We are an independent family owned and run funeral business, here to help local families arrange unique and personal funerals for loved ones. We are a team of friendly and caring funeral professionals. We’re all local people ourselves, and are here to support and guide you through this difficult time. Whether you wish to say goodbye with a traditional funeral, a simple farewell or arrange something a bit different, we are here to help you every step of the way.
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Upcoming submission deadline for advertisers & contributors: OCT ‘26 EDITION - 10TH SEPT ‘26 | NOV ‘26 EDITION - 8TH OCT ‘26
From the Editor
Hello Readers, to another. my head up yet? from one disaster ch lur Is it okay to pop e w re he w about if e loop t want to debate got stuck in a tim n’ e do w I e w lik el No fe s. I isi es Sometim by the climate cr r too often. Also… heatwaves, caused and it’s this hot fa t ho is th t no t The latest is the bu e it hot I know is that I lik t of water?! it’s real or not. All lf the time run ou ha s in ra it crises. The re he w nd endless stream of e th of how does an Isla t ou ell w s as be doing very st of our problem billiona ires seem to but that’s the lea , FC l oo with rp ge Meanwhile all the ve er Li m unk of they can ezos buying a ch ing! Probably so be r pe su I A latest was Jeff B xt e ne trying to create th at!! they all seem to be t to think about th no st be , gh rity/cost uu Eu y! wa edit crunch/auste cr s es dl it in some creepy en an in ive being told we’re tting more expens of things we keep erything keeps ge ev t bu nk s ba les y On the other end bit m a end leaving , we all try and sp l chunks of money al sm y an m at ! th of living crisis. So pe . I have rn Trent Water pi onthly subscription t a leak like a Seve go s it’ and/or is on a m e lik el fe to auction th I’m starting le of items from an up co a account each mon ng si ha rc e fa iling), I was pu e didn’t have tim being frugal (and g bit). Anyway, w ilin fa e th ive ’s dr at e On the theme of (th th o int n load got back I drove rned into small va tball. And when I ne website and it tu y the bargain pla by to t ed ou nd d to head ce surrou ha on I at re e fo m be co d ck ha pa to un oney we tmases e out how much m ng like all his Chris ur ki fig loo to ily ied Em tr r he M to find happy face as ean, who doesn’t y penny to see his in the long run, I m f of y pa ll It’ haul… worth ever ! ey mon ding far too much had saved by spen !! ? e poly tunnel? crises and no mor need a 3ft x 3ft 2026. No more to d en iet qu ce ere hope… a ni be grand!! So, here’s my sinc a little, that would n w do w slo uld if it co heatwaves….and rry On! Keep Cool and Ca Emily Happy Reading,
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PROFESSIONAL
THE FIRST DAY OF THE NEXT BIG ADVENTURE Maps, Timetables and a Touch of Panic: The First Day of Big School
Of all the milestones in childhood, the first day at senior or secondary school is one of the biggest. One moment you are the oldest in primary school, confidently showing younger pupils where the playground is, and the next you are standing outside a much larger building wondering if you will ever find the right classroom. For many children, the day begins earlier than usual. The new uniform is laid out the night before, shoes are polished, and a bag is packed with far more items than are probably needed. Parents hover with cameras, offering last-minute advice such as “Remember your timetable” and “Don’t forget your lunch.” The child, meanwhile, is trying to appear calm while feeling a mixture of excitement, nerves and curiosity. The journey to school often feels different too. Whether travelling by car, bus or on foot, there is a sense that something important is happening. As the school gates come into view, the size of the place suddenly becomes very real. There are hundreds of pupils, unfamiliar faces everywhere, and conversations buzzing in every direction. The first challenge is usually finding where to go. New students clutch maps and timetables as if they are treasure charts. Teachers and older pupils are on hand to help, but there is still a moment of panic when someone says, “Your tutor room is in B Block,” and you have no idea where B Block is. Once everyone is gathered, the welcome assembly begins. The headteacher talks about opportunities, hard work and making the most of the years ahead. Some pupils listen carefully; others are too busy wondering whether they will remember the route to science later.
