Nature: Spring 2025 by Nature

Fiona L

Welcome to SPRING

One tiny leaf is all it takes One small shoot breaking through the earth, and it begins. Close your eyes and breathe it in – fresh and lush and alive with promise

As you gaze upwards, the rays of the sun finally feel warm on your skin After months of winter blues, spring is here

In these uncertain times, spring brings the warmth and renewal we all need. We’ve got heralds of spring dotted throughout the issue, which I hope will bring you delight and wonder. Enjoy the issue!

Editor-in-Chief

Fiona L

Spring Highlights

What will you spot this spring?

Fiona L

Magnolia

Adorned with luxurious, opulent blooms, the magnolia is the most magnificent of flowering trees Their star-like flower colours range from pure white through to pink or deep magenta, and sometimes yellow. While many blossom in spring, others grace us with their glamour in the summer

Many of today’s magnolias are ancient. Their ancestors flowered when dinosaurs roamed the Earth, long before bees and butterflies even existed. Consequently, magnolias have evolved to be pollinated by beetles

Quick Facts

Scientific name: Magnolia spp. When: March to August Where: woodlands, wetlands, mountains, gardens and parks

Did you know?

Magnolias were named after the French botanist Pierre Magnol, who devised the concept of plant families and was the first to create a system of natural classification, a century ahead of Carl Linnaeus. The Magnolia genus has over 200 species of trees and shrubs.

Tulip

Spring wouldn’t be the same without a splash of the sensational tulip. These flamboyant flowers come in a plethora of colours, from pale pastels to hot, vibrant hues.

Quick Facts

Scientific name: Tulipa spp. When: April to May Where: parks and gardens

Did you know?

Demand for the most beautiful and rarest varieties of tulips in Holland sparked a craze known as ‘tulipomania’. This coincided with the Dutch Golden Age, spanning from the late 16th to late 17th century During this craze, the wealthy sought to fill their gardens with coveted, flamed tulips At its zenith, the most highly prized bulbs cost thousands of guilders per bulb, with some being worth enough to buy a house in the finest district of Amsterdam. It was later discovered in the 1930s that the intricate and feathered flaring on tulip petals was caused by a virus.

Golden Jelly Fungus

A fungus that is not a wood-rotter itself, but a parasite that feeds on the mycelium of crust fungi (Peniphora) that break down dead wood Although often described as flavourless, in China, it’s used to add texture to soup Golden jelly fungus is also under research for its medicinal compounds that have shown anti-allergic and antiinflammatory properties

Scientific name: Tremella mesenterica

When: year-round

Where: dead wood Quick Facts

Did you know?

It’s also known as witches’ butter – edible but not recommended for your toast! According to European legend, if this fungus appeared on the gate or door of a house, it meant that a witch had cast a spell on the family living there. The only way the spell could be broken was by piercing the fungus several times with straight pins until it went away

Dark-edged bee-fly

The largest and most common beefly in the UK, the dark-edged (or large or greater) bee-fly mimics a bumblebee and buzzes like one too! Like a fuzzy ginger unicorn, it has an extraordinarily proboscis to sip on nectar from a variety of spring flowers. The larvae are parasites, feeding on the grubs of groundnesting bees and wasps. In the UK, there are several species of bee-fly; you can spot a dark-edged bee-fly from the dark markings on the leading edge of their wings

Quick Facts

Scientific name: Bombylius major

When: March to June

Where: parks and gardens, hedgerows, grassland, woodland

Did you know?

A dark-edged bee-fly’s proboscis can be four times longer than its head and cannot be retracted so they prefer deeper flowers

Quick Facts

Scientific name: Muscari spp.

When: April to May

Where: woodlands, meadows

Grape Hyacinth

These delightful spring bulbs add a pop of colour with their blue grape-like flowers. Grape hyacinths attract a wide range of pollinators, providing an early source of pollen and nectar.

