Taken from Lynne’s weekly column ‘Green Scene’ for the Western Mail
20th July 2024
No Ant-ibiotics Needed
Every stone I have moved in gardens this week seems to have had an ant’s nest under it. They are fascinating little things. As well as holding the record for the ‘fastest movement’ in the animal kingdom and being able to lift and carry 20 times their own body weight, recently bug boffins have found that some ants even amputate the injured limbs of their nest mates to prevent infection.
The Florida carpenter ant is known to be viciously territorial, often getting into violent skirmishes with rival colonies and picking up combat wounds in the process. But rather than just licking the injuries clean as other species do, these clever critters bite the affected limb off – making them the only animal other than humans to conduct such amputations. And apparently it works with the procedures saving the patient from death 90% of the time.
Tree-mendous
A rainforest in Pembrokeshire is going to be replanted in an attempt to return it to its ‘ancient glory’. The 59-hectare site in Pembrokeshire’s Gwaun Valley was once thick with native oak, small leaf lime and an abundance of mosses, liverworts and lichens, before it was all cut down to provide grazing land for sheep and cattle.
The introduced ‘rainforest species’ will also be planted around two large standing stones, to make it all look more authentic. Project leader Adam Dawson said, “The aim is that somebody walking through the site in 30 to 50 years’ time won’t say ‘I wonder who planted this’ but just ‘what a lovely place’.”
Duly July
Normally the warmest month of the year in the UK, July, is also known as both Picnic Month and Ice Cream Month. I think it may be renamed Stew Month and Rice Pudding Month after this years July. I mentioned last week that a local farmer said, ‘The trouble is that we have 6 months of winter and five months of bad weather.’ And it seems Lord Byron agreed, once saying, ‘July it is the month when British winter ends, only to recommence in August.’
Until the 18th Century, the word’s English pronunciation focused heavily on the first syllable, making it rhyme with words like ‘truly’ or ‘duly’ and a little ‘oddly topical’, July is also known for the month in which a grand total of seven US Presidents have died in – more than any other month. It was nearly eight.
Take a Seat
The 22nd July celebrates National Hammock Day, highlighting the joy and benefits of using a hammock. First invented by the Mayan thousands of years ago in Mesoamerica, hammocks were later introduced to Europe by Christopher Columbus.
I have always loved a hammock – and so has Yogi (see photo). They are most often associated with ‘chilling out’ but they are actually proven to give you a deeper and more relaxed sleep than just a regular bed too. I also know of a very wealthy businessman who puts some of his success down to the fact that he spends an hour most days in his ‘hammock in the loft’ just to ‘mull over ideas’.
I think every garden should have a hammock if possible, if you haven’t got two suitable trees or posts then there are simple or decorative frames available to make them viable. I always encourage people to have more seating in the garden – as well as providing places to sit and enjoy your space, the right seating can also provide focal point when not in use. The little Parisian table and chair sets can add interest to a corner of a garden and a hanging chair or even a swing is also a great addition. If possible create little hidden seating areas that aren’t in direct view – they are fabulous. And my favourite rustic seat, often used in work, is a wheelbarrow. I have a couple of old ones placed in beds and borders at the cottage, and they always provide a talking point as well as a comfy place to sit.
Fit on Purpose
Nice to hear health and wellbeing in the news lately, and Wales leading the way by launching a consultation to restrict ‘promotions of food products high in fat, sugar and salt’ and ‘buy one get one free’ on unhealthy food. Radio 2 is also encouraging listeners to ‘get moving’ this summer. Experts are now warning that ‘sitting is the new smoking’ with regard to negative health implications. Surprisingly, it’s not uncommon for an adult to spend half their day sitting down, either at work, whilst travelling, relaxing or ‘engaging with a screen’.
As well as being detrimental to physical health, sitting has psychological disadvantages too. Health experts admit, “We don’t understand the links between sitting and mental health as well as we do the links between sitting and physical health yet, but we do know that the risk of both anxiety and depression is higher in people that sit more.”
As everyone seems to be complaining about feeling tired, the irony is that ‘getting moving’ will often make you feel better.
If it’s motivation you are looking for, then come along to the first Wellbeing and Outdoor Activity Festival which is being held in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park (Bannau Brycheiniog) from Friday 20th September at 3.00pm to 1.00pm on Sunday 22nd. Run by ‘Wellsynergy’, the founders Chris and Janine are delighted with the response thus far and are excited about being able to share a number of activities, talks and motivational ideas with visitors of all ages. It is being held at Onnenfawr, at Crai near Brecon (LD3 8PY) by kind permission of Keri and Julie Davies and family, and is in a Dark Sky Area, which will add to the camping experience. Kevin Walker will be speaking there, there will be all sorts of led walks (including night-time to appreciate those dark skies) and outdoor activities including sunrise yoga and a silent disco. I will also be speaking at the event and taking part in various ‘fitness’ demonstrations’ including Zuu and Tai Chi Movements for Wellbeing (TMW), so do come and say Hello.
Keeping your wellbeing in mind, tickets are reasonably priced and start at just £10. More details at www.wellsynergy.wales
And Usk Fitness College is also enrolling new students now. I highly recommend having a look at the prospectus for full and part time courses in sport, fitness and health – many of which are free, or very affordable, to do. Choose from training in nutrition, sports massage therapy, kettle bells or spin (indoor cycling) amongst lots of other things.
It is a lovely, friendly campus and whether you want to retrain for a new career or just learn about health and fitness for your own benefit, it is the ideal place to learn.
www.coleggwent.ac.uk/our-courses/part-time/sport-fitness-health
You are never too old – or tired – to learn something new.
Leave a Reply