Break time is another memorable moment. New friendships start to form as pupils compare timetables, discuss which teachers seem strict and admit that they were worried about getting lost. It quickly becomes clear that almost everyone feels the same way. By lunchtime, confidence begins to grow. The dining hall may be noisy and crowded, but it is also the place where the day starts to feel more normal. The feared first day turns out not to be quite as frightening as imagined. The final lesson arrives surprisingly quickly. Pupils who walked in that morning feeling anxious now leave with stories to tell: the teacher who made everyone laugh, the maze-like corridor they accidentally walked down, or the new friend they sat next to in maths. For parents waiting at home, the return can be entertaining. Questions such as “How was it?” often receive the classic one-word answer: “Fine.” Yet a few minutes later the details begin to emerge, and it becomes obvious that a great deal has happened. The first day at senior school is rarely perfect. Someone will forget a pencil, take a wrong turn or open the wrong classroom door. But that is part of the experience. What begins with nerves and uncertainty usually ends with a growing sense of independence. It is the start of a new chapter filled with new subjects, new friends and new opportunities – and for most pupils, the day they discover that they are more capable than they thought.
Lessons on the first day are often less about serious work and more about settling in. Teachers introduce themselves, explain classroom rules and try to learn a sea of new names. Students discover that secondary school means moving from room to room, carrying books around and keeping track of a timetable that suddenly seems much more complicated than primary school ever did.
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ALLY LAW CELEBRANT
Helping people tell life’s most important stories. With over six years' experience as an Independent Celebrant, I bring calm guidance, creativity and attention to detail to every ceremony, ensuring each one is unique. From meaningful farewells and celebrations of Life to joyful "I do's" and heartfelt vow renewals, I create personal ceremonies that honour every story with warmth, personality and professionalism.
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FOOD & RETAIL
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SLIMMING WORLD
NAME Cajun-spiced chicken pizza SERVES: 1
SWIPS: 8 per serving
READY IN: 20 minutes Enjoy all the flavours of a pizza with a lighter twist. A crispy tortilla wrap topped with smoky Cajun chicken, colourful vegetables and creamy quark makes this a quick, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.
Method:
2 tbsp tomato purée
4 tbsp plain quark
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
¼ small red onion, thinly sliced into rings
2. In a small bowl, mix the tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, ½ tsp of the Cajun seasoning and the sugar to make a quick tomato sauce. Put the wrap on a non-stick baking sheet and spread over the tomato sauce, leaving a 1cm border around the edges.
Ingredients:
1 tsp white wine vinegar ½ level tbsp Cajun seasoning Pinch of sugar 1 Slimming World white tortilla wrap (if you’re using wholemeal wraps and counting the Swips, deduct ½ Swip per serving) 1 small cooked skinless and boneless chicken breast (about 100g), shredded
2 heaped tbsp canned sweetcorn, drained 4 small sweet red peppers from a jar, drained and thinly sliced 1 cal cooking spray Small handful fresh rocket leaves
1.
Heat your oven to 220°C/fan 200°C/gas 7.
Cajun seasoning and coat it well, then scatter evenly it over the wrap. Spoon the quark on top and scatter with the onion, sweetcorn and peppers. 4. Spray lightly with 1 cal cooking spray and bake for 6-8 minutes until the edges of the wrap are crisp and golden. Scatter over the rocket leaves to serve.
3. Put the cooked chicken in a bowl with the rest of the
