Q & A with Sarah
Q A developer has put in a planning application to build a block of flats close to where I live. This would involve cutting down a number of ancient trees that are absolutely beautiful to look at and which provide a safe haven for all sorts of wildlife. Is there anything I can do? Stu Riley
A Let me point you in the direction of WoodWatch (www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/woodsunderthreat), a campaign by the Woodland Trust to protect ancient woodland and trees.
In many cases, the Woodland Trust will intervene on your behalf, but if that's not possible its website can guide you through all the steps you can take as an individual.
This includes everything from obtaining a Tree Preservation Order and drafting a letter to the appropriate public authority to presenting your case at a planning committee meeting and rallying support through the local media.
You'll also find details of existing campaign groups in your area and advice on how to get in touch with your local councillor, MP or MEP.
In case you're wondering whether your trees really are ancient or not, there's no strict definition.
As the Woodland Trust site points out, "An ancient tree is a tree that makes you go 'wow' and maybe is the biggest, fattest tree in the neighbourhood". Generally speaking, it varies by species as to when a tree becomes ancient.
For instance, an oak tree is considered to be ancient when its girth is measured at 10m or more while a silver birch only needs to be 3m or more. Ancient woodland, on the other hand, is land that has been continually wooded since at least 1600.
Q I've grown my own vegetables for a number of years but would like to try my hand at cultivating some more unusual varieties. My local garden centre seems very limited in the sort of seeds it sells though.
Adrian Roche
A While you can buy vegetable seeds almost anywhere these days – even my local garage sells a selection – the range can be fairly limited. If you want to bypass the big seed companies and keep traditional vegetable varieties alive, I'd recommend attending a local seed-swapping event.
These are held all over the country and you'll find details of your nearest one at www.seedysunday.org.
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Weather for Stamford
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: East
