Mabaker

So glad to give support in any small way. It happens more often than you think. I live near a footpath anf once came home from holiday to find that someone had poured paint through the bottom of the fence which had run all down through my soil and on to my plants. It was a job trying to dig out all the contaminated soil and to this day I still find bits of paint in the soil. No idea who it was or why they would do such a thing.

You might be interested in watching this video on you tube. It's from a wildlife gardener called Joel Ashton who regularly posts about his work in that area. Being interested in that kind of thing I follow him a lot. Anyway, a few days ago he posted about his plants being deliberately poisoned allegedly by his neighbour. He is going through the process of taking legal action and videoing this journey. There is another follow up which he posted a couple of days ago . It might be helpful to you. I think I should point out that the alleged culprit is not identified on the video so not breaking any privacy laws in sharing this.

Good question. I think the benefit of some wild flowers is that they appear earlier in the spring and provide nectar for insects coming out of hibernation. Also, natives have evolved with the insects, some of which can only survive with certain native plants. For example, some species of caterpillars need a specific native plant for their food. Having said that, I've seen lots of pollinators having a field day on some non native flowers. My bees love my verbena bonariensis for example.

Sue. It's a long journey trying to change the long established mindset that many of us grew up with, namely cultivated flowers are good and wild flowers anywhere other than in the wild are bad. My job as a child was to go round pulling up all the dandelions that dared to invade my Dad's pride and joy of a garden. I still battle with my Mum, trying in vain to convince her of the benefits of so called weeds in her garden. Her neighbours, all of a certain age, are the same. Anyone who doesn't attack any weed with gusto is the subject of Mum's disapproving neighbours. We can only keep trying to convince others of the benefits of these much maligned flowers.

I'm happy to report that some foxgloves are now looking great in my garden. The bees are loving them. Also managed to grow some corn poppies from seed. I've left some decaying logs in the corner so maybe there are some stag beetles there.

Southwark lists parks as an ecologically important space so don't understand the point.

I've just seen a park worker mowing down all the tall grass meadow area on Junction at East Dulwich Road, just in time for all the little creatures that have made it their home to be slaughtered. What are they thinking?

I have no lawn but still trying to get wild flowers to germinate. After a couple of years sowing seeds I've finally managed to produce some ox eye daisies. Still trying to succeed with cornflowers, vipers bugloss to name but a few. A couple of foxgloves are coming up. Its a gradual process for which we need lots of patience. Don't forget after No Mow May it's Let it Bloom June.

I got on the blower to the complaints section first thing this morning. The lady said she would send message to the relevant department. Less than 2 hours later my bin was collected. Either my phone call produced results or it was just coincidence. Either way I'm happy to see the bin empty. Now back to the garden to fill it again. Those bushes won't prune themselves!

For the second week running my bin hasn't been emptied. Filled in yet another complaint form. This is a recurring problem where I live on Donkey Alley. My other problem is I haven't got my new sticker yet. I'll try ringing tomorrow

I'm sure it's me having computer brain fog, but I noticed other posters had replies to their missed bin reports but I've never had an answer even though I've reported many times. I know it says they get back to you but where and how? I'm hoping last week's garden waste will finally get emptied tomorrow, but I'm now thinking even if they do come, will they ignore it , as still haven't received my sticker for this year? We'll see.

Thanks and 😅 to last post I'm sure it's me having computer brain fog, but I noticed other posters had replies to their missed bin reports but I've never had an answer even though I've reported many times. I know it says they get back to you but where and how?

May I ask where is this missed collection service page? I thought that Southwark would contact me via email. Am I not looking in the right place? Confused.

My bin was also missed, and fyi I have filled in numerous missed bin collection forms before, as I also did last night, and none of them have ever been actioned on. Total waste of time letting them know. I still do it though, for my own satisfaction.

You can take any old clothes or any other fabric like tea towels to Primark stores. They all have collection boxes. Any old clothes and rags that can't be reused are recycled for other uses like toy stuffing and insulation

I guess the beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say I think trees laid bare without their clothes on always look attractive to me

The tenancy agreement stipulates that eviction proceedings can be instigated against any tenant or a member of the household for breach of tenancy.One of the breaches is antisocial behaviour, so the Housing Officer has a duty to investigate, collect evidence and initiate possession proceedings against the tenant. When they receive a complaint, they should first call the tenant for an interview and put the complaints to them. The HO reminds them that anti social behaviour is a breach of tenancy. They inform the tenant that they will be closely monitored and that their tenancy is at risk of they continue. I know this because I was a HO and this was my job. You should go back to the HO and ask if they have done this. If they have dragged their heels on this, proceed to the Council's formal complaints procedure. Not sure of the timeline off head but if no joy after this and you are not satisfied with their response, make a complaint to the ombudsman who has a duty to investigate.

https://bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org/ The big butterfly watch is here . From now until 4th August if you can find 15 minutes of your time to observe and record any butterflies you see in your garden, park or anywhere else. A fun activity to do with the kids. The website has a handy id chart. You can can do a 15 minute watch as many times as you like. This information is really helpful in knowing how to help our butterflies. Even if you don't see any, they need that information too. Good luck 🤞

It might have said diseased. My eyesight has seen better days

I noticed a sign on one of the trees along Barry Road. It's a few trees down from Etherow Street Bus stop. ( Going into London). It is going to be felled tomorrow. Reason for felling. . . Deceased. I admit I'm no tree expert but can a dead tree still produce masses of leaves? Maybe someone who knows better than me can explain. Or is it just that someone finds this tree to be an inconvenience for whatever reason?

Where was this?

Me too. Die hard labour supporter but voting Green hoping we get a sizable minority

I'm sorry to hear about your little puppy being bitten. I hope s/he is ok. On another note I would be grateful if people generally don't use the name Karen negatively in posts. This Karen finds it rather hurtful.