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BRITISH 2021 BROCHURE AVAILABLE COACHING CORONOVIRUS STATEMENT DATES DESTINATION DAYS PRICE Please note that all vehicles will be thoroughly disinfected prior to every trip 12 OCT NORFOLK (HB) £647 and new air purification systems have been installed5 12 OCT IRELAND - KILKENNY (HB) 5 £853 BRITISH COACHING 18 OCT SCOTLAND - INVERNESS (AI) 5 £761 NORFOLK RETREAT £454 19 OCT- A ROYAL DURHAM (HB)27-31 MAY HB 5 £629 DURHAM 28-31 MAY HB £358 09 NOVINC BEAMISH TORQUAY (HB) 5 £365 15OFNOV (HB)HB 4 £450 ISLE WIGHTLIVERPOOL 31 MAY - 04 JUNE £346 22 NOV XMAS @ LEIGHTON HALL (HB) 3 £344 GARDENS OF SOUTHERN ENGLAND 04-06 JUNE HB £266 23 NOV WARNERS – CRICKET ST THOMAS (HB) 5 £483 PENNINE EXPLORER 07-11 JUNE HB £403 29 NOV LONDON - ABBA VOYAGE (BB) 2 £326 GREAT YARMOUTH 10-14 JUNE HB £424 29 NOV EDINBURGH CHRISTMAS MARKET (BB) 3 £366 WARNERS CRICKET ST THOMAS 14-18 JUNE HB £480 £244 03 DEC THURSFORD CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR (HB) 2 HAMPSHIRE 17-21– JUNE HB & MISTLETOE (HB) £408 03 DEC HIGHLIGHTS LLANDUDNO HOLLY 5 £627 04OFDEC LONDON – BEHIND THE ROPES ISLE MAN 22-27 JUNE HB £514 @ WINDSOR CASTLE (BB) 2 £317 BABBACOMBE, TORBAY 25-30 JUNE HB £342 06 DEC LONGLEAT (HB) 3 £375 SIDMOUTH 04-08 JULY HB £412 £244 10 DEC THURSFORD CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR (HB) 2 HAMPTON COURT PALACE FLOWER SHOW 10-12 JULY HB £175 £319 20 DEC LONDON - CHRISTMAS CAROLS @ RAH (BB) 2 CHESTER THE WIRRAL PENINSULA 11-16 £450 23 DECAND CHRISTMAS AT TORBAY (FB)JULY HB 5 £939 23 DEC ORKNEYS CHRISTMAS LINCOLNSHIRE (HB) 5 £762 SCOTLAND, AND THEINCASTLE OF MEY 19-24 JULY HB £642
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ADULT £410
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KIDS & FAMILIES
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HEALTH & BEAUTY
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AMBER VALLEY RUGBY CLUB GETTING MATCH READY!
The countdown to the new rugby season is well and truly on, and there’s been plenty happening at Amber Valley RUFC over the summer! Pre-season training has been in full swing, with both our men’s and women’s squads putting in the hard yards. From fitness sessions to ball skills, the hard work, determination and team spirit have been fantastic to see. The warmer weather has certainly added an extra challenge, but everyone has embraced it with plenty of enthusiasm (and a well-earned water break or two!). Away from the pitch, there’s also been a hive of activity around the club. Volunteers have been busy carrying out maintenance, tidying the grounds and getting everything looking its best, ready to welcome players, members and supporters back for another exciting season. A huge thank you to everyone who has given up their time to help—our club simply couldn’t do it without you. August saw the start of pre-season friendly fixtures, so keep an eye on our social media pages for fixture dates, kick-off times and all the latest club news. Why not pop down and have a drink and support the teams? There is always a friendly welcome.
If you’ve ever thought about giving rugby a go, there’s never been a better time. It’s never too late to start, whatever your age, experience or ability. Whether you’re looking to get fitter, make new friends or simply try something different, you’ll find a warm welcome at Amber Valley RUFC.
One Club. One Family. One Valley.
����
Interested in giving rugby a try? call Stuart 07966 867 946 for the men, Gareth 07595 520 537 for the ladies and Paul 07790 403 043 for the Minis and Juniors.
More than just a club, we are the #ValleyFamily. You can visit our website www.ambervalleyrfc.co.uk, Facebook & Instagram pages to contact us or follow what we do. You can find us at Lower Somercotes, Somercotes, Alfreton DE55 4NQ
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ALLOW ME TO REINTRODUCE MYSELF
I’m Chris Melhuish. I’m registered blind, having been diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at five, but while it has shaped me, it has never limited me. I refuse to live small. I’ve worked in the fitness industry for more than 20 years and built Ultimate Health & Fitness from nothing over a decade ago. I wanted to create something different – a place that was judgement-free rather than ego-driven, where standards mattered more than popularity and impact mattered more than attention. I believe average is a choice. I believe hard things change people. And I believe fitness should build character, not just physiques. I’d rather help someone build confidence than abs. I coach because I genuinely care. I’ve failed more times than most people realise, I still get nervous before big
events, and I read more mindset books than fitness books. I’m more driven now than I was in my 20’s, and I’m still learning. Always. I recently qualified for the HYROX World Championships, placing second in the adaptive category. I’m also a dad to four incredible girls – Ruby, Eliza, Arabella and Imogen – who are my absolute ‘WHY’. Away from fitness, I worked on cruise ships in my early 20’s. I don’t drink much, but I take hot chocolate very seriously! I’m not finished.
