it's about being a parent where you live! DIARY DATES Enjoying a great day out with the family SUMMER GARDENS Getting your garden summer ready HAY FEVER BLUES Help and advice with allergies FREE DIGITAL MAGAZINE FOR PARENTS IN ESSEX MAY HALF TERM 2023 ISSUE 110
2 May Half Term Issue 2023 • www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected]
/kidaroundmagazine /kidaroundmag official.kidaround KidAround Magazine is a digital monthly publication Tel: 07557 053044 | [email protected]. Disclaimer: The copyright and contents of this magazine, including artwork, adverts, logos and articles, when generated by the KidAround team remain with KidAround. Views expressed in editorial and articles are those of the contributor or advertiser and not necessarily of the publisher. The listings, content and advertising in the magazine are for information and advice only. Inclusion does not imply a recommendation from Trew Publishing or its staff. All advertisements and editorial content are accepted in good faith and on the basis that the advertised goods and services are as stated by the advertisers. Contact Us (We are a friendly bunch) [email protected] [email protected] Tel:07557 053044 Anna xx How lovely to start getting some lovely warm sunshine, I am currently writing this sat in the garden whilst my son is running around like a looney - it's great to be outside! Since it is nicer weather, we have pulled together some best buys to help give you inspiration to turn your garden into a tranquil and cosy place that you'll want to spend time in with friends and family. Let's face it, with the cost of living most of us will probably be home this summer so we may as well enjoy it. There's also advice on getting help with hay fever, how to look after our bees and insects plus see what our advertisers have going on. All adverts in this magazine link directly through to the advertisers site to make it easy to enquire or book - please do mention us if asked. I can't believe the next issue will be for the Summer holidays - time is going way too fast. Do subscribe by clicking below and get each issue sent directly to you. Until next time, have a great half term. Hello Readers, 12 18 16 Subscribe here Hayfever Help 6 Cleaning tips Diary Dates BRING YOUR INDOORS OUTDOORS CONTENTS
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BRING YOUR INDOORS OUTDOORS Make the most of your outdoor space this summer. If budget is tight, look for some DIY tips and use what you have indoors, you can always take them back in with you. Here's some items we found that doesn't break the bank! 1 . Miami Corner Sofa Set JD Williams £499.00 Buy here 2. Alexandria Rattan Effect Garden Corner Sofa Set Homebase. £288 Buy here 3. Belavi Rope Effect Snug Seat. ALDI £149.99 Buy here 4. Aldi Belavi Rope Snug Swing £129.99 Buy here 5. Maribelle Hammock Swing Chair Amazon £9.99 Buy here 6. Woodside Swinging Garden Hammock Chair Amazon £19.99 Buy here 7. Aftas Round Bleached Jute Rug La Redoute £55 Buy here 8. Jenson Herringbone Throw Dunelm £12. Buy here 9. Woven Stripe Cushion With Tassels. ASDA £11 Buy here 10. TIDWIACE Set of 6 Black & White Cushion Cover Amazon £21.97. Buy here Inspiration: get the look with our finds 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 10. 9. 8. 7. Best value
DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz • May Half Term Issue 2023• 7 11. Round MgO Fire Pit vonhous. com £94.99 Buy here 12. Raised MgO Fire Pit vonhaus.com £44.99 Buy here 13. Portable Smokeless Fire Pit Stainless Steel ManoMano £119 Buy here 14. Ooni Karu 12 Dual Fuel Portable Outdoor Pizza Oven John Lewis £299. Buy here 15. VEVOR Wood Fired Oven 12" Portable Pizza Oven. Vevor £113.99. Buy here 16. GRILLSKÄR Kitchen sink ut/ chrcl bbq, outdoor, stainless steel IKEA £875 Buy here 17. Boss Grill Texas Outdoor Kitchen - 4 Burner Gas BBQ Grill with Side Burner Appliance Direct £519.97 Buy here Inspiration: get the look with our finds 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. changeable layout Best reviews Best value
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DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz • May Half Term Issue 2023• 9 Section Title
