Latest news with #nesting
BBC News
2 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Tears of joy as ospreys visit Devon nests on telegraph poles
Conservationists said they "burst into tears" after ospreys landed on special nesting poles in Tamar and Tavy Osprey Project installed the nests on top of 56ft (17m) high telegraph poles in June 2024 on farmland in Warleigh Barton, Plymouth, with the hope it would help the rare birds to breed.A year on from the installation, the group said a female osprey had landed in the Kent, who helped set up the project, said while the birds had still not bred in the nests, the fact an osprey had used them was exciting and made all the work worthwhile. The project said the south-west of England currently had no breeding ospreys, despite the birds being sighted locally for 40 years. 'Something really magical' Ms Kent said the bird which visited had a tag on it which showed the osprey was a female and had travelled from Rutland in the East Midlands via Poole Harbour in said the bird using the nest made the hopes of ospreys breeding locally move "one step closer"."I burst into tears when I saw the osprey land and I was shaking," she said."I was so emotional and so excited that all of the work that we've put in and all of the doubt and all the work we put in came to something really magical."
BBC News
2 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Peregrine falcon chicks hatch at Grantham church after 9 years
A church is celebrating the arrival of its first peregrine falcon chicks in almost a decade. Three chicks hatched inside a nesting box on the west front of St Wulfram's Church at Grantham in Lincolnshire two weeks Stuart Craddock, Rector of Grantham, said: "They're developing into some really healthy-looking peregrine falcons."He described it as "brilliant news" and is asking members of the public to suggest names for the trio. Father Craddock said it has been about nine years since the church has has a successful clutch of Peregrine falcon eggs. A nesting box was built a number of years ago by Lincolnshire Bird Trust and the eggs were finally laid on 31 March. Visitors can watch a live feed of the birds, broadcast inside the church from a camera planted near the nest."Lots of people are coming into church to see them which is great," Father Craddock said."You can see them walking about and scratching at the gravel in the tray and eating whatever mum and dad bring to them. It's really interesting." Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
Telegraph
6 days ago
- General
- Telegraph
I'm decluttering due to divorce – here's how to make it easy on you and your ex
My marriage broke down last year, after over a decade of togetherness and three young children. With 42 per cent of couples choosing to end their relationship after an average of 13 years together, there's a strange comfort in knowing I'm a disappointingly average statistic. Of course, we tried all the cliched things to stay together, a complete upheaval of our lives to the countryside from London, multiple attempts at couples' therapy, we even bought a puppy, but in the end, there was no avoiding the inevitable. For a myriad of reasons we had reached the end of the road. With our children all being pre-teens, we decided that the 'nesting' approach would be the kindest solution to separate living arrangements while we navigate the longer process and nitty-gritty of divorcing, from the legal stuff to the tricky division of our belongings. 'Nesting': What is it and how does it help? Nesting involves the children staying put in the family home, with the parents alternating being there with them. This method has become increasingly popular over recent years, designed to minimise the disruption to the children's lives by not being shipped between two houses while you all figure out this new normal. However, this only works if both parties adhere to the boundaries and structures in place. If it goes on for longer than planned it can fast become destabilising for the parents to live like this. And if that happens, who is actually steering the ship? So, it's not for everyone, and is usually a medium term solution before the family home is sold. However, one plus side to my experience of 'nesting' was that it inevitably started the process of removing certain belongings from the family home to furnish a little separate sleepover pad without too much emotion involved. My ex and I were sharing both spaces – the pad and the home – taking turns looking after the children. I ensured that during the time I spent away from the children and the family home, I would be surrounded with photos of them and simple things that brought me comfort: my favourite pillow – as I got used to sleeping alone again – my mother's vase to fill with fresh flowers for myself, my softest blanket to snuggle under on too-quiet evenings as the chaotic bedtime routine unfolded at home without me. And my ex could do the same with the things that mattered to him in his solitude. Even if we don't consider ourselves materialistic, there is comfort, attachment and memories associated with certain objects. I have my grandmother's old g-plan coffee table, complete with mug stains and scratches, not because it's hugely aesthetically pleasing, but because the mug stains belong to her, and even though she died decades ago, there are traces of her still alive in the object. I think of how she taught me to play gin rummy on that table. Aged eight, I sat cross-legged on her floral carpet as