The Bloxham Buzz – Dec 2022

As this is being written COP27 is in full flow, reminding us that we ARE in a Climate and Ecological Emergency and how we each respond depends on our personal circumstances. We may be glad of the milder weather given the soaring energy prices but the heating up of the earth and the melting waters bring disastrous consequences to our planet. Loss and damage is one of the main topics – here is a 5-min film that puts this into context – The Global Story of Climate Change Loss and Damage – and Who Should Pay for It – https://youtu.be/96wtZnglTCQ Here’s hoping COP27 will be successful in establishing compensation for nations who are experiencing Loss and Damage right now. Browse these websites for more and varied insights.

Nature magazine: www.nature.com ,
Natural History Museum: www.nhm.ac.uk
International Monetary Fund: www.imf.org,
Chatham House: www.chathamhouse.org

Biodiversity Bloxham AGM 7pm, Friday 16 Dec, Ex-Servicemen’s Hall

All welcome from Bloxham and beyond. Come and share your ideas, opinions and feedback on our activities
and events from 2022 and make your suggestions for 2023. Refreshments, Give & Take festive gift table.

Lifetime Membership for just £2!

The more members, the more positive action we can get involved in!

CHRISTMAS-TIME

It may be worth holding on to the idea of a simpler Christmas – re-using, re-imagining, less packaging/single use plastic. Or make a table decoration from garden cuttings; sometimes simplest is the most effective.

Recycle Your Christmas Tree

Christmas Tree Shredding at the Warriner. Warriner Farm Trust will have their trailer parked at Bloxham Grove from: 5pm on Fri 6^th until 3pm on Sun 8^th Jan. (see notice elsewhere in Broadsheet)

December thoughts: How to bring more light into your garden during the darker days

It takes a little contemplation to work out ways to bring more natural light into a dark corner but it is well worth the effort for the pleasure it gives. Some ideas for ‘Glowing Natural’:

Berries and winter-flowering shrubs – These come in so many vibrant colours – red, orange, pink, white, yellow and purple. Try hellebores, daffodils, crocus, cyclamen, primroses, snowdrops, Daphne, winter jasmine, viburnum and sweet winter box, placed singly or to complement one another. Many also have a delicious fragrance which fills the air on a cold day.
Variegated foliage – Not to everyone’s taste but variegation can be especially effective when placed against other foliage or a wall. Try the green-silver of brunnera, yellow and dark green of holly or ivy varieties, euonymus and ferns. If you are not sure, keep it in a pot and move it around the garden.
Tree crown thinning or canopy lifting – try a little gentle cloud pruning a la japonaise. Many shrubs are quite amenable to this; it’s not difficult, but do a little research first! Hedges – Gently prune out a ‘porthole’ for a view in a high or dense hedge to give you a new sightline, more natural light and a chance to view the wider horizon.
Not too late for tulips! While still mild, it’s not too late to plant tulips. Go for it! Be tasteful or jolly and if you only have a few bulbs mixthem in with some daffodils or anemone coronaria. Tulips like cool-ish temperatures and afternoon sun, and a loose, crumbly soil with excellent drainage.
Artificial ways to introduce a gentle light: Warm yellow garden lanterns & string lights – so as not to disturb wildlife or people.Mirrors – carefully placed for reflection. Paint walls white.

Diary Date! GREAT BIG GREEN WEEK 2023 – 10 TO 18™ JUNE Get the Buzz! Stay in touch or get involved by joining our mailing list, email biodiversitybloxham@gmail.com or see our posts on Facebook and Bloxham Online for upcoming events.