News in brief

1

PLASTIC-FREE TREES

A new report makes the case for not using plastic to protect young tree stems, due to the impact of microplastics on the environment. The Woodland Trust is trialling cardboard and wool options. bit.ly/PlasticFreeTrees

2

GROWING JOBS

The Countryside Charity is asking the Government to increase hedgerows by 40% by 2050, both for wildlife and the economy, claiming it would create 25,000 jobs. bit.ly/HedgeFundSummary

3

NEW HEALING GARDEN

A new Global Medicinal Garden has been opened in Belfast’s Botanic Gardens. It features plants used in folk remedies, herbalism and modern medicinal research. Entry is free. Find out more: bit.ly/BelfastBotanic

4

OPEN AFTER 30 YEARS

Following a £9m revamp, Grade II listed Kirkleatham Walled Garden in North Yorkshire has reopened after 30 years. It features formal gardens, a glasshouse, café and event pavilion. bit.ly/Kirkleatham

5

A TASTE FOR HOMEGROWN

New research has found that while over half of children aged six to 10 in the UK are not eating their recommended amount of fruit and vegetables, 70 per cent are more likely to eat produce that they’ve grown themselves.*