she dealt the deck. Flicking her cigar into a marble ashtray and sipping Guinness, she was a formidable 97-year-old hustler. Antique furniture and that vinyl collection The sentimental objects that only have resonance with one of you are obviously easier to agree on when it comes to splitting belongings. I doubt my ex cares much for Granny's coffee table, for example. But the trickier elements of a divorce declutter come into play when you try and decide who keeps the things that hold meaning to you both as these things can evoke strong emotions and memories, making the process challenging. For me, I found the biggest struggle was the antique furniture we'd accumulated over many years together and that we both still love, and the vinyl collection that had steadily grown with a passion for music and similar tastes. Dividing things up according to who bought them can be tricky too. As many (typically) women will know, it's not as simple as 'who paid for it gets to keep it', because if this were true, my years of sacrificing my own career to be a stay-at-home-mum would have me sleeping on a bare mattress on the floor. The psychological benefit of binning stuff Roop Kaur, a BA Hons psychotherapist based in London, has worked with many couples throughout her years of practice, 'There can be several reasons for a marriage breakdown, some can be worked on, but some have just come to their expiry date.' She adds, 'When there is a longer marriage breakdown, then feelings of rejection, shame, guilt and disappointment may be experienced, but it's in that moment that you accept the duration of the ride was good, but it is time to now get off the bus, leaving the baggage behind. To avoid flashbacks it's always good to clear out, and detach from anything that was related to the marriage, but to hold and cherish the good ones if they exist.' This advice can be attributed not only to the emotions involved in the break-up but to the objects amassed throughout a couple's time together. Ultimately what it might come down to in the end is compromise over what you're willing to let go of. Not ignoring the practicalities of course: if one of you has moved in with a new partner then you may find they have little need for the sofa or sideboards. Their new partner might not want to adorn their shared living space with paintings from that little gallery in Cornwall you sheltered in the rain from on your soggy honeymoon, which only has symbolic meaning to you and your ex. Divorce is not only a legal and financial process but also a deeply emotional journey. The division of shared belongings, especially those with sentimental value, can significantly impact mental health and wellbeing. Everybody's situation will be unique, depending on how amicable the divorce is, but from my own personal experience here are my Dos and Don'ts. Dos of divorce decluttering Start small It can be overwhelming when there's a lifetime of things to decide on. Tackle one area at a time. Take your time Avoid impulsive decisions you may regret. Emotional clarity often comes gradually. Consider sentimental value Not everything is about money. There can be so much worth in the emotional attachment we hold towards certain objects that far outweighs any monetary value. Keep essentials Prioritise items that serve a purpose. As an interior designer, my first priority in design is ensuring a space works practically for how it's needed. Do you need the desk and office chair – then keep them. Will the dressing table fit in your new downsize – maybe not, get rid and use the bathroom mirror instead. Document key items Helpful in legal contexts. Making a record of key items with a value over £500 is part of legal proceedings when divorcing (Form E). So it's useful as you declutter to keep an inventory of these things. Aim for fairness, not 50/50 Value and attachment aren't always equal. Ask for help Enlist a neutral friend or professional organiser if needed. Don'ts of divorce decluttering Don't declutter angry Emotions can cloud judgment. Don't keep everything 'just in case' Be realistic. It can be hugely cathartic to learn to let go. After all, you've already started with the marriage. Don't forget paperwork Organise legal and financial documents. Make copies where needed. Don't do it all alone Support makes a big difference. If the nature of the split isn't amicable and you're left to do the lion's share, then call on good friends. You know who they are. Don't hold on to triggering items Let go of any objects that bring back painful memories – no matter how much you love it. It's time to move on. Dealing with Kids' Belongings Younger kids Keep what they currently use or love; consider whether a duplicate is needed for the other home. Grown-up kids Ask them to claim their belongings (don't store their clutter indefinitely – you will likely have less space to do this). Family photos/mementos Copies are simple and cheap to make or divide originals fairly. How to divide media and collectables Music collections Especially vinyl or CDs; can have emotional and monetary value. Ensure that if one of you keeps all the first pressings worth thousands and the other has Glenn Miller for 99p in Oxfam that the financial disparity isn't overlooked. Books Decide what still serves you; libraries or friends may welcome donations. Shared antiques/art/assets
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
My husband and I moved in with my parents before I had our daughter. They helped us through the first 6 months of her life.
