This week I had a meeting in central Manchester, so I went into town early to take a look at the biodiversity work done around Bridgewater Basin on the Rochdale canal.
Years ago, this was a tired dirty canal basin, surrounded by beautiful buildings such as the Bridgewater Hall. Now it’s been given a biodiversity makeover and it is far more in keeping with a modern city centre, that brings together re-development with supporting local ecology.
Now these floating active ecosystems help improve the biodiversity and the water quality, creating a haven for wildlife and obviously increases the aesthetics for passersby. This brilliant makeover was done by the Bridgewater Hall with aquatic scientists Biomatrix.
Give your plants a drink….
It’s been a dry April – never mind that old saying about April showers. I just wanted to take this opportunity to remind people to give their plants a good soaking. Bulbs or any other plants in pots will be suffering in this dry spell, as will any perennials that have recently been divided and split.
If you have had any new trees planted in the last couple of years, make sure you give them a regular total soaking around the roots and allow the water to puddle to ensure it actually gets right down to the roots.
What have I been reading?
I’ve been reading this fabulous book about the work of Wigan artist Theodore Major. He was born in 1908 and was the son of cotton mill workers. As an artist, he was a contemporary and friend of the more well-known artist LS Lowry. He painted a grim and dark industrial Wigan life as well as more abstract figures. I find him an inspirational artist and a truly interesting figure.
