Cath Hodsman
@cathhodsman.bsky.social
Ret'd entomological artist, illustrator & teacher. Active conservationist & wildlife gardener, No pesticides, no-mow, no dig. Green voter.
Did u know? Now that winter is here finding food is very important for wildlife,so it's important to give the small souls who live in/around your outside space a foraging corridor.Cut holes in wooden fences/unravel part of wire fences to allow access for animals looking for food & shelter. 🌿🌱🇬🇧🌱🌍🦊🦡🐸🦔
November 22, 2025 at 6:13 AM
Did u know? Now that winter is here finding food is very important for wildlife,so it's important to give the small souls who live in/around your outside space a foraging corridor.Cut holes in wooden fences/unravel part of wire fences to allow access for animals looking for food & shelter. 🌿🌱🇬🇧🌱🌍🦊🦡🐸🦔
Did u know? For the small souls in your garden, the very cold weather can be as dry as very hot weather,so always provide daily fresh water. To slow freezing rates, put balls, sticks & other objects into your ponds/birdbaths etc. It'll leave tiny areas underneath that are ice-free for longer. 🌿🌱🇬🇧🌱🐦⬛🌍
November 21, 2025 at 6:06 AM
Did u know? For the small souls in your garden, the very cold weather can be as dry as very hot weather,so always provide daily fresh water. To slow freezing rates, put balls, sticks & other objects into your ponds/birdbaths etc. It'll leave tiny areas underneath that are ice-free for longer. 🌿🌱🇬🇧🌱🐦⬛🌍
Did u know? We hate waste in our house &, wherever possible, recycle, reuse or repurpose. This is one of our blackbirds enjoying some of our food waste. It turns out they love to feast on the leftover porridge oats scraped out from the saucepan. It's always gone within a couple of mins. Bless 🌿🌱🇬🇧🌱🌍🐦⬛
November 20, 2025 at 5:37 AM
Did u know? We hate waste in our house &, wherever possible, recycle, reuse or repurpose. This is one of our blackbirds enjoying some of our food waste. It turns out they love to feast on the leftover porridge oats scraped out from the saucepan. It's always gone within a couple of mins. Bless 🌿🌱🇬🇧🌱🌍🐦⬛
Did u know? It's lovely when you get to spend time with your wild garden family.Yesterday, my compost heap robin took full advantage of the couple of hours I spent in that part of the garden. He's getting very confident now,coming up so close to me,pecking up small morsels I uncover as I work.🌿🌱🇬🇧🌱🌍🐦⬛
November 19, 2025 at 5:49 AM
Did u know? It's lovely when you get to spend time with your wild garden family.Yesterday, my compost heap robin took full advantage of the couple of hours I spent in that part of the garden. He's getting very confident now,coming up so close to me,pecking up small morsels I uncover as I work.🌿🌱🇬🇧🌱🌍🐦⬛
Did u know? Sometimes it's good not to bother to fix things. Meet our leaky front gutter... or our Clematis self watering *system*. 🌿🌱🇬🇧🌱💧🌍
November 18, 2025 at 5:55 AM
Did u know? Sometimes it's good not to bother to fix things. Meet our leaky front gutter... or our Clematis self watering *system*. 🌿🌱🇬🇧🌱💧🌍
Did u know? In wildlife friendly gardens things don't have to be *attractive* to be useful to small souls. This straggly upright is a Hawthorn sapling that self-seeded in our rambling rose hedge. Our resident birds love to perch on it to view their kingdom, like this feisty little robin. 🌱🌿🇬🇧🌱🌍🐦⬛
November 17, 2025 at 5:00 AM
Did u know? In wildlife friendly gardens things don't have to be *attractive* to be useful to small souls. This straggly upright is a Hawthorn sapling that self-seeded in our rambling rose hedge. Our resident birds love to perch on it to view their kingdom, like this feisty little robin. 🌱🌿🇬🇧🌱🌍🐦⬛
Did u know? It's been a fab year for Ladybirds. So wonderful to see them in such large numbers. Now, they're looking to find quiet corners to overwinter. I had a hunt for these sleepy heads in my garden yesterday & it was amazing how many I found - every nook & cranny.Sleep well,little ones. 🌿🌱🇬🇧🌱🪲🌍🐞
November 16, 2025 at 6:28 AM
Did u know? It's been a fab year for Ladybirds. So wonderful to see them in such large numbers. Now, they're looking to find quiet corners to overwinter. I had a hunt for these sleepy heads in my garden yesterday & it was amazing how many I found - every nook & cranny.Sleep well,little ones. 🌿🌱🇬🇧🌱🪲🌍🐞
Did u know? These are reasons to garden for wildlife - to cut out chemical use that poisons/disrupts; to celebrate indigenous wildflowers(*weeds*)by allowing some to grow; to allow nature to find its own equilibrium; to help save our planet; find joy,knowing that you've given nature a home. 🌱🌿🇬🇧🌱🌍🪲🐦⬛🦎
November 15, 2025 at 6:19 AM
Did u know? These are reasons to garden for wildlife - to cut out chemical use that poisons/disrupts; to celebrate indigenous wildflowers(*weeds*)by allowing some to grow; to allow nature to find its own equilibrium; to help save our planet; find joy,knowing that you've given nature a home. 🌱🌿🇬🇧🌱🌍🪲🐦⬛🦎
Did u know? This might not look like an inspiring pic, but as summers get hotter & drier, storing precious water becomes more important. Installing water butts is a great way to collect 100's of gallons of water for tough times. We use the water in our butts to top up our wildlife ponds. 🌿🌱🇬🇧🌱🌍🐸🦎💧
November 14, 2025 at 5:55 AM