10 May Half Term Issue 2023 • www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected] The Barleylands Country Show: A fun-filled adventure for the whole family If you're looking for an exciting day out that offers something for everyone in the family, then look no further than the Barleylands Spring Country Show. Taking place on the Spring Bank Holiday Weekend, Sunday 28th and Monday 29th May 2023, this event is sure to provide you with thrills, fun, and memories that will last a lifetime. Located at the Barleylands Showground in Billericay, this event offers a wide range of activities that will appeal to people of all ages. For those who love adrenaline-pumping stunts, there will be stunt shows featuring cars, motorcycles, and fire, which are sure to leave you on the edge of your seat. The sheep dog and birds of prey displays will also leave you amazed, as you watch these highly-trained animals showcase their skills. The petting zoo supplied by Barleylands Farm is always a crowd-pleaser, and this year, visitors can also enjoy an exotic animal enclosure. If you're feeling brave, have a go at the Hot Wings Challenge Competition, or take a ride on a monster truck for an experience that you'll never forget. There's also live wrestling, a fun dog zone (bring your dog and join in) , and a kids' fun zone, so there's no shortage of activities to keep the whole family entertained. If you're looking for a more relaxed experience, then take a stroll around the craft and gift stalls or sample some delicious street food from the amazing food vendors. Sit back and enjoy some live music, while sipping on a cold beer from the fully stocked bar. This is a fantastic event that's perfect for all the family. Don't miss out on this exciting adventure, and book your tickets now. ADV Tickets: BUY HERE Website: HaddonEvents.co.uk Barleylands Showground Barleylands Road Billericay CM11 2UD Gate prices on the day: Adults £15, Child over 5 £5, U5's free. 10am-5pm Both Days. ADVERTORIAL
DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz • May Half Term Issue 2023• 11 Section Title
Section Title 12 May Half Term Issue 2023 • www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected] 'Daily' basket Mrs Hinch keeps a basket of products for daily use. These are below. • Stardrops 4-in-1 Pine Disinfectant Spray, (Cleans sink) • Cif Stainless Steel spray, (give the sink a shine) • Harpic Active Fresh in Mountain Pine, (clean toilets) • Feather duster • Mr Sheen multi-surface polish • Cloth duster • 1001 Carpet Fresh in Thai orchard and passion fruit (Cleans carpets, rugs, stairs and landing - just spray it and leave it) • Bloo foam aroma fragrance powder (Puts a capful in the toilet) • Flash bathroom spray (Use with a good sponge to keep bathroom sparkling clean) • Zoflora in mountain air, linen fresh and springtime (Have this diluted and ready to use) • Flash Ultra Power multi-surface (also dilute and have ready to use) 'Weekly' Basket • Flash bathroom spray - ultra clean once a week • Astonish Mould and Mildew Blaster - for the tougher areas • Viakal • Flash bathroom vintage edition, - adds to bath and fills it up. • Dettol all-in-one disinfectant spray. Use on hard services, upholstery and door handles Mrs Hinch's essentials: Mrs Hinch reveals 10 of her best cleaning tips and the products she swears by - including 'Minky' the cloth • Tumble drier sheets - used in pillowcases and cushions. Change weekly • Soda crystals and Stardrops white vinegar (uses combined to clean plugs once a week) • Steam microwave cleaner • Cif cream with micro crystals • Astonish Specialist Hob and Cooktop cleaner and sponge • Duck Fresh Discs • Brush sprayed with diluted Lenor mixture to clean pet hair etc off sofa • Astonish Power Clean toilet bowl tablets Cleaning products used by family favourite - Mrs Hinch We all like that fresh clean look and smell around the house, even if it's short-lived with the kids destroying it after 5 minutes. We have therefore sourced some of the products that Mrs Hinch, a mum from Essex that you have come to love and know, shared with her followers on how to keep your house in tip top shape. You can keep upto date with Mrs Hinch's tips on instagram @mrshinchhome_x_