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Quick Facts

Scientific name: Myosotis sylvatica

When: April to June

Where: woodland edges, hedgerows

Bluebells

Bluebells transform woodland floors across the UK into a sea of blue In fact, almost half the world’s bluebells are found here. Hyacinthoides non-scripta bluebells are native to the UK but they’re under threat from the nonnative Spanish bluebell (Hyacinthoides hispanica) which was introduced to Britain around the late 17th century The native bluebell is protected under the law, so it is illegal to intentionally pick, uproot or destroy bluebells.

Forget-me-not

Along ancient woodland edges and hedgerows, look for the pretty miniature flowers of forget-me-nots. These fivepetalled flowers are commonly azureblue, but they can also be white, yellow, or pink Forget-me-nots attract butterflies and repel rabbits and deer.

The genus “myosotis” is derived from Ancient Greek, meaning “ mouse ’ s ear ” , which is thought to resemble the short, pointed leaves of the flower Historically, forget-me-nots have symbolised true love, respect, and devotion

Quick Facts

Scientific name: Hyacinthoides non-scripta

When: April to May

Where: ancient woodlands, hedgerows, meadows

Fiona L

Ducklings, Goslings & Cygnets

Fluffy little ducklings, goslings, and cygnets are taking their first swims in our lakes, ponds and rivers. In the UK, we have a diverse range of wildfowl, with mallards being the most familiar sight

Did you know?

Yellow ducklings are the odd ones out in the wild Wild ducklings typically have darker, earthy tones for camouflage to help them hide from predators If it’s a yellow duckling, it’s likely a domesticated breed, such as Pekin ducks which turn white as they mature.

Quick Facts

Scientific name: Anatidae family

When: April to June

Where: ponds, rivers, lakes, parks, wetlands, marshes

Bee Safe: Neonics Ban Stays

In January 2025, the UK Government rejected the sugar beet industry’s request to allow the use of banned pesticides on sugar beet crops

Neonicotinoids (neonics) are pesticides that were banned for outdoor use in the UK in 2018 due to their disastrous environmental impact, particularly on pollinating insects

According to the Wildlife Trusts, at least 50% of insect species have been lost since 1970, and 41% of Earth’s remaining insect species are now ‘threatened with extinction’

Yet, since 2020, the former UK Government authorised the ‘ emergency ’ use to the company British Sugar of the highly toxic neonic thiamethoxam.

Greenpeace UK’s policy director, Doug Parr, said: “Bee populations have been absolutely decimated over recent years with the use of neonicotinoids – a single teaspoon of which is enough to kill 1 25 billion bees” Previous emergency authorisations were made to protect sugar beet crops from the impact of Virus Yellows, despite scientific advice: the risks to the environment of neonics far outweigh the benefits to the sugar beet industry.

Over the past five years, environmental charities have campaigned to end the use of neonics on UK crops Greenpeace UK’s petition alone amassed 1 6 million signatures, underscoring widespread public support for a total ban on bee-killing neonics. Separately, 15 leading climate and nature charities – including The Wildlife Trusts, RSPB and Friends of the Earth – have written to the UK’s environment minister, Emma Hardy, calling for an end to emergency authorisations of neonicotinoids on sugar beet crops.

In a major win for wildlife, the application for neonics use has been denied by the UK Government, for the first time in five years

Joan Edwards, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at The Wildlife Trusts, said: “The focus must now be on a complete, sustainable transition away from a reliance on the use of neonicotinoids not just in agriculture, but also in pet flea treatments. This is a key source of chemical pollution in our waterways, with 10% of UK rivers found to contain toxic neonicotinoid chemicals ”

While campaigns for nature-friendly farming continue, it’s a buzzing success for pollinators around sugar beets

Fiona L

The Healing Power of Nature

For some of us, exams are drawing closer, and tension is running high On the surface, this article is more pertinent to those going through these life experiences, but I think most of us can benefit from its insights

Balancing academic demands, friendships, extracurriculars, deadlines, and the constant pressure of social media can, at times, feel overwhelming It is folklore’s wisdom that the proverbial grandmother's advice of a “walk in the park”, “take a breath of fresh air,” and “connect with nature” will help reduce our stress levels But, is it?