When I was 38 weeks pregnant, my husband and I had to move in with my parents. I wanted to nest, but I was in my childhood bedroom. It was a familiar space, but it wasn't ours. Their support was invaluable, even if there were a few stressful moments. When I stepped back into my childhood bedroom and slumped down on the bed at 38 weeks pregnant, I felt a rush of emotions. It was February 2021, and my husband and I were in the process of selling our first home. The whole process had dragged on so long that everyone was stressed. Although we'd tried our best to find another house to move into, a few deals had fallen through, and with the baby coming, we decided to cut our losses, sell our house, and move back in with my parents, who live an hour away from our house and the hospital. They were generous in offering up their space. We were lucky to be welcomed with open arms, but it still wasn't our home, and I couldn't nest properly, so I worked out my nesting urges by making sure we had everything possible we could for the baby. We invaded with baby supplies, and as parcel after parcel arrived at their home, I saw their eyes widen. When a new baby bath arrived, which I cooed over excitedly, my mother asked, "Why have you bought a bucket to bathe the baby in?" I was slightly hurt that while I was feeling excited over these purchases for our firstborn, it felt as though she saw them as unnecessary, but I soon got over it. I packed hospital bags, washed tiny clothes, and checked the car seat fitted into the car a million times. It was all I could do. And not once did my parents complain about us encroaching on their space. When my baby girl was born at the end of March, the support from my parents was invaluable. They were there to help us, new, clueless, and exhausted parents, every step of the way. During nights of particularly bad sleep, for example, they took the baby and put her in her bouncer while my husband and I grabbed an extra hour of rest. However, sometimes, their gentle guidance could become slightly too much. Sometimes, my mom, who clearly adored her grandchild but also couldn't stop being my mother, would insist on taking my daughter for a walk so I could rest, while all I wanted to do was lie with her on the bed. Another time, she referred to my daughter as her baby. It was a lighthearted remark and showed the depth of love she felt for her grandchild, but I struggled hearing it; it felt like I was being relegated to the role of child yet again, instead of being seen as a parent. Still, watching my parents spend hours with my tiny girl, bonding, loving and being enchanted by her, are moments that I will never forget, and they never complained when a planned six weeks turned into six months. After feverishly house hunting and several more disappointments, we finally found something, and when my daughter was six months old, we moved into our own home, two hours away. As we drove away from my parents' house, I felt a pang. I'd never expected to spend six months living with my parents at 30, and I'd also never have guessed they'd be such an instrumental part in the first stage of my daughter's life. We managed to navigate the time without really losing our tempers or ruining our relationship, and I will be forever grateful for the love they showed and continued to show us. I knew I would miss them after that chapter in our relationship ended — and I do. But when we moved into our own space and started to stretch our wings, it felt right. One day we might even move nearer them again. For now, we love our house, and our spare room is always open to them as the most cherished guests. Read the original article on Business Insider
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
I'm decluttering due to divorce – here's how to make it easy on you and your ex
My marriage broke down last year, after over a decade of togetherness and three young children. With 42 per cent of couples choosing to end their relationship after an average of 13 years together, there's a strange comfort in knowing I'm a disappointingly average statistic. Of course, we tried all the cliched things to stay together, a complete upheaval of our lives to the countryside from London, multiple attempts at couples' therapy, we even bought a puppy, but in the end, there was no avoiding the inevitable. For a myriad of reasons we had reached the end of the road. With our children all being pre-teens, we decided that the 'nesting' approach would be the kindest solution to separate living arrangements while we navigate the longer process and nitty-gritty of divorcing, from the legal stuff to the tricky division of our belongings. Nesting involves the children staying put in the family home, with the parents alternating being there with them. This method has become increasingly popular over recent years, designed to minimise the disruption to the children's lives by not being shipped between two houses while you all figure out this new normal. However, this only works if both parties adhere to the boundaries and structures in place. If it goes on for longer than planned it can fast become destabilising for the parents to live like this. And if that happens, who is actually steering the ship? So, it's not for everyone, and is usually a medium term solution before the family home is sold. However, one plus side to my experience of 'nesting' was that it inevitably started the process of removing certain belongings from the family home to furnish a little separate sleepover pad without too much emotion involved. My ex and I were sharing both spaces – the pad and the home – taking turns looking after the children. I ensured that during the time I spent away from the children and the family home, I would be surrounded with photos of them and simple things that brought me comfort: my favourite pillow – as I got used to sleeping alone