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14 May Half Term Issue 2023 • www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected] ADVERTORIAL Step Back in Time at Hedingham Castle’s Epic Joust! Get ready for an exhilarating display of chivalry and skill as the Knights of Royal England return to Hedingham Castle for an upcoming joust event like no other! Set against the impressive backdrop of the 900-year-old Castle, this thrilling spectacle promises to transport spectators back in time to an age of gallantry and valour. The Knights of Royal England return this May Bank Holiday Weekend to battle it out astride their powerful steeds, engaging in daring tournaments and demonstrating their prowess and skill on horseback - jousting is a true test of skill, agility, and strategy! Beyond the adrenaline-fueled action, visitors can explore the Castle itself as well as the enchanting grounds, enjoy static displays by Eden Falconry and their beautiful birds of prey, and take part in various medieval activities such as archery and axe throwing - all included in the ticket price. Gates open at 10am each day, with the first Joust starting at approximately midday and the second Joust starting at approximately 3pm. Free onsite parking available. Under 4s go free. 1- and 2-adult family tickets available. For more information go online at hedinghamcastle.co.uk
DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz • May Half Term Issue 2023• 15 GREAT DAYS OUT
16 May Half Term Issue 2023 • www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected] Hay fever Hay fever is usually worse between late March and September, especially when it's warm, humid and windy. This is when the pollen count is at its highest. Check if you have hay fever Symptoms of hay fever include: • sneezing and coughing • a runny or blocked nose • itchy, red or watery eyes • itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears • loss of smell • pain around your temples and forehead • headache • earache • feeling tired If you have asthma, you might also: • have a tight feeling in your chest • be short of breath • wheeze and cough Hay fever will last for weeks or months, unlike a cold, which usually goes away after 1 to 2 weeks. How to treat hay fever yourself There's currently no cure for hay fever and you cannot prevent it. But you can do things to ease your symptoms when the pollen count is high. Do • put Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen • wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes • shower and change your clothes after you have been outside to wash pollen off • stay indoors whenever possible • keep windows and doors shut as much as possible • vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth • buy a pollen filter for the air vents in your car and a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter • try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities Don’t • do not cut grass or walk on grass • do not spend too much time outside • do not keep fresh flowers in the house • do not smoke or be around smoke – it makes your symptoms worse • do not dry clothes outside – they can catch pollen • do not let pets into the house if possible – they can carry pollen Vitables, Liquid Allergy Relief. No Alcohol. For children 1 - 12. £5.27 Buy here Hay Max balm for kids. Natural and safe from birth. £7.29 Buy here Keep pollen away with these hayfever wipes. 99p Buy here
DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz • May Half Term Issue 2023• 17 HAY FEVER & ALLERGY HELP Indoors 1. Purifying the air. Using an air purifier in kids bedrooms during the day will ensure their room is clean for night time, this will also get rid of any nasty pollen, mites and viruses from your home, which is a great way to keep your home free of a whole range of nasties. 2. Change where you dry your washing. Instead of hanging washing out to dry in the warmer months, it is best to dry them in a dryer if possible. This will stop pollen from attaching to your clothes outside whilst drying and help keep that pollen away from your skin. 3. Keep pets out of your bedrooms. As much as we love our pets, it's best to keep them out of bedrooms, especially kids rooms, as they can often be carrying pollen and dust mites into your home which will increase irritation at night. 4. Sleeping in an upright position. Propping some pillows underneath your childs head will keep them in an upright position, to allow drainage from any congestion that may occur during sleep, in order to keep them happily in the land of nod. 5. Shower before bed. A pre-sleep wash will enable you to wash off all of the pollen from your child that has accumulated over the day, allowing them to enter a good night’s sleep without disturbance. 