For those interested in neurosciences, cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, is a key biomarker of stress, with prolonged elevation linked to anxiety, sleep disorders, and cardiovascular disease. This hormone is both essential and critical as it tells our body to get ready for action when needed However, while a little bit of cortisol is helpful, too much can lead to headaches, trouble sleeping, and even more anxiety All of us, at some time or another, go through periods like this and might object that it is not anywhere near desirable close to exam times and run for prescription countermeasures Wait, there is more to it!

Several popular studies have proven that spending time in natural environments reduces our stress considerably while not altering our focus Even brief walks in parks or gardens, not something we are short of at Wycombe Abbey, can significantly reduce our body response and lower cortisol levels, providing a sense of calm after a challenging day

Nature also activates the parasympathetic nervous system, the body's built-in stress reliever Sensory experiences like sunsets, birdsong, and gentle breezes trigger this system, slowing heart rate and promoting relaxation. Moreover, trees release phytoncides, natural compounds that further reduce stress and boost immunity, a sort of natural aromatherapy Furthermore, nature provides a vital mental reset By offering a gentle, non-demanding environment, it allows our brains to rest and recharge, effectively counteracting mental fatigue and energy drainage In a very meditative way, this "reset" enables us to shift from a constant task-oriented focus to being present in the moment

Recent studies showed how these “natural remedies” compare to traditional medicine approaches, counterintuitively offering, often, better results. In a seminal article, Lee et al. demonstrated how naturebased approaches can yield potent cortisol-reducing and stress-relieving effects (Journal of Physiological Anthropology, doi org/gf972n) This research demonstrates that outdoor activity triggers a greater cortisol decline than indoor exercise; forest bathing shows significant cortisol reductions and mood improvements while lifestyle interventions, including mindfulness and regular exercise, have shown comparable if not superior outcomes to pharmaceutical treatments for stress-related conditions

As girls, we often feel pressure to be perfect and to excel in everything we do. It’s important to remember that taking care of our mental and emotional well-being is just as important as our academic success Our school provides easy, always available access to nature, a great way to de-stress and recharge, allowing us to be our best selves

So, the next time you are feeling under the weather, remember the power of nature Step outside, take a short walk and deep breaths, and let the healing power of green work its magic on you You deserve it!

Sofia Aggugini-Canossa

FIND OUT MORE

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health: doi org/n9v6

Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine: doi org/cnwsv6

Frontiers in Psychology: doi org/g57zmm

Journal of Environmental Research: doi org/gch7j4

Journal of the Japanese Institute of Landscape Architects: doi org/dgvtwf, doi org/dqtwcx

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Whale Songs Follow Language-like Patterns

Humpback whale songs may follow patterns akin to those observed in human language

Researchers analysed eight years of whale songs recorded around New Caledonia in the Pacific Ocean Then they developed alphanumeric codes to represent each song from the recordings

Remarkably, they discovered that all whale songs followed the same statistical pattern as those found across all human languages

In this pattern, less common words become less frequent in a predictable way Another feature of human language that was found in whale song is that the most common whale sounds are short, just like the most common human words (Science, doi org/g836sc)

While this commonality doen’t mean whale songs convey meanings we can understand, the researchers believe this may reflect how both whales and humans learn language culturally

Fiona L

In brief

Turtle Freedom

Around 4,900 yellow-spotted river turtles, also called tracajás, have been released into Brazil's Igapó-Açu River in an effort to protect the threatened species

Beavers Build Dams Faster than Officials Can Plan

A beaver colony in Prague just saved the local government around £1 million by building several dams exactly where authorities were planning to do so, once building permits were approved

Can Bonobos Read Your Mind?

