The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and Coventry University have launched a new science citizen project to help protect the at-risk sweet chestnut tree – and they need your help.
Found in woodland areas around the UK, the long-lived distinguished trees provide an important food source for bees, pollinators and squirrels. Despite being able to live up to 700 years when healthy, they are now at risk from the newly-arrived oriental chestnut gall wasp (Dryocosmus kuriphilus), which can disfigure and weaken the tree.
In order to help protect its presence, the RHS wants households to map chestnut trees they spot on their walks, as well as the non-native insect. Most chestnut trees can be found in Kent and Surrey, however they have reached farther north than the Cairngorms.
"Organisms that arrive from abroad and attack trees are on the rise, with an average of six new species arriving in Europe each year. Citizens as a collective can gather huge amounts of data that would never be possible with official inspections and surveys," Jassy Drakulic, RHS Plant Pathologist, says.
"We hope that by finding and measuring sweet chestnut trees this will breathe new life into the trails many people will have often walked in lockdown, and that the project will inspire people to appreciate and learn more about the trees in their area."
First discovered in the UK in 2015, it's thought the wasp entered the UK through plant imports. Its larvae can cause abnormal growth on the buds and leaves of the sweet chestnut tree, making it more vulnerable to other pests and diseases.
To get involved with the Check-a-Sweet Chestnut Survey, simply head over to the RHS website and log your findings via the TreeZilla and TreeAlert reporting tools. As well as tracking where you spot the tree, people are also being encouraged to seek out sweet chestnut trees which have already been mapped and to check up on their health.
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Best patio heaters for spring evenings in the garden
Dunelm Electric Wall Mounted Patio Heater
Wall-mounted patio heaters preserve precious space while keeping your guests toasty during al fresco gatherings. This wallet-friendly pick from Dunelm has three heat settings up to 2,000W, and comes with a wall bracket for easy installation. For the price you pay, we think it’s a steal.
Looking for a sleek and stylish patio heater? Well, look no further than Tower's impressive oscillating design. IP65 weatherproof approved, it has nine heating levels and allows you to keep track of your power and heating selection thanks to the smart digital display. Plus, it comes with a remote control, too.
Available in black or silver, this powerful wall-mounted heater is a high-quality solution for heating small outdoor spaces such as yards and patios. It features a timer, remote control and an impressive weather-resistance rating of IP65.
Outsunny 11.2kw Pyramid Gas Patio Heater
This patio heater is a real investment in finer outdoor entertaining. We love the pyramidal shape, and your back will appreciate the wheels that have been included for no-lift movement. A gas hose and regulator are included – but you’ll need to provide your own propane.
Gather around this rotating, table-top heater for cosier get-togethers with your guests. Powered by mains electricity, the Mojo has two heat settings: 350kW and 700kW. There are also three directional settings, to share warmth evenly around the table. We like the carry handle, too.
A high-performing option to warm up your evenings, this nicely presented Swan patio heater uses a carbon fibre heating element that gives off plenty of heat while using electricity at a reasonable 1,800W. The heater can be mounted on either a wall or ceiling, and comes with a remote control.
Kettler Kalos Plush Electric Overhang Heater
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Another stylish choice, which also just happens to save space thanks to its built-in table top, this great pick from Outsunny is ideal for keeping snacks and drinks nearby while you relax outdoors. So, if you're looking to hide the often rather unsightly gas bottle, this is the patio heater for you.
Swan Portable Patio Heater
Bring warmth anywhere your power supply will reach with Swan's super-portable patio heater. It features an automatic turn-off safeguard, a wide, stable base, and a convenient carry handle allowing the heater to move with the flow of the evening. This heater gets top marks for efficiency too, thanks to its carbon fibre heating element.
Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, this ceiling mounted patio heater can be installed in the living room, garden, balcony, or outdoor terrace. We really like its flared ceiling lamp style.
This easy-mounting parasol heater attaches to your parasol’s pole, and beams down warmth and light to seated guests below. The quartz heating elements inside make efficient use of electricity, warming up nearby people and objects, rather than the air. Please note that the heater is compatible with parasol poles up to a diameter of 7cm, so this isn’t the right option to use with a really chunky parasol.
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Igenix Stainless Steel Portable Outdoor Patio Heater
Igenix's height-adjustable, remote-controlled patio heater offers 360° heat distribution making it a focal point for outdoor entertaining. It comes with a waterproof cover that can easily be slipped on to protect the heater during the unpredictable British summertime weather.
Providing targeted heat instantly thanks to its low frequency waves, this stainless steel patio heater is a great all-rounder. It can be used to add warmth to your patio, or within marquees, gazebos, conservatories, or under awnings. The clear halogen heating elements impart an unobtrusive glow to the space, as well.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