FACES OF DEKA: CHRIS MELHUISH
Presented by Gym Gear
Chris Melhuish is relatively new to DEKA – just six months in – but what it’s brought into his life goes far beyond competition. It started with a DEKA STRONG, and from that first event, something clicked. “The challenge, the structure, the energy – it all just made sense to me. But what really drew me in was what DEKA stands for.” For Chris, DEKA is about more than the reps or the results. It’s about grit, community and creating a space where effort and resilience matter above all else. As head coach and owner of Ultimate Health & Fitness, Chris has been leading from the front for over 12 years. In that time, he’s built a reputation on showing up – on and off the floor.
This year, Chris became a DEKA affiliate, opening the door for even more people to experience what DEKA offers. He’s already completed STRONG and plans to take on MILE and FIT to complete the DEKA Trifecta. “My favourite event so far? DEKA STRONG. It’s raw. Just you, the zones and your mindset. No excuses, just output.” Chris doesn’t just coach movement – he coaches belief. “Being visually impaired has shaped me, but it hasn’t limited me. It’s taught me how to focus on what I can control and how to dig deep when the easy option is to stop.” Chris’s story is a reminder that strength comes from showing up, especially on the hard days. He’s not just overcoming – he’s leading. And the DEKA community is stronger because of it.
READY TO GET STARTED? If you’re tired of going it alone and you’re ready to join a community that truly cares about your success, we’d love to meet you. Visit Ultimate Health and Fitness Ripley and discover what’s possible when you have the right support, guidance and environment.
info@ultimatehealth-fitness.co.uk To advertise please call 01773 549 035
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HEALTH & BEAUTY
Direct access hygienist available! DID YOU KNOW YOU DON’T HAVE TO SEE OUR DENTIST FIRST TO HAVE YOUR STAINS REMOVED?
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JOIN ILKESTON LADIES HOCKEY CLUB WANT TO GET FIT? NOT PLAYED SINCE SCHOOL? FED UP OF YOUR CURRENT CLUB? Whether you’re returning to the game or picking up a stick for the first time, there’s a place for you. It’s all about fitness, fun, and feeling great. Get active, make friends, and enjoy every session.
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CONTACT US: ILKESTONHOCKEYCLUB@GMAIL.COM OR CALL SOPHIE ON 07711 023 102 18
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HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Ripley & District Heritage Trust
MALTHOUSE YARD
g Malthouse Yard 1880 map showin
Malthouse Yard, probably in the 1960s
Malthouse Yard was one of a number of ya rds in Ripley, groups clustered round an ope of small houses n area off the main str eet. They often had a com munal privy, washhouse, cesspit an d well. The first use of the land seems to have been as a brewery in 1808. By 1821 it had been joined by Robert Whysall’s malthouse. The Pear Tree Inn is first mentioned in 1866. The two rows of houses were probably built in the 1830s or 1840s. They were small – probably two up, two down – and very likely insanitary from their construction. For the next 130 years or so they were home to a shifting population, mainly miners, and gained a reputation for being one of the roughest areas of town. Even in the 1930s and 1940s parents would advise their children not to go through the Yard at night. Some of the inhabitants’ behaviour can be traced through newspapers’ crime reports. Drunkenness, illegal gaming, assault, bad language, and theft were common, but there were also prosecutions for cruelty to children, not sending children
to school and failing to keep up maintenance payments. From early on, concern was expressed about the state of the houses, and the overcrowding in them. In 1889 an anonymous correspondent to the Alfreton Journal reported on a visit to a house in the Yard: “The room which I entered was livingroom and sleeping-room. The floor and walls were horribly filthy. The children were compelled to sleep on straw in dirty bacon boxes, and the parents on common planks raised above the floor by means of large furnace cinders.” By 1933 Ripley Urban District Council agreed to condemn the 16 houses in the Yard but it wasn’t until 1968 that a clearance order was issued and in 1971, they were demolished to make way for a car park.
POP OVER TO OUR WEBSITE TO SEE MORE ABOUT THE RIPLEY & DISTRICT HERITAGE TRUST ON WWW.RDHT.ORG.UK
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A dogs Day out
I won’t lie, we chose this walk this month for purely practical reasons! Reading this now it may seem a distant memory, but in the middle of August, just after heatwave number six and with wildfires raging across the land, we had a cooler weekend, so made good use of it to get Flakey out for a nice walk. We chose this walk as it isn’t too taxing. It’s short and sweet and fairly even. But there are some lovely sections further into the walk, particularly if you get to meet the donkeys!