A new study at Johns Hopkins University found that bonobos, a member of the great ape family, can tell when humans don’t know something and effectively communicate information to change their behaviour. This discovery may be the first to confirm that apes have empathy for others and a theory of mind, the ability to think about others’ perspectives (PNAS, doi.org/n5n2).

National Trust to Restore 250,000 Hectares by 2035

The National Trust has revealed an ambitious plan to create 250,000 hectares of land into nature-rich landscapes by 2035 That’s 3,600 times the size of our school campus, bigger than New York City, or one and a half times the size of London! This contributes towards the global goal of protecting 30% of land as outlined in the UN Global Biodiversity Framework

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Grey Wolves Transform Yellowstone’s Ecosystem

Grey wolves are essential ecosystem architects at Yellowstone National Park, a new study has shown Since their reintroduction 20 years ago, willow volume has increased by 1,500% (Global Ecology and Conservation, doi org/g836rv) Willow is a primary food source for elk and elk is a common food source for wolves, so more wolves means more willow This phenomenon is known as a “trophic cascade”, or the indirect effects of predators on a food web’s lower levels.

Fiona L

In Focus Features

Spring Flowers for Bees

Bees are waking up from hibernation and need nectar from flowers to refuel after a long winter. Want to give them a helping hand? Here’s how to keep our pollinators buzzing all spring with these bee-friendly blooms for each month

February

Camellia (Camellia spp.)

Among the most glamorous shrubs, camellias produce lush, exquisite blooms that can last for several weeks To support bees such as the early bumblebee (Bombus pratorum), choose single or semi-double camellias such as Camellia sasanqua, which have open centres for easy pollen and nectar access

Others to try:

Snowdrops (Galanthus spp )

Daffodils (Narcissus spp.)

Irises (e g Iris unguicularis)

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March

Cherry Blossom

(Prunus spp.)

Revel in the breathtaking blossom season as clouds of cherry blossoms light up the sky These flowers range in colour from delicate white and ivory to bright pink Despite their name, flowering cherry trees are primarily ornamental, producing fruit closely related to edible cherries

In Japanese, the cherry blossom is known as ‘sakura’, symbolising the return of spring, renewal, and hope Although cherry blossom season usually lasts around a month, each tree may only bloom for about a week

Bees like the honeybee (Apis mellifera), red mason bee (Osmia bicornis), and tawny mining bee (Andrena fulva) adore cherry blossoms

Others to try:

Alliums (Allium spp.)

Hyacinths (Hyacinthus spp )

Rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.)

Did you know?

The petals and leaves are edible and used in many traditional Japaneses recipes such as mochi cakes and tea.

Fiona L

April

Wisteria

(Wisteria spp.)

Wisteria in full bloom is a glorious sight to behold Bearing beautiful tresses of scented flowers, these vigorous climbers transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. These sensational floral displays provide a feast for a plethora of pollinators.

Others to try:

Primrose (Primula vulgaris)

Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)

Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta)

May

Aquilegia

(Aquilegia spp.)

A charming cottage garden favourite, aquilegias bear bonnet-shaped rosettes, often two-tone and with long spurs Also known as granny ’ s bonnets or columbines, they bloom in a wide range of colours in late spring to early summer, providing excellent nectar for long-tongued pollinators such as the garden bumblebee (Bombus hortorum) and hairy-footed flower bee (Anthophora plumipes).

Others to try:

Foxgloves (e.g. Digitalis purpurea)

Lupins (Lupinus spp )

Wallflowers (Erysimum spp.)

Pixabay

Fiona L

Crocus

Fiona L

Riding on the breeze you come, While a sun begins to pluck Her strings of gold, enticing a Yearn for a feathered Hope. Silent like Inspecting thrushes, with an Air of subtle exasperation, waiting For Time to rise.

Silver frost encrust Lofty pines with Ancient bark, still Erect through centuries’ Trials! You return year After year - springing Up from petrified grassSinging your sweet Shanty, for the sailors In turbulent seas.

