Today's round-up features plans for a new forest in Northumberland, the highs and lows of dating in the countryside, and the benefits of getting outside whatever the season.
Venturing outdoors in autumn and winter can boost mental health
Nature allows us to gain a different perspective on our lives. Credit: Getty Images/Robert Harding World
Colourful autumn days and crisp winter mornings can boost social, mental and physical health, according to experts.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists and Forestry England have championed getting outside, even when the nights draw in, to help combat winter blues.
‘Spending time outdoors in nature, including in woodlands and forests, can really improve mental health,’ said Dr Alan Kellas, of the Royal College of Psychiatrists’s sustainability committee.
‘Our senses are engaged differently, our attention changes, we naturally become more mindful, our mood settles if aroused or anxious, or lifts if low or depressed, our imagination can be sparked and we can gain a different perspective on our lives, projects and problems.’
Humpback whale found dead in Thames was hit by ship
A juvenile female humpback whale, who died after swimming into the River Thames, was hit by a ship.
"A humpback whale that died after swimming into the Thames was hit by a ship, the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) has said. [uk].
Humpback whale found dead in Thames was hit by a ship | Environment | The Guardian https://t.co/ag930uYs74
— ORCA (@OceanicRescue) October 10, 2019
The whale was found the dead whale just after 5pm on Tuesday (8 October) in Greenhithe, Kent, but is not clear whether the wound was inflicted by the ship before or after her death.
A great new forest for Northumberland
Northumberland’s Kielder Forest Park. The county is set to benefit from new areas of woodland. Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
The government has announced plans for a new Great Northumberland Forest in a bid to tackle climate change.
Great Northumberland Forest will encompass three new areas of woodland, covering 500 hectares with up to a million new trees by 2024. The trees will be of mixed species to encourage biodiversity.
On this day…
Henry Cavendish (1731-1810). Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
On 10 October, 1731, Henry Cavendish, was born. The British physicist and chemist discovered hydrogen, which he termed ‘inflammable air’.
Love in the Countryside: Awkward farm dates and being dumped by a Shetland pony
Farmer David found the quest for love an emotional journey. Credit: BBC/Boundless
Far from the glitz and glamour of Love Island, or the shiny studios of Take Me Out, BBC Two’s Love in the Countryside focuses on those looking for romance in a rural setting.
The television series follows seven lonely hearts, including farmers, a vet and even an equine dentist, and follows them on their journey to find love. It’s pretty cringe-worthy watching, but the clumsy interactions make strangely compulsive viewing, as Rachael Turner reports…
Ancient woodland saved from HS2 — but only for the time being
Credit: Getty Images/EyeEm
The Woodland Trust has welcomed news of a deferral on HS2 work in ancient woodland until the government completes a review, but said that all work must be halted to avoid irreversible damage.
Abi Bunker, the charity’s director of conservation and external affairs, said the move was only made after pressure from the charity and other organisations and individuals.
Giant catfish caught in Devon
A record-breaking wels catfish has been caught in a lake in West Devon.
Chris Flook captured the 72lb 2oz (32.6kg) fish from the Specimen Carp Lake at Anglers Paradise in Beaworthy near Exeter.
The owner of Anglers Paradise, Zyg Gregorek told Plymouth Live he believes it is the biggest wels catfish born and bred in the UK.
PB CATFISH ALERT!5C's Member Chris Flook had a session on our Specimen Carp Lake and had the fight of his life after…
Posted by Anglers Paradise on Tuesday, October 8, 2019
‘[It] is one of the offspring of our original stocking in the early 90s following a long fight with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to get official permission to stock them,’ he said, adding that Mr Flook has been fishing at Angler’s Paradise for ‘donkey’s years’ and he was delighted with his monster catch.
And finally… A rat invasion?
A pest control company has warned that up to 120 million rats could be making their way into UK homes this winter due to wet weather.
Nice coverage in the @MetroUK: https://t.co/NbYqmCIOOM#pestcontrol #rats #protectyourhome #ratinvasion #London #Bristol #Buckinghamshire #Brighton
— Cleankill Pest Control (@cleankilluk) October 9, 2019
There is a 30-40% increase in the number of rat infestations in homes when the climate drops, according to Cleankill Pest Control.
They are advising homeowners to block gaps in walls, clear out stair cupboards and not leave food out.
Soothing sounds of woodland proven to be more relaxing than meditation apps or silence
Listening to birdsong, rustling leaves and a gentle stream can positively affect our wellbeing, a Natural Trust study has found.