6. Close doors and windows. This can help with keeping allergens out of your home, instead of allowing air from the outside into your bedrooms, this effectively will stop outside pollen and pollutants from being invited into your home. 7. Clean their bedroom. To stop allergy particles from sticking in your child's bedroom floor you should clean any carpets often, or even replace carpet with wooden flooring. Cleaning of any soft furnishings and dusting of sides will keep dust and pollen particles down. 8. Take allergy medication at night. Always consult your doctor before changing your or your childs routine, but taking allergy medication at night could help in ensuring a good night's sleep, as this will help your body combat the response to the pollen. 9. Anti allergy bedding. SleepSeeker’s anti allergy range is a great way to ensure a great night's sleep, especially during allergy season. Using anti dust mite, antibacterial products can aid a great night's sleep for anyone suffering with symptoms of allergies. All Slumberdown Anti Allergy products on the SleepSeeker site also come with Allergy UK's Seal of approval, which is only awarded to products that have been tested and approved to very high standards by leading allergy specialists. 10. Cleaning out your sinuses. Rinsing your sinus is a good way of clearing out any pollen or dust that has got trapped inside your nose. Trapped dirt or pollen can cause irritation and headaches, and so cleaning the area regularly can help remove excess mucus and clear out any allergy-causing particles. Silentnight 4 Stage Air Purifier HEPA & Carbon Filters. £35.65 Buy here NUMATIC Henry Allergy cylinder vacuum cleaner. £199 Buy here Silentnight Anti-Allergy All-In-One Bedding Bundl. From £42 Buy here
18 May Half Term Issue 2023 • www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected] Fri 26 – Sun 4 (Jun) Downs' Traditional Steam Fair Providers of the very best in traditional vintage rides and attractions. Available for all kinds of public and private events, our rides and attractions are impeccably presented with the sole aim of providing vintage fun that can be enjoyed by all ages. Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ. FIND OUT MORE Sat 27 – Sun 4 (Jun) Mythical Creature Colouring Take a break and enjoy some colouring! Grab a mythical creature colouring sheet and take time out and create some amazing creations! Pre-Booking not necessary. Colchester Castle Free Event. FIND OUT MORE Sat 27 – Sun 4 (Jun) Mythical Creature Trail Head off under your own steam with our mythical creature trail. Look out for splashes of colour and creatures lurking around every corner of the Castle. Collect your trail sheets and head off on a mythical creature hunt! All completed trails win a prize! Colchester Castle. £5 includes a prize. Pre-Booking not necessary. Colchester Castle FIND OUT MORE Sat 27 - Sun 4 (June) Find Out About Fossils! Discover more about the fascinating world of fossils with our brand-new worksheet. Wander around the museum and complete your worksheet as you go! No need to book, simply turn up and ask for a free worksheet. Check site for opening times. Free. Natural History Museum, Colchester FIND OUT MORE Sat 27, Tues 30 & Weds 31 Flora & Bramble's Plan BEE Flora and Bramble love being on the farm. But when some of its tiniest creatures go missing, they realise they need to operate Plan BEE to save the day! This fun-filled mini-musical show will delight young audiences with dance, songs and plenty of silliness. Cammas Hall Farm, Hatfield Broad Oak Nr Bishop's Stortford. FIND OUT MORE Sat 27 Steam Day A firm favourite with families, they're a great opportunity to visit the Museum and have a ride in vintage wagons or carriages pulled by one of our restored Steam Engines. East Anglian Railway Museum, Wakes Colne, Colchester, Essex, CO62DS. FIND OUT MORE Sun 28 & Mon 29 May Open Gardens Magnificent Gardens, Live Music, Classic Cars, Craft Stalls, Children's Activities, Refreshments. 2pm – 5pm Long Lane, Clacton on sea, Tendring, Essex, CO16 0BP. FIND OUT MORE Fill your diary with things to do May Listings where correct at time of publishing. Please do click on links and check with the event organiser before leaving to ensure it is still correct. Some evenst also require advance booking. Enjoy your day out and don't forget to mention us when booking/enquiring!