Bulbous buds appear On pale, snowy stems. Bolder than the rich Romans In majestic Tyrian Purple robes; or More heart-warming Than freshly baked Cookies on a Bone-chilling day. Your Cousins by the name Of flavus can do this, as Tennyson adored as fire.

Early bees nestle in For an afternoon tea when the Sky looms in: bleak and Ominous with Howling Winds pursuing On their Heels. Smoke writhing

In the air

Like vile Spirits

As the miniature workers Of the forest content In the pacific purity of Your heart.

Lighten the Toils of creatures to survive This winter chill. Harbinger of Spring, Rise!

Delicate yet defiant, crocuses are the first to bloom in a frozen world But how do they survive the freezing cold?

When temperatures start to fall, crocuses gradually toughen up through cold acclimatisation, a process which prepares them for frost They produce antifreeze proteins that stop dangerous ice crystals from growing in cells and prevent physical damage to tissues

In early spring, crocuses sprout from corms, which store carbohydrates to fuel early growth. With few blooms around, they provide a vital source of nectar and pollen for pollinating insects just emerging from hibernation.

Burrowing bulbs

Crocus and many spring bulbs can ‘plant’ themselves! They do this by growing contractile roots. The far ends of the roots anchor in deeper soil, and the ends of the roots nearest the bulb shorten, pulling it down These roots then die and new contractile roots grow out. So next time you go to dig up your bulbs and can’t find them, try digging deeper!

Species highlight: Crocus sativus

The saffron crocus, Crocus sativus, flowers in autumn and its crimson stigma produces saffron. Throughout history, saffron has been highly prized as a spice, dye, and medicine While it may be easy to grow and harvest your own saffron, you need around 150 flowers to produce just 1 gram of saffron Real saffron, according to Business Insider, can cost over $10,000 per kilo, earning it the moniker ‘red gold’. The tiny amount of saffron per flower along with the meticulous hand-plucking of the small stigmas make saffron the most expensive spice in the world.

Climate change is taking a toll on saffron production According to the Financial Times, changing weather patterns and water shortages are causing substantial declines in yields, which have driven the price of saffron to fresh highs. Arid and semi-arid regions in Iran, where over 90% of the world’s saffron is produced, are particularly vulnerable to climate change due to reduced rainfall and rising temperatures

Action for you

What impact has recent weather had on wildlife? Does climate change influence timings in nature? Join thousands of people taking part in Nature’s Calendar to help scientists track the effects of climate change on wildlife near you Start recording on Nature’s Calendar: naturescalendar woodlandtrust org uk

Hidden Wycombe Woodpeckers

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Knock, knock – who is there? I carve and chisel oak bones. A laughing drummer

Wander the woods of early spring and you may hear, and even spot, nature’s percussionists

Why and how do woodpeckers drum on trees?

While some birds sing to attract a mate and intimidate neighbours, drumming is the woodpecker way Both male and female woodpeckers will drum to defend their territory from outsiders, as

well as to advertise for a mate and to communicate. They beat their beak against a tree at incredibly high speeds – up to 40 strikes per second for the great spotted woodpecker!

With all this head-banging, why don’t woodpeckers get brain damage?

For a long time, it was thought that woodpeckers had spongy skulls that cushion the impact and protect the brain This has even inspired people to create safety helmets.

However, recent research challenges this belief A 2022 study suggests that a woodpecker’s head is more like a stiff hammer, rather than a shock absorber Instead, their tiny size and weight protect their brain – a woodpecker’s brain is about 700 times smaller than a human brain (Current Biology, doi.org/n7kk). Smaller animals can withstand higher deceleration, so woodpeckers just shrug off blows that would give us a serious concussion.

Drilling holes in tree bark also allows woodpeckers to dine. Insects are their main prey, which they extract with their long, sticky tongues In autumn and winter, they will switch to eating berries and nuts and will visit peanut feeders in gardens.

