness of the ‘yellow-legged’ hornet - also known as the Asian hornet - continue.

Oysters are a keystone species which provide a wide range of ecosystem benefits. Wilder Humber aims to reintroduce 500,000 native oysters to the Humber estuary over 5 years. Wilder Humber is trialling the reintroduction of oysters via the remote setting method—the first use of this method for native oysters by a restoration project in the UK.

Oh is summer really nearly over! What summer I hear you reply. This year has been one of those where it started well and then deteriorated, having days when it could be any season of the year. I can't quite believe that this weekend is the first of September and according to the Meteorological Seasons Autumn is on its way.

A proven army of 2mm-long weevils has been called in to assist the nation’s canal charity, Canal & River Trust, in the fight against the invasive water weed Azolla, which is particularly problematic this year in South Yorkshire and the East Midlands.

Leading Cumbrian vet David Black says he is humbled after receiving one of Cumbria’s most prestigious awards. David was named Farming Champion at The Cumbria Farmer Awards on Friday (AUGUST 16), an event considered the county’s Rural Oscars.

As with all businesses, our staff are crucial to both the public facing and behind the scenes work, so I want to start with a shout out to our wonderful team here at York Gate. We have a fantastic team of paid staff – the garden, nursery and café teams, and last but not least the admin team which includes a visitor experience coordinator, office staff and volunteer coordinator.

Summer is the peak season for gardeners, a time to reap the rewards of months of care and attention. However, maintaining a thriving garden requires consistent effort and knowledge.

Aloe vera is a beautiful plant that is often celebrated for its medicinal properties and striking appearance. For these reasons, this is a very rewarding plant to cultivate. What makes aloe vera even more appealing is its incredible ease of propagation.

A transformative four-year project, titled, ‘Giving Nature a Home’, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, is reaping benefits at a Yorkshire nature reserve, RSPB Old Moor, near Barnsley.

A newly completed wetland at Holden Beck, near Bolton by Bowland, is set to transform the landscape by providing vital spaces for struggling wildlife species.

With the summer months fast approaching, homeowners are gearing up to enjoy the sunshine and warmer weather. However, along with the joys of summer come pesky intruders, including insects. Insects not only disrupt our peace but can also pose health risks and cause damage to our homes. But fear not!