Latest news with #MyBuilder
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
The easy decking mistake that means you're laying it wrong and it could cost you thousands, says gardener
WITH summer nearly here, many homeowners are looking to give their garden a glow up ready for the sunshine. A garden deck is the perfect place to pull up a lounger and soak up the rays on a hot day. 3 3 But if it's not installed correctly, it can quickly become slippery and dangerous to use. Poorly laid decking is more likely to warp or rot so you could have to fork out all over again for the job. It could set you back £2,400 or more to replace your decking depending on the size of the area and the type of boards you choose. Garden expert James Lewis, of said there's one extremely common error that can drastically cut the lifespan of your deck. James told The Sun: 'While it might be a bit of an old faithful, it's surprising how often decking is actually installed completely wrong." What's the correct way to lay decking? The landscaping pro has warned that many DIY enthusiasts and even some tradespeople are laying their decking upside down. He said: 'Often even in advertising images you'll see it with the grooves facing up. 'Because of this, so many people who want to build decking areas believe this is the correct way. 'Some also prefer the look of it, and others have the mistaken belief that the grooves facing up will make it less slippery – a common hazard with decking. 'But actually the correct way to install it is with the grooves in the wood facing downwards.' And contrary to popular belief, having the grooves facing up doesn't prevent it from becoming slippery, according to James. In fact, it's the reverse. He said: 'Installing it grooves upwards can risk trapping water and debris, causing your decking to rot. 'If you wish for your decking to last longer, I recommend that you have it installed with the grooves facing down. 'This will allow for better air circulation within your decking and more efficient drying and drainage of its surface.' Some decking has grooves on both sides. In this case it's designed to go with the wider grooves facing downwards and the narrower ones facing up, according to manufacturers. How to maintain decking 3 If you want your deck to last as long as possible, you need to keep on top of algae and grime, according to Mark Irving, an expert at DIY supplier Build & Plumb. Mark said: 'Regularly cleaning your timber decking is crucial for increasing the longevity of your deck and preventing the build-up of dirt. 'I recommend using a specialised decking cleaner for this process and always following the manufacturer's instructions before use. 'However, warm water and washing up liquid is a delicate, but effective solution for removing dirt and stains. 'Always ensure that you rinse your decking thoroughly after cleaning and leave it to fully dry before moving furniture back onto the deck. 'In addition, it's important to apply a good quality deck sealer to the surface of your decking at least once a year. 'This will create a protective layer on the surface of the decking, to prevent moisture penetration and decrease the likelihood of wood rot.' How much does decking cost and how long should it last? The most affordable material is pressure-treated softwood. For an average sized deck, this costs roughly £2,400 in total, including the materials and installation costs, according to Mark. He said: 'Typically, you can expect timber decking to last an average of 15 to 30 years, if it's installed and maintained correctly.' Composite decking, which is made of plastic or synthetic materials, can cost about double the price of wooden boards. But it's designed to last a lot longer. Mark said: 'Composite decking is typically much more weather-resistant than timber decking. 'It requires far less regular maintenance and cleaning than wooden decking. 'Although composite decking does have higher initial costs than timber decking, its lifespan can reach up to 50 years, adding around 20 years onto the lifespan of wooden decking.' How to find gardening bargains Doing up your garden to enjoy on warm and sunny days needn't cost the earth. Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to get a top deal on items for the garden… You can bag big savings on plants, shrubs and flowers, as well as gardening tools and furniture. Many retailers have flash sales across entire seasonal ranges – often these promotions tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout. Sign up to mailing lists of your favourite brands and you'll be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too. Use a price comparison site to search out the best value items. And keep a close eye on the specialbuys at Aldi and middle of Lidl drops which drop a couple of times a week and usually mean great value seasonal items for your outdoor areas. If you are not in a hurry to buy an item, try adding it to the shopping cart online and leaving it for a couple of days. Sometimes big brands will try to tempt you into the sale by offering you a discount. And always check if you can get cashback before paying. It's especially worth using sites such as Topcashback, Quidco and app Jamdoughnut when buying bigger ticket items such as garden furniture as you'll get a nice kickback.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Campaign launched to save hedgehogs as population declines by 75% in 20 years