4 MILE CIRCULAR WALK FROM CLAY CROSS A short and gentle walk for you and your dog. This fairly even walk should take around 1½ hours to complete. There is a range of terrain, with some muddy and uneven sections and a few sections of road, so take plenty of care, make sure you wear appropriate footwear and as always, follow the Countryside Code.
START: The Cemetery, Cemetery Road, Danesmoor, Clay Cross, Derbyshire, S45 9RL. 1.
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Standing with your back to the cemetery turn left and continue along Cemetery Road for some distance. Continue until the road bends sharp to the left. Continue around to the left and then after a short distance take the first right into Beech Way.
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After a short distance take the first right again into Lime Tree Grove. Follow this road around to the left and then to the very end where the road turns into a lane. Continue straight along the lane for a short distance and then when the lane bends to the left, turn right along a footpath into some trees.
3.
Continue, passing a stile on your left, and eventually reaching a stile directly in front of you. Climb over the stile and continue straight ahead along a lane. After some distance the lane bends sharp right. Ignoring the stile ahead of you follow the lane around to the right and eventually pass some farm buildings on your right.
4.
Continue straight ahead and gently uphill until reaching a main road. Turn right along the road and cross safely, making use of the central reservation. Continue past the garage and the bus stop until reaching a road on your left (Highstairs Lane).
5.
Turn left along this road going gently uphill and then more steeply downhill. At the bottom of the hill and shortly after passing Woodside House on your right, turn right along a lane and signposted footpath.
6.
Continue along the lane until it ends and then continue straight ahead into some trees and over a stile. Now continue with a fence on your left and a hedge on your right. After passing a house on your left continue with a fence on your right and a hedge on your left. After a short distance the path turns into a lane.
7.
Continue to pass by some lovely donkeys in the fields and follow the lane for some distance until reaching a road.
8.
Turn right along the road for a short distance and pass a large round brick ventilation shaft. Then immediately after the end of the new housing estate and upon reaching an open green area on your left, turn left along a footpath into some trees.
9.
When you emerge from the trees continue straight to cross an open field. Upon reaching a hedgerow continue straight keeping the hedge on your left. At the far side of the field and upon reaching a brick-built wall turn right heading uphill with the wall on your left.
10. Continue straight ahead uphill until reaching a main road. Turn right along the road and then continue straight ahead until reaching some traffic lights at a major crossroads. 11.
Turn left at the traffic lights onto Thanet Street. Continue along Thanet Street and then take the second right into Flaxpiece Road. Upon reaching the end of this road bear right and continue straight ahead until the road bends sharp left. Follow the road around to the left and back to the start.
This walk is for illustrative purposes only. Voice Magazines Ltd takes no responsibility for anyone who chooses to follow this route and encourages all walkers to obey all byelaws and signs and to respect the area they are walking in, ensuring they pick up all dog mess and obey the countryside code at all times.
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and Guess the words rd! ! o w s s o r c Fill in the
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11 Empowered, and so attacked (6,2)
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Croatia to use upset to start some mayhem (5,1,4)
17 Minimum of athletes at work (2,3,5)
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ANSWERS FOR LAST MONTHS PITCHERWITS Across: 1Custom built, 5 Impairs, 9 Eked, 10 Fare, 11 Drape, 12 Maul, 13 Ruff, 14 Octagon, 16 Comfortable. Down: 1 Canned music, 2 Ski, 3 Its, 4 Timber frame, 6 Middle c, 7 Arcadia, 8 Refer to, 14 Ohm, 15 Nub.
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SUDOKU #74!
Fill in all the numbers This is a sudoku 1 square grid 81 cells 9 3x3 blocks 1 simple rule: Use all the numbers 1-9, with no duplicates allowed, in any row, column, or block.