What woodpeckers are found in the UK?

Britain has three resident woodpecker species. Listen out and look for these woodpeckers in late winter and early spring from January to April, particularly in the erly morning for their drumming.

Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major)

The most common woodpecker in Britain, found in woodland and parks, and the one you ’ re most likely to hear drumming Roughly the size of a thrush or starling, these black-and-white birds have a distinctive splash of red beneath the tail – males also have a red patch on the nape They drum in short, explosive bursts which almost blur together and usually last less than a second When they are alarmed, you may also hear sharp ‘kik’ calls

Pixabay

Lesser

Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos minor)

Similar to the great spotted woodpeckers but much rarer: it is classified in the UK as Red under the Birds of Conservation Concern Mostly found in mature woodland in the south east of England and best spotted when feeding in the very tops of trees in early spring The lesser spotted is much smaller and about the size of a sparrow. Look for barring all the way across the back rather than the shoulder patches of the great spotted It also lacks the red patch under the tail. While their drum solos may be quieter than the great spot’s, they last longer.

Green Woodpecker (Picus viridis)

Largest of the three native species, green woodpeckers are found across mainland Britain except for parts of Scotland. They spend more time feeding on the ground in open spaces with some trees, like open woodland, parks and orchards You will likely spot them probing for ants on the ground with their long tongues, and they will sometimes visit garden lawns Green woodpeckers rarely drum and when they do it’s hard to hear – a soft series of rapid taps. Listen out for their loud, laughing call, known as a ‘yaffle’, in spring from late morning.

RSPB

Interview

Jo Duncan

What’s your favourite season here?

I will choose a favourite season, but I do really like all of the seasons for different reasons When I sometimes go, say on holiday or I visit places with more sunshine like Florida or Dubai, I think, ‘Oh, imagine living here, this would be amazing’ Actually, when I stop and really reflect on that, one of the things I always think about is how much I would miss the changing seasons and what each one brings But if I had to choose one, it would be late spring. I suppose the reason for that is because early spring can be a bit cold and unpleasant as we ’ re coming out of winter But as you get to later spring, it's lighter in the mornings and the evenings Nature is starting to come to life again and there's something very appealing about that. There's the idea of looking forward to things restarting and all the promise and potential that brings I think probably that's why it appeals to me the most. And of course, the weather is getting nicer I quite like warm weather, but I don't love it, so I like that transition period through to it

What do you like about spring?

I think it is the lengthening days I actually don't mind dark weather; I find it quite cocooning and very cozy. I love the idea of the winter - lighting the fire and it being dark - but I do like the lengthening days and the sense of possibility it brings

I was looking out the window from my own house earlier today and the blossom was just starting to come out of the trees It’s lovely I suppose it’s that feeling of everything just on the cusp of opening out and becoming fully in bloom.

Where do you like to go for a walk in the school grounds?

I do lots of walking around the school grounds because I have a dog so I walk at least twice a day in all different areas I’m around the cross country course, sometimes right around the perimeter by the wall. But I think probably my favourite place is through the meadow Having that opportunity to go through the middle of the valley and having the space, particularly if it's quite still in the mornings and it's a nice day - not necessarily warm, but just a nice sunrise - it's very beautiful

It's a very important piece of landscape. When the planners and the people involved in environmental activity in the county come to the site, they say that's very significant. They're very protective of the whole site here because it is a very beautiful, historic, and important site, but they especially protect that particular valley in so far as they would never let us build anything on it not that we’d want to!

Do you have any outdoor hobbies or special experiences that connect you with nature?