www.kidaround.biz • May Half Term Issue 2023• 19 Sun 28 & Mon 29 Joist Weekend The Knights of Royal England return this May Bank Holiday Weekend to battle it out astride their powerful steeds, engaging in daring tournaments and demonstrating their prowess and skill on horseback - jousting is a true test of skill, agility, and strategy! Hedingham Castle. FIND OUT MORE Sun 28 - Tues 30 Family Open Day Come along to our family open day and enjoy our museum trails, arts and crafts, fire safety room, old fire engines and water squirting. 10:30 – 4pm. Essex Fire Museum, Hogg Lane, Grays, Essex, RM17 5QS. FIND OUT MORE Sun 28 Wings & Wheels Join us at the last remaining Great War Aerodrome in use to enjoy breath-taking collections of cars, aircraft, an air display, BBQ, bar and exhibitions in this popular museum site. 10am – 3pm. Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, Hackmans Lane, Maldon, Essex, CM3 6RN FIND OUT MORE Sun 28 Ford Ride London Ford RideLondon-Essex coming into our picturesque county. Hailed as the world's greatest festival, an estimated 25,000 cyclists of all ages, abilities and backgrounds are expected to take part, raising millions for charity. Spectaturs welcome. Epping, Ongar, Great Dunmow, Felsted and Writtle. FIND OUT MORE Mon 29 Hospital Radio Fun Day Fun for all the family! Enjoy arena attractions, children's rides, charity stalls, food and drink, Colchester Duck Race, and lots more! A Great Day Out for the whole family! There will be lots to see and do for the whole family FIND OUT MORE Mon 29 & Wed 31 Dragon Encounters Get lost in a world of dragons and imaginations. You'll meet the Castle's resident dragon Nuri in this wonderful and engaging dragon encounter. Feel his scaly skin, ask him questions and even have a hug if you dare! We promise he's friendly! 11am & 2pm. Pre-Booking advised on 01206 282939. Spaces may be available on the day. £7 per child. Colchester Castle FIND OUT MORE Mon 29 - Fri 2 (Jun) Mythical Creature Sightings Mythical creatures are notoriously hard to spot and have provided endless fascination for years. Join us on a very special tour of the Castle and see what mythical creatures are lurking in the Castle's historic walls in this wonderfully entertaining half an hour tour. 11am & 2pm. Pre-Booking not necessary. £1 per person. Colchester Castle FIND OUT MORE Tues 30 & Thurs 1 (Jun) Mythical Creature Craft Tap into your imagination and go wild with our mythical creature craft sessions. Create your own mask and morph into your favourite colourful creature. From dragons and unicorns to griffins and flying horses which one will you choose? PreBooking not necessary. £3 per child. 10.30am- 12.30pm, 2pm – 4pm Colchester Castle. FIND OUT MORE Don't forget to say you saw it here first!