These puzzles are devised by the brilliant Professor Rebus. For more of his puzzles visit www.pitcherwits.co.uk
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ING GARDEN LESERVICES BLACKBIRD PANT MA
NATURE NOTES FROM THE PEAK DISTRICT
KEEPING COOL IN THE SUMMERTIME HEATWAVES Increasingly hot summer weather causes stress for nature, including birds and other wildlife, and keeping cool becomes increasingly challenging. Plants like trees and herbaceous flowers clearly suffer during droughts and especially when temperatures are soaring. Responses and reactions include wilting through lack of moisture or else drooping temporarily to reduce water-loss. For some trees for example, they react as if autumn has come early simply shedding leaves to enter wintertime dormancy. In some cases, however, the plants simply die. Animals like mammals may have sweat glands and pant in order to keep cool, but not all types of fauna are so adapted. In the case of our birds for instance, they can’t sweat. Their body covered in thick layers of insulating feathers is great for flying and keeping warm, but problematic in hot weather! So, to counter this difficulty birds resort to other actions and behaviours. Over-heating, bird adopt physical actions like panting, seeking sheltered, shady places, and bathing; all activities observed as temperatures soar. However, the problems get worse and more extreme for birds with dark or black plumage which absorbs sunlight energy which is converted to heat. (White plumage tends to reflect sunlight and promote cooling). So, members of say, the Crow family, often species with predominantly blackish plumage, get too hot rather easily. In order to stay cool during very hot weather they pant, hold out their wings to expose more body surface-area to the cooling air, and when possible, take a waterbath. Of course, birds will also drink more during hot weather and providing suitable water-baths for bathing and drinking is a good way to help them through this difficult time. Along with the Crows, other birds with dark feathers like male Blackbirds in particular, face similar problems and take suitable actions. If the weather becomes too hot for comfort, then a first line of action is to fly to a shady spot such as tree branches in the high canopy. This is especially during the peak temperatures of mid- to late-afternoon. Keeping out of direct sunlight may help prevent overheating, but sometimes feeding necessitates being out in the open. This can make other actions to counter the high temperatures imperative. In these circumstances, Crows for instance, may open their beaks and breathe fast (panting) so water in their throat
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and mouth evaporates to cool the blood rather like an air-conditioning unit. This can be modified to include a gular flutter whereby they vibrate muscles and skin in the throat to help speed evaporation and cooling but without too much energy usage. They also wingdroop by holding out their wings away from the body to allow air under the feathers to dissipate trapped heat. For Crows, Blackbirds, and often Dunnocks, this can involve fully splayed-out wings and tail feathers with the body flat to the ground. Bathing in water can incorporate splashing around in puddles, bird-baths, ponds, and streams as wet feathers cool very efficiently as the wetness dries. Like many animals, birds seem to lack energy and become torpid during hot weather. Both Jackdaws and Carrion Crows will stand around gaping and with feathers on the nape and head raised to allow cooling. Usefully though, sunbathing helps control feather parasites!
CARRION CROW
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Professor Ian D. Rotherham, researcher, writer, broadcaster on wildlife and environmental issues is contactable on ianonthewildside@ukeconet.org. Follow his website www.ukeconet.org, blog www.ianswalkonthewildside.wordpress.com/ & Twitter Don’t forget to mention Voice Magazines when responding to the Ads @IanThewildside Bluesky @ianthewildside.bsky.social
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September normally shouts spring bulbs, dividing perennials, planting bare-root wallflowers, winter pansies and winter salad. But given the drought most of us have been experiencing, a little caution may be in order.
It hasn’t just been the heat and the lack of rain, there has also been quite a lot of hot dry wind which has stressed plants even more. So, unless we have been fortunate enough to have some really sustained rain in the last couple of weeks it may be worth slowing those jobs down until it’s a bit cooler and the rain has had a chance to really moisten the soil.
Anything you were thinking of introducing to the garden is unlikely to do well in baked soil. Part of the problem is that very dry soil can actually become aquaphobic. Decomposed plant oils form a waxy coating round soil particles which means water just runs through without delivering moisture and it takes a long time for the soil to become really porous again and able to properly sustain plants. There are a few ideas for how to fight this. If you’ve got things in pots or containers, put them to soak in a half full bucket or trug of water for several hours and the roots will eventually start to bring water up the plants. Add fresh compost or soil, particularly if you’re planting the likes of daffs, crocuses or alliums. Don’t mulch perennials yet. This conserves moisture but if there is no moisture to conserve in the soil it creates a semi permeable membrane which makes things worse. Keep on top of weeding – weeds are particularly good at finding any moisture. In garden beds water down into the roots as much as possible. It’s also suggested that a couple of drops of washing up liquid in your watering can will help break through the waxy compound coating the soil. Don’t divide perennials yet. They will recover, but they may be weakened by being uprooted at this stage. Spike lawns with forks so any moisture can get into the hard trodden surface.
As soon as conditions improve and it has been consistently TOP a bit cooler and wetter – all the usual planting, pruning and TIP nurturing can be pursued as vigorously as ever.
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