When I started teaching (which was quite a long time ago now), the school I taught at was in London, but it had an outdoor pursuits centre in North Wales, in Snowdonia Every child went for one week twice: once in Year 7 and again in Year 9 as a tutor group It was quite a big school so there were lots of trips Older pupils used the centre for Biology and Geography and so on. I often went with different year groups, so I spent a lot of my time in my first job in Wales, walking in the mountains and hillwalking - and I absolutely loved it

I think a lot of those pupils hadn't had that experience because they lived in London and hadn't necessarily spent that much time in the mountains and doing proper hillwalking It was a real pleasure to see them experience it, as well as to be part of it myself The more I went, the more experienced I became I did my Mountain Leader qualification so I was able to take a leading role in those trips. That was something I particularly enjoyed

I also learned to ski while at that school I didn't ski as a child, but I learned to ski as an adult and went on lots and lots of ski trips Being in the mountains and skiing was something else that I as an adult have come to enjoy immensely. Do you have a favourite animal or plant?

I have a dog and that's probably my favourite animal in a day-to-day sense He's called Beau and he's a black Labrador. He's quite energetic and requires quite a lot of walking so hence why I spend a lot of time walking.

Although I wouldn't say wildlife is a particular passion of mine, I once went to a tiger reserve in India and it was quite off the beaten track It was near Delhi, though ‘ near ’ in this case meant about a four-hour drive to this tiger reserve. You didn't know whether you were going to see a tiger or not and you went out in a special vehicle I was kind of indifferent about it.

But then we did see a tiger in the wild and I thought, ‘It’s amazing!’ It was jawdropping and I didn't expect it to have that kind of impact on me, but it did. I've never been on safari, but I would like to someday and perhaps I will It struck me how much of an impact seeing this animal in the wild could actually have on someone who wasn't really expecting it That was an amazing experience

Do you have any special wildlife encounters in our local environment?

I suppose it was a rodent It was a Glis glis, which is a dormouse They’re very specific to this area [the Chiltern Hills], although they exist in other parts of Europe.

Last year, there was one in our house, but it wasn't running around like a mouse might. It kept popping up and appearing, observing what was going on. I have a dresser in the kitchen and it came out from underneath it and then it just stood there At one point - we were all in the kitchen watching - it got onto the edge of the dog's bowl and drank the dog's water We were all standing, watching this rodent in fascination!

We had to call the specialists as you can’t just set a trap yourself: they use live traps to capture them. These rodents can cause havoc in houses, chewing through cables and things like that It can be very difficult, so the specialists come and take them away

I suppose that was my most surprising encounter, especially since it wasn't just a rodent running around the house making you think, ‘Oh my goodness, we'll need to deal with this ’ It was the way it just made itself at home, which was quite funny

Do you have a sustainability initiative in school that you're proud of?

There was an initiative led by the Sustainability Committee about the removal of single-use packaging from cups and boxes in the Courtyard Café, particularly at lunchtime. And so everyone switched to using reusables, whether it was Tupperware or other containers they brought in Almost overnight, we reduced our use of disposals by 50%

I think that was a really successful initiative, and it was very much led by the girls Everybody bought into it because it's easy when someone hands you the cardboard packaging and you just take it It only takes a small extra amount of effort to bring in your own reusable utensils That made a very significant change in quite a short time with a small shift in mindset, and I think that was really good.

How can we ensure that the school developments are sustainable?

We are now at the point of writing the next five-year strategic plan of the school The one that currently exists runs from 2020 to 2025, so we should have our next plan as we head into the start of the next academic year

As part of that, we ' ve been talking about developing a sustainability philosophy We can test anything that we want to do against it - whether it’s about buildings, food waste, energy sources or anything else it might be. I think we ' re unlikely to set very hard targets, but we ' re much more likely to have a clarity around what we think about sustainability and then we'll test ourselves against that. That will enable us to have some flexibility rather than just doing things to meet the target, but very much with the values of the school in mind and with sustainability and all that's important to informing good decision making. Hopefully, this sustainability philosophy will drive forward positive change and engagement across the whole school community

One thing that has just happened is we ' ve just had planning permission to put solar panels on the roofs of the DSC We're excited about that because it will really support our sustainable initiatives and help power some of our buildings, including the DSC and others

I think we will definitely see sustainability as part of our five-year strategic plan We've got an estates masterplan and we ' ve got some initial buildings as part of that, so the IDC (The Innovation Design Centre) and the new Junior boarding house. We have an architect on our governing body who is very committed to sustainability, and the architects working on those buildings are highly engaged with sustainability.