Tues 30 & Thurs 1 (Jun) Mystery Objects with Hollytrees Servants Step back in time and discover Georgian townhouse Hollytrees House. Meet up with the servants of the house and discover key objects they would have used whilst working in the grand mansion. Learn how they cleaned clothes pre-washing machines with a mangle! 11am-12 pm, 1.30pm-2.30pm Hollytrees Museum FIND OUT MORE Weds 31 – Sun 4 (Jun) The Instrumentals This is a show for all children with characters, story & inspiration from the AfricanCaribbean diaspora. It's full of uplifting original music with soulful sounds and seventies grooves. Combined with innovative puppetry and lots of comedy. Mercury Theatre, Colchester. FIND OUT MORE Weds 31 Cody & JJ from Cocomelon Bring your little ones to see these loveable characters who will be appearing during CoComelon Rhyme Time at intervals throughout the day! Meeting our animals, all of our rides, animal petting and many other attractions are included in the admission cost. Old McDonald Farm, Brentwood. FIND OUT MORE Thurs 1& Fri 2 Flora & Bramble's Plan BEE Flora and Bramble love being on the farm. But when some of its tiniest creatures go missing, they realise they need to operate Plan BEE to save the day! This fun-filled mini-musical show will delight young audiences with dance, songs and plenty of silliness. Cammas Hall Farm, Hatfield Broad Oak Nr Bishop's Stortford. FIND OUT MORE Fri 1 Dragon Encounters Get lost in a world of dragons and imaginations. You'll meet the Castle's resident dragon Nuri in this wonderful and engaging dragon encounter. Feel his scaly skin, ask him questions and even have a hug if you dare! We promise he's friendly! 11am & 2pm. Pre-Booking advised on 01206 282939. £7 Colchester Castle FIND OUT MORE Fri 9 & Sat 10 The Scummy Mummies: Greatest Hits They're bringing all their mostloved songs, sketches and standup together for a night that will make you laugh till you wee. Mercury Theatre. 19:30 - 22:00 FIND OUT MORE Sat 10 June Blackwater Barge and Smack Race 10 majestic Thames Sailing Barges and around the same number of smaller fishing Smacks are expected to join this year's race. The boats leave Maldon in the morning to head to the start of the race at Osea Island Pier. FIND OUT MORE Sat 10 – 9 (Jul) Chelmsford Festival 30 days of fun bringing communities together through a programme of exciting activities which include Dance, Music, Community Picnics, Sport, Theatre, Comedy, Heritage, Boot Talks, Science and Carnival. FIND OUT MORE Sun 11 Raver Tots the biggest and best family friendly outdoor festival yet. All Raver Tots festivals in the past year sold out in advance so early booking is essential, and no tickets will be available on the gate. Promenade Park, Maldon. FIND OUT MORE Sun 11 Essex Faery Fayre Fun for all the family. Storytelling, Music, Workshops, Talks, Fancy Dress Competition, Stalls and Games. Faery Flower Procession. Crowning of The Faery Royal Court. Come Dressed in your Faery Best. £8.00/£7/£5.00 Children Under 5's Free. Museum of Power, Maldon FIND OUT MORE 20 May Half Term Issue 2023 • www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected] June See more events listed at www.kidaround.biz List your event for free here too
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22 May Half Term Issue 2023 • www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected] In the UK alone 35 species of bees are under threat of extinction. This is especially true in our urban areas, where every time a new building development is constructed on green space another habitat is irreversibly lost. Land use has changed drastically in the last few decades - according to environmental group Plantlife 97% of wildflower meadows have been destroyed over the last 100 years. One of the positive impacts of lockdown in the UK is that we've all looked to our gardens more and have reconnected with the nature on our doorsteps native to Britain, including British bees. Wildlife expert Sean McMenemy from wildlife supplies website Ark Wildlife reports a 188% increase in visitors looking for bee products in his online shop, compared to the 2019 Spring season. Encouragingly, among the top selling products has been Mason Bee nest boxes which are endangered creatures and critical garden pollinators. Bees play a pivotal role as go-betweens in nature’s life cycle, pollinating the plants we eat and encouraging our environment to naturally flourish. What can be done at home as individuals or as a family to become more bee-friendly? How you can help bees by urban-planting The more our cities harbour natural plant life, the better our urban bee populations will fare – so even if you’ve only got a small garden, a balcony, a patio or a tiny pot on the