Oaktree Home and Garden

Many dog owners are unaware of the possible dangers certain ‘human’ foodstuffs contain when they allow their dog to eat ‘tit bits’
Most pet owners realise that ‘human’ chocolate is poisonous to dogs and sensibly buy dog chocolate, but how many dogs ‘hoover’ up the crumbs left over after our meal times, especially when children have […]

If, like me, you spend a lot of time outdoors you will notice certain creatures without really thinking about them.
This year certain species are noticeable by their absence.
To date I have not seen a single ladybird, the usual colonies of ants that busy themselves in warm spots like the underside of the slabs in the […]

The charity, Garden Organic, Organisers of National Welly Week, are no doubt hoping for a wet week to help with their campaign! The serious reason for National Welly Week is to raise awareness of organic gardening.

It is hoped that individuals, families, friends, schools and business will join the campaign by organising fun events to help […]

One of the most satisfying aspects of gardening is growing your own plants, the question is do you grow from seed or buy already grown plug plants?
Most satisfying has to be sowing your own seed, the anticipation of that first crack in the compost as the new born seedling emerges is a wonderful feeling, but […]

There are many sites dedicated to this subject containing much scientific and legal information. Here we are simply outlining the basic facts for people to use as a source of information or reference.
The great crested newt is the largest British newt and the most threatened of its species. It is believed to be declining at […]

Listed below are just a few extracts from news items over the past four years, indicating just how costly the Great Crested Newt can be!

A new road in Leicestershire will cost an extra £1.7 million because of a great-crested newt colony which may be home to just one creature.
Angry council bosses have vowed to fight […]

The humble ladybird (Coccinellidae family) has delighted children over the centuries. It is often the first insect to be discovered by intrepid toddlers as they make their first stumbling steps in the family garden, unaware of the brightly coloured, spotted creature’s potential benefits to the garden they are exploring.
Britain lays claim to 46 varieties […]

Most pets are susceptible to poisoning and even death from eating certain human foods, chocolate and dogs is the most common example.
However few people realise that if you are warming up a teflon coated pan on the cooker certain fumes are given off which, if your Budgie happens to be in the vicinity, will most […]