There's definitely an ongoing conversation - one that’s happening at the highest level, strategically, and in terms of these big new buildings. I hope that we will make sure that everybody in the community is involved with those smaller things that can be happening on a day-to-day basis because as we ' ve seen from the packaging initiative, even small things can have very significant impact

If you could travel to any natural wonder in the world, where would you go?

I would visit lots of different places, but I think I would go to the Grand Canyon The sheer size and magnitude of that would be something I would like to experience. I've been to America lots of times, but I haven't been to that area. It's not so much about the geology for me I think there's plenty of things to do at any of these places, but the idea of spending time in nature, hiking and walking and being immersed in such a massive way would be something I would enjoy

How would you encourage us to look after the environment?

Talking about it and getting girls involved is really key Small things can make a big difference Whilst we will look at sustainability as part our five-year strategy and in a broader sense, it’s also about just reminding the girls, getting girls to encourage each other, and having small initiatives that people can be involved in I see my responsibility, or that of whoever is leading in these areas, is to give feedback about the real difference that these small actions make on a bigger scale Our site is absolutely phenomenal There's more litter around than I would like, so when I walk my dog in the morning, I spend quite a lot of time picking up litter - not too much because actually, it's pretty good If we can all be responsible for our own things in a day-to-day sense, I think that will make a positive impact. There are also some initiatives that have been started which I'd like to see grow For example, some raised garden beds have been put in by Black Path It would be great to see those kinds of initiatives take off and girls getting involved in them. I think they would enjoy it

Anything else you would like to share?

One of the things I was thinking about recently is we have these really amazing trees on site When I walk over by LAC and PAC, I see those trees We have tree specialists who help us look after the trees but I think it would be interesting to have someone who knows all about trees come in and talk to the girls - someone who can give us more insight and knowledge into the variety of trees on the site, their ages, and whatever else that might be interesting and to be open to questions. I don't know if we take the trees for granted, but they're just there, aren't they? Understanding a little bit more about them would be very interesting.

I think this environment is so incredible when you consider where we ' re locatedHigh Wycombe, train station to London - and then you come through the gates and there’s this amazing space in here

Fiona L

Q & A

Fiona L

Why do people get hay fever?

Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, happens when your immune system mistakes airborne particles such as pollen for harmful invaders. This immune response releases histamines and other chemicals, leading to symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes. In spring, many plants release pollen into the air when they flower which can cause hay fever Additionally, recent research suggests that climate change may lead to longer and more intense pollen seasons in the UK, meaning some could start to experience hay fever as early as January/February.

Do animals get hay fever like humans in spring?

Some animals can get hay fever during spring, particularly pets such as cats, dogs, and horses Similar to humans, they may react to allergens in the air around us such as pollen, grass, tree, and mould. Pets suffering from hay fever show different symptoms to humans, such as tiredness, excessive scratching and licking, shaking their head, and reddened skin. If you suspect your pet has hay fever, it’s worth consulting a vet

What’s the best way to find a four-leaf clover?

Finding a four-leaf clover is a rare occurrence, as they result from a genetic mutation in white clover plants (Trifolium repens). To increase your chances, search in dense patches, scan for breaks in pattern, and be patient and methodical

Remember: the odds of finding a four-leaf clover are approximately 1 in 10,000!

How to have an eco-friendly Easter egg hunt?

For Easter eggs, try hiding naturally dyed real eggs or reusable ones made of wood, wool, or papier-mâché that you can decorate Swap artificial grass for shredded paper, real moss, or plantable seeded paper. Fill eggs with eco-friendly Easter treats like Fair-Trade chocolate Most importantly, get creative and have fun!