window ledge you can make a real difference. The best flowers you can plant for bees include: Purple flowers like lavender, buddleja and catmint, as bees can see purple more clearly than other colours Tubular-shaped flowers like foxgloves and snapdragons Herbs like thyme and rosemary Honeysuckle and clematis in the winter Bluebells, rhododendrons and forget-me-nots in the spring Delphiniums, foxgloves and hollyhocks in early summer Dahlias, cornflowers and ivy in late summer You can also help bees by planting certain fruits and vegetables like apples, pears, onions, peas, beans, courgettes and cucumbers. Carolyn Dunster, specialist in city gardening and author of Urban Flowers, says, “Late planting for summer and autumn could include scented climbers such as honeysuckle and jasmine and ivy flowers are hugely attractive. It's not too late for annual and perennial flowers that bloom into October such as Verbena bonariensis, Nicotiana, Monarda and nasturtiums. Any brightly coloured, single-petalled flowers are good - check out plants for pollinators on the labels.” How to identify and help a struggling bee Bees are prone to cooling, a sudden shower or cold wind can catch them off guard. They normally will crawl to cover to ‘wait out’ the hazard, returning to their task after a short rest. Sean McMenemy, wildlife expert at Ark Wildlife, says “It is always better to wait than intervene. Bees often take a rest or break and an inactive bee does not mean it is in difficulty. If a bee remains in the same place for longer than 30-45 minutes, it is likely to need help.” “Honey, brown sugar and artificial sweeteners should be avoided and never offered to bees. Commercially available honey may carry pathogens that could infect bees if it were fed to them.” Here’s what Sean recommends - Is it in imminent danger i.e. could it get stepped on or hit? If so, safely move it to a quieter spot and leave it to rest. Is it in the rain? Move it to a sheltered spot. Is it on the underside of a flower or leaf? It’s likely to be taking a rest, so leave it in peace but come back in 30 minutes or so. If it’s been inactive for 35-45 minutes it may need help. Ideally move it on to nectar rich flowers in a sunny spot. Natural food and warmth is the best thing for it. If no sun / food is available you can move it to a warm spot (ideally outdoors, try to avoid taking them in houses) and offer it a little white sugar and water Bees are in danger of becoming extinct in UK cities. Experts advise what parents and children can plant in gardens now for bees and reveal the correct way to save a struggling bee!
DON’T FORGET TO MENTION US WHEN CALLING www.kidaround.biz • May Half Term Issue 2023• 23 solution, just a few drops in front of it. Do not risk it falling in the solution as this may harm it. What to do if a bee lands on you “Bees are non-aggressive unless threatened, so it’s important to stay calm.” says Sean McMenemy. “A bee is slow-moving and has no intention of stinging you – it’s just trying to find its bearings or warm up in the sunshine. If it lands on your body or flat clothing, slowly walk to a sunny spot where you can place it in full sun on a plant, fence or table.” “If it lands on woolly clothes it may get tangled, so if this happens, just tuck a bit of paper or a leaf under its bottom. Bees are quite compliant with such actions and it then can’t sting you if it gets distressed. You can help by sliding the paper toward its head as it untagles each leg.” How to help bees find a home Even with a small outside space you can help create a home for bees, either by buying a ready-made cavitynesting bee habitat or building one yourself using a wooden box, bamboo canes and hollow plant stems. Ensuring that your outdoor space has shady patches where bees can stay cool, and access to a water source, can also make a real difference. Bee charities you can support Sean McMenemy says “The Bumblebee Conservation Trust is an excellent UK charity whose mission is to increase the number and distribution of bumblebees. They work for a future where bumblebees are more numerous and valued in society”. If you’re feeling inspired to help support bees, here are some charities you can donate to which do excellent work in conserving the bee population: The Bee Friendly Trust are particularly focused on creating urban habitats for bees The Wildlife Trusts are involved in a number of projects that protect bees Give Bees a Chance aims to boost public awareness of the importance of bees Print and cut out the picture below then colour it in and stick on your window to show your bee support.
24 May Half Term Issue 2023 • www.kidaround.biz TO ADVERTISE, CALL 07557 053044 OR EMAIL [email protected] SUBSCRIBE HERE WWW.kidaround.biz