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I don't know why, but whenever I see a starling I end the encounter with a big grin on my face. Maybe it's because they remind me of a childhood spent listening to their scrabbling around in the loft above my bedroom, attempting to raise a family. Or, maybe it's because of their beautiful...

It seems I should listen to my brain more often! According to a recent study from researchers at Heriot-Watt University a stroll in a leafy wood or park has a calming effect and lessens stress. This probably shouldn't really come as such a surprise to me. Working in the grounds of a woodland...

...a stick. Of course! And at the moment many of the trees around The Lodge look more like big sticks protruding from the ground, than the fresh and vibrant living things they will blossom into in the coming weeks. I, for one, am looking forward to this explosion of growth that will add a welcome...

Add that extra sparkle to your home and show-off your creativity and skills to friends and family this weekend. Nature has an abundance of materials that with little effort can be transformed into unique decorations. Over a couple of quick lunchtime walks around the The Lodge this week, I've...

With many of us getting ready to let out our best 'oohs' and 'ahhs' at a firework's display tonight, let's not forget that nature can put on a pretty spectacular display, too: Now I've never seen the Northern Lights, but by all accounts it's a mesmerizing experience...

Famous for springing up overnight then disappearing almost as fast, fungi can seem hard to get to know and love . But go for a walk in almost any wood at this time of year and you'll come across some fascinating fungi . And with names such as stinkhorns, waxcaps, and earthstars don't they...

I don't know how it's been for you, but summer has simply flown by for me this year. And even though I'm well past school age, the fact that kids are now back at school marks, for me at least, the start of the journey into autumn. However, I'm not quite ready to give up on summer,...

I feel I should start by clarifying that I don't have anything against Mondays. In fact, I generally get on very well with them. But just occasionally they make me feel a little crotchety. But you know what? That's totally okay. Because even in moodiness it's possible to find beauty as...

It's gone Bonfire Night and all is quiet. And even though I don't particularly miss all the bangs that go with exploding fireworks, I do miss the amazing show of colours. That's why I really like this image from Chris O'Reilly - it could be the afterglow of a particualrly big firework...

With the promise of an Indian summer this week, I'm looking forward to warm days and beautiful sunsets. I'm hoping for something as atmospheric as this image by David Osborn! As well as looking out your window, you'll also find beautiful sunsets on RSPB Images .

It might seem a bit early to be telling you to look out for fungus, but I've certainly already noticed quite a few mushrooms and toadstools while out and about around The Lodge this week. And as flowers start to wilt away, and trees think about dropping their leaves, fungi bring a splash of welcome...

You get a call from the window, 'come quick, we've got long-tailed tits on the feeder again'. You rush over as fast as you can, but it always seems too late - they've flown off without giving you as much as a glimpse of their tails! If this sounds like your experience of 'watching'...

Are you enjoying nature's spectacle of vibrant colours and delicate flowers that are around at the moment? This beautiful photo by Sue Kennedy is just one of the many sights that you can catch a glimpse of in a park or garden near you. And if you want a real colour overload, there are plenty more...

Here at The Lodge we've been shrouded in thick cloud for the past few days. Whatever time of day you look outside, the sky is the same. Grey. Gloomy. Depressing. We haven't seen the sun for what feels like weeks... Too much time spent at your desk is a bad thing, so I escaped for some fresh air...