again – my mother's vase to fill with fresh flowers for myself, my softest blanket to snuggle under on too-quiet evenings as the chaotic bedtime routine unfolded at home without me. And my ex could do the same with the things that mattered to him in his solitude. Even if we don't consider ourselves materialistic, there is comfort, attachment and memories associated with certain objects. I have my grandmother's old g-plan coffee table, complete with mug stains and scratches, not because it's hugely aesthetically pleasing, but because the mug stains belong to her, and even though she died decades ago, there are traces of her still alive in the object. I think of how she taught me to play gin rummy on that table. Aged eight, I sat cross-legged on her floral carpet as she dealt the deck. Flicking her cigar into a marble ashtray and sipping Guinness, she was a formidable 97-year-old hustler. The sentimental objects that only have resonance with one of you are obviously easier to agree on when it comes to splitting belongings. I doubt my ex cares much for Granny's coffee table, for example. But the trickier elements of a divorce declutter come into play when you try and decide who keeps the things that hold meaning to you both as these things can evoke strong emotions and memories, making the process challenging. For me, I found the biggest struggle was the antique furniture we'd accumulated over many years together and that we both still love, and the vinyl collection that had steadily grown with a passion for music and similar tastes. Dividing things up according to who bought them can be tricky too. As many (typically) women will know, it's not as simple as 'who paid for it gets to keep it', because if this were true, my years of sacrificing my own career to be a stay-at-home-mum would have me sleeping on a bare mattress on the floor. Roop Kaur, a BA Hons psychotherapist based in London, has worked with many couples throughout her years of practice, 'There can be several reasons for a marriage breakdown, some can be worked on, but some have just come to their expiry date.' She adds, 'When there is a longer marriage breakdown, then feelings of rejection, shame, guilt and disappointment may be experienced, but it's in that moment that you accept the duration of the ride was good, but it is time to now get off the bus, leaving the baggage behind. To avoid flashbacks it's always good to clear out, and detach from anything that was related to the marriage, but to hold and cherish the good ones if they exist.' This advice can be attributed not only to the emotions involved in the break-up but to the objects amassed throughout a couple's time together. Ultimately what it might come down to in the end is compromise over what you're willing to let go of. Not ignoring the practicalities of course: if one of you has moved in with a new partner then you may find they have little need for the sofa or sideboards. Their new partner might not want to adorn their shared living space with paintings from that little gallery in Cornwall you sheltered in the rain from on your soggy honeymoon, which only has symbolic meaning to you and your ex. Divorce is not only a legal and financial process but also a deeply emotional journey. The division of shared belongings, especially those with sentimental value, can significantly impact mental health and wellbeing. Everybody's situation will be unique, depending on how amicable the divorce is, but from my own personal experience here are my Dos and Don'ts. It can be overwhelming when there's a lifetime of things to decide on. Tackle one area at a time. Avoid impulsive decisions you may regret. Emotional clarity often comes gradually. Not everything is about money. There can be so much worth in the emotional attachment we hold towards certain objects that far outweighs any monetary value. Prioritise items that serve a purpose. As an interior designer, my first priority in design is ensuring a space works practically for how it's needed. Do you need the desk and office chair – then keep them. Will the dressing table fit in your new downsize – maybe not, get rid and use the bathroom mirror instead. Helpful in legal contexts. Making a record of key items with a value over £500 is part of legal proceedings when divorcing (Form E). So it's useful as you declutter to keep an inventory of these things. Value and attachment aren't always equal. Enlist a neutral friend or professional organiser if needed. Emotions can cloud judgment. Be realistic. It can be hugely cathartic to learn to let go. After all, you've already started with the marriage. Organise legal and financial documents. Make copies where needed. Support makes a big difference. If the nature of the split isn't amicable and you're left to do the lion's share, then call on good friends. You know who they are. Let go of any objects that bring back painful memories – no matter how much you love it. It's time to move on. Keep what they currently use or love; consider whether a duplicate is needed for the other home. Ask them to claim their belongings (don't store their clutter indefinitely – you will likely have less space to do this). Copies are simple and cheap to make or divide originals fairly. Especially vinyl or CDs; can have emotional and monetary value. Ensure that if one of you keeps all the first pressings worth thousands and the other has Glenn Miller for 99p in Oxfam that the financial disparity isn't overlooked. Decide what still serves you; libraries or friends may welcome donations. Items purchased together, such as furniture or art, can be difficult to divide fairly, leading to potential conflict. Assess the practicalities. Consider resale or rotation options but ultimately if you love the same thing it could just come down to good old-fashioned compromise. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