A campaign has been launched to help save Britain's hedgehogs. a platform for hiring tradespeople, is urging its community to assist in making gardens more hedgehog-friendly. This comes as the hedgehog population has plummeted by 75 per cent over the last two decades, primarily due to habitat destruction from urban expansion and housing developments. The initiative is part of a larger campaign to raise awareness of the issue across the UK. James Lewis, a gardening expert from said: "Even if you only have a small garden or driveway area, there are improvements you can make to support hedgehogs. "A really important step to take is to make sure that the animals can access your garden from other areas, so cutting a small hole in the bottom of fencing or hedging can be really beneficial to them. "Building a hedgehog house is also a great way to help provide shelter and protection - and can easily be done with a small amount of timber." READ: Guided bird watching walk to take place at Brownsea Island Gardening expert, James Lewis. (Image: MyBuilder) According to MyBuilder data, a quarter of Brits have never seen a hedgehog in the wild, a figure that rises to 40 per cent among those aged 18 to 34. Yet, 73 per cent of people in the UK expressed interest in helping hedgehogs in their gardens. The MyBuilder guide, created by professionals passionate about increasing the British hedgehog population, offers simple steps to turn gardens into hedgehog sanctuaries. These include leaving some areas wild, avoiding pesticides or slug pellets, checking the garden before mowing, building a hedgehog home, covering drains and ensuring constant access. See the full steps at: Sharon Jacobs, a senior nurse from Tiggywinkle's, the world's busiest wildlife hospital and a specialist in hedgehogs, said: "This guide provides great basic steps for British gardeners to take to really create an area that is supportive to the safety and health of hedgehogs. "On top of this, we would urge gardeners to take care when mowing, strimming or hedgecutting. "We see thousands of injuries from this sort of activity every year, and it can be easily avoided by checking the areas you are working on before starting." For more information on the campaign and how to help during Hedgehog Awareness Week, visit the MyBuilder website.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Hosepipe ban looms: Expert advice on how to protect gardens
An expert has given advice on how to protect gardens as a hosepipe ban looms. The UK has experienced the driest spring since the 1950s, and water companies are warning of water restrictions. James Lewis, an expert gardener from said: "One of the main issues of drought or hosepipe bans is keeping your lawn healthy. "Grass is at risk in drier weather due to higher exposure of sunlight and resistance to water if the soil gets too hard. "Keeping your lawn as moist as possible and removing weeds, which compete for moisture, will put your garden in good shape before a hosepipe ban, and help it stay greener for longer during a period of drought." He also advised on the importance of watering gardens correctly and efficiently during a ban. He suggested considering rainwater harvesting, reusing household water, or using a watering can. He also gave tips on aerating lawns, adding mulch, and installing a rainwater harvest system.
Daily Mail
10-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Hedgehog numbers are falling: How to make a home for them in your garden
Hedgehogs in Britain have declined rapidly in the last 20 years, with some estimates suggesting numbers have dropped by 75 per cent. The spiky creatures' habitat is being decimated by new housing developments and the expansion of towns and cities. New figures reveal that a quarter of Britons have never seen a hedgehog in the wild, rising to 40 per cent of those aged between 18 to 34. In the 2,000-person poll by just over 60 per cent of Britons said they had noticed a decline in hedgehog numbers where they live. Sharon Jacobs, head vet nurse at free wildlife hospital Tiggywinkles, says 'habitat fragmentation, road deaths and the loss of insect-rich environments' had all contributed to the demise of the hedgehog across Britain.' The good news is that are things people can do to create a welcoming environment for hedgehogs in their own gardens, helping the species to thrive. Tiggywinkles has these five tips to take to encourage hedgehogs to your garden. 1. Create 'hedgehog highways' Hedgehogs roam up to 2kilometres per night in search of food, mates and nesting sites. Solid fencing can trap them in, or out, of a crucial habitat. To make life easier for hedgehogs, cut small holes 13cm by 13cm at the base of your fence or wall to allow hedgehogs to pass through. Co-ordinate with your neighbours to link gardens and create a network of safe corridors. Hedgehog highways are essential to supporting urban and suburban hedgehog populations, according to Tiggywinkles. 2. Don't use slug pellets or pesticides According to Tiggywinkles, the chemicals in many slug pellets and pesticides often kill hedgehogs, who will eat them or the poisoned slugs. Use alternative methods such as scattering rose twigs, nettles or crushed up egg shells around the plants you want to protect. Copper rings or tape will also detract slugs from eating garden plants. Avoid giving bread or milk, as hedgehogs are lactose intolerant Having some slugs in the garden is good for hedgehogs, as they provide natural food and nourishment for them. You can encourage natural pest control by letting birds and frogs do their job. A wildlife-friendly garden is not only safer for hedgehogs, but more ecologically balanced generally. 3. Provide nesting and hibernation sites Hedgehogs hibernate between November and March and they need safe, insulated spots to do this. You can buy a ready-made hedgehog house, or create your own from a pile of logs, leaves and a wooden box placed in a quiet, sheltered corner. Make sure it is waterproof and out of the wind. Avoid disturbing potential nesting sites in autumn and winter, as this can cause hedgehogs to abandon their nests. 4. Leave out food and water - but not milk You can supplement hedgehogs' natural diet by putting out a bowl of dog food or meaty cat food around dusk. Avoid giving bread or milk, as hedgehogs are lactose intolerant, and it can cause serious digestive problems. Providing fresh water in a shallow dish, especially during dry spells, is also helpful to thirsty hedgehogs. 5. Make ponds and garden hazards safe Hedgehogs can swim but may drown if they cannot climb out of steep-sided ponds or water features. Install a ramp or gently sloping edge, like a piece of wood or pile of rocks, to help them escape if they fall in. Drains can be a hazard for hedgehogs so covering them over by securing netting above ground level can also help. Gardeners should always take care to check compost heaps, bonfires, and garden machinery before use, as hedgehogs often hide in these areas. How to find a new mortgage Borrowers who need a mortgage because their current fixed rate deal is ending, or they are buying a home, should explore their options as soon as possible. Quick mortgage finder links with This is Money's partner L&C > Mortgage rates calculator > Find the right mortgage for you What if I need to remortgage? Borrowers should compare rates, speak to a mortgage broker and be prepared to act. Homeowners can lock in to a new deal six to nine months in advance, often with no obligation to take it. Most mortgage deals allow fees to be added to the loan and only be charged when it is taken out. This means borrowers can secure a rate without paying expensive arrangement fees. Keep in mind that by doing this and not clearing the fee on completion, interest will be paid on the fee amount over the entire term of the loan, so this may not be the best option for everyone. What if I am buying a home? Those with home purchases agreed should also aim to secure rates as soon as possible, so they know exactly what their monthly payments will be. Buyers should avoid overstretching and be aware that house prices may fall, as higher mortgage rates limit people's borrowing ability and buying power. How to compare mortgage costs The best way to compare mortgage costs and find the right deal for you is to speak to a broker. This is Money has a long-standing partnership with fee-free broker L&C, to provide you with fee-free expert mortgage advice. Interested in seeing today's best mortgage rates? Use This is Money and L&Cs best mortgage rates calculator to show deals matching your home value, mortgage size, term and fixed rate needs. If you're ready to find your next mortgage, why not use L&C's online Mortgage Finder. It will search 1,000's of deals from more than 90 different lenders to discover the best deal for you. Be aware that rates can change quickly, however, and so if you need a mortgage or want to compare rates, speak to L&C as soon as possible, so they can help you find the right mortgage for you.
Scotsman
07-05-2025
- General
- Scotsman
Nearly a quarter of people in Scotland have never seen a hedgehog in the wild - as trades unite to Help the Hedeghogs
Industry experts estimate that hedgehog numbers have been decimated in the last 20 years, and, sadly, new research indicates that many Scots have never had the privilege of seeing a hedgehog in the wild. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... To help raise awareness of the issue, the week commencing May 4 has been designated as 'Hedgehog Awareness Week', with the aim of educating Brits on how serious the issue is, and how they can support these stalwarts of British wildlife. Now, according to new data from the reliable way to hire tradespeople, 24 per cent of all Scottish residents have never seen a hedgehog in its natural habitat. And it's a problem that seems to be getting worse. While more than 80 per cent of the over 55s we surveyed across the UK had seen wild hedgehogs, in the 18 to 34 age range this dropped to only 60 per cent. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This means that almost half of young adults have never seen hedgehogs in their natural habitat - not surprising when experts believe numbers to have declined by 75 per cent since the year 2000. Hedgehog Awareness Week The MyBuilder stats showed that 57 per cent of people in Scotland had noticed the decline in hedgehog numbers. But despite these creatures now being rare, they are still one of the nation's favourites. A whopping 78 per cent of respondents said they found hedgehogs cute. A quarter of Scots stated that hedgehogs were their favourite British wildlife animal, and they're ready to help, too. Over (57 per cent) admit that they have noticed a decline in numbers in their local areas over the last few years. But happily, over two thirds (67 per cent) say they would be interested in helping hedgehogs live safely in their locality. It's a view echoed by who has launched its Trades to the Rescue: Help the Hedgehogs campaign to help provide the right guidance for Brits to turn their environments into a hedgehog haven, as well as encouraging their tradespeople to raise awareness and share advice with their customers. The MyBuilder guide has been put together by professionals who are passionate about helping bolster numbers of British hedgehogs. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Gardens are vital to keeping hedgehogs safe and protected, and significant improvements can be made while balancing it with the reality of what is achievable in the majority of gardens. From building a hedgehog house, to providing access between gardens, there are options for everyone, and the guide will continue to be adapted as the year progresses. Andy Simms, from said that adapting gardens has been credited by hedgehog experts as making a massive difference to the welfare of hedgehogs. 'Simple changes can make such a difference, and don't have to cost much, either. Consider leaving wild areas, installing a little hedgehog house, and covering up any drains or holes that could be a hazard. Our guide will give you plenty of budget friendly ideas - and our expert gardeners are on hand to give any advice should you need it.' Sharon Jacobs, a senior nurse from Tiggywinkles, the world's busiest wildlife hospital and a specialist in hedgehogs, said gardens are a vital resource to help the animals. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'This guide provides great basic steps for British gardeners to take to really create an area that is supportive to the safety and health of hedgehogs. On top of this, we would urge gardeners to take care when mowing, strimming, or hedgecutting. We see thousands of injuries from this sort of activity every year, and it can be easily avoided by checking the areas you are working on before starting.'