Did u know? This might not look like an inspiring pic, but as summers get hotter & drier, storing precious water becomes more important. Installing water butts is a great way to collect 100's of gallons of water for tough times. We use the water in our butts to top up our wildlife ponds. 🌿🌱🇬🇧🌱🌍🐸🦎💧
I've found the video & cropped it, but now it's gone really blurry. The Tardi is to the top right of the long leaf-like structure. Try to ignore my hubs slamming doors in the background & the lights flashing....like I said, a bit heath robinson. 🤣🦠🦠You can just about see its legs moving about. ☺️
November 13, 2025 at 7:04 AM
I've found the video & cropped it, but now it's gone really blurry. The Tardi is to the top right of the long leaf-like structure. Try to ignore my hubs slamming doors in the background & the lights flashing....like I said, a bit heath robinson. 🤣🦠🦠You can just about see its legs moving about. ☺️
Did u know? Autumn & Winter are times for planning in the garden. It's when I ensure pollinators have enough food for the next season. By taking cuttings of plants like Lamb's Ear & Penstemon I'm guaranteeing food for all sorts of solitary bees, bumblebees, butterflies & hoverflies. Go cut.🌿🌱🇬🇧🌱🌍🪲🦋🐝🪰
November 13, 2025 at 5:42 AM
Did u know? Autumn & Winter are times for planning in the garden. It's when I ensure pollinators have enough food for the next season. By taking cuttings of plants like Lamb's Ear & Penstemon I'm guaranteeing food for all sorts of solitary bees, bumblebees, butterflies & hoverflies. Go cut.🌿🌱🇬🇧🌱🌍🪲🦋🐝🪰
Did u know? You don't get much for free in life,but used cafe coffee grounds are one of them. If you see them being given away in cafes, grab some & add them to your compost heap. They're rich in nutrients that plants need to thrive, are great soil conditioners & great for acid loving plants. 🌿🌱🇬🇧🌱🌍☕
November 12, 2025 at 5:42 AM
Did u know? You don't get much for free in life,but used cafe coffee grounds are one of them. If you see them being given away in cafes, grab some & add them to your compost heap. They're rich in nutrients that plants need to thrive, are great soil conditioners & great for acid loving plants. 🌿🌱🇬🇧🌱🌍☕
Did u know?Butterfly numbers were better this year,but they continue to struggle.If you'd like to see more in your garden,let thistles grow.These beautiful leaves belong to Milk Thistles(Silybum marianum).Their name comes from the milky lines on the leaves & b'flies go nuts for their blooms. 🌿🌱🇬🇧🌱🌍🦋🪲
November 11, 2025 at 6:09 AM
Did u know?Butterfly numbers were better this year,but they continue to struggle.If you'd like to see more in your garden,let thistles grow.These beautiful leaves belong to Milk Thistles(Silybum marianum).Their name comes from the milky lines on the leaves & b'flies go nuts for their blooms. 🌿🌱🇬🇧🌱🌍🦋🪲
Did u know?This is one of the most important organisms on earth - moss. It's amazing what it does to maintain healthy ecosystems. It minimises soil erosion; captures carbon; harbours tiny souls in its unique habitat & filters & purifies water & air in its dense structure - make room for moss. 🌱🌿🇬🇧🌱🌍🦠
November 10, 2025 at 5:54 AM
Did u know?This is one of the most important organisms on earth - moss. It's amazing what it does to maintain healthy ecosystems. It minimises soil erosion; captures carbon; harbours tiny souls in its unique habitat & filters & purifies water & air in its dense structure - make room for moss. 🌱🌿🇬🇧🌱🌍🦠
Found some...Deffo, dirty work...🤪
November 9, 2025 at 6:25 AM
Found some...Deffo, dirty work...🤪
These are fabulous George. Lots of plants & lots of life. They remind me of our wildlife ponds. I'll see if I can find a pic of my hubs digging ours...
November 9, 2025 at 6:21 AM
These are fabulous George. Lots of plants & lots of life. They remind me of our wildlife ponds. I'll see if I can find a pic of my hubs digging ours...
Did u know?This might look mundane, but leaving areas of grass to grow long & stay long is one of the best things you can do to help small souls in the chilly months.For e.g, many b'fly caterpillars feed on grass throughout the winter - Small Heaths,Meadow Browns & Ringlets,so leave it long. 🌿🌱🇬🇧🌱🌍🪲🐛
November 9, 2025 at 5:47 AM
Did u know?This might look mundane, but leaving areas of grass to grow long & stay long is one of the best things you can do to help small souls in the chilly months.For e.g, many b'fly caterpillars feed on grass throughout the winter - Small Heaths,Meadow Browns & Ringlets,so leave it long. 🌿🌱🇬🇧🌱🌍🪲🐛
Did u know? Autumn/Fall is such a wonderful season in nature. It's a time when life quietens down for a winter's break & everything is touched with mellow colours of gold,russet & amber. It also brings out the child in me. Who still loves to do this through the fallen leaves?..That sound too..🍂🌱🌿🇬🇧🌱🌍
November 8, 2025 at 5:48 AM
Did u know? Autumn/Fall is such a wonderful season in nature. It's a time when life quietens down for a winter's break & everything is touched with mellow colours of gold,russet & amber. It also brings out the child in me. Who still loves to do this through the fallen leaves?..That sound too..🍂🌱🌿🇬🇧🌱🌍
Did u know? Nature always has the answer...The world can seem like a big & scary place at times. Next time you feel fearful, just get yourself into an outside space & focus on a small soul "doing its thing" - just like this tiny snail,quietly drinking from raindrops on a leaf. Nature's reboot.🌿🌱🇬🇧🌱🌍🐌
November 7, 2025 at 5:54 AM
Did u know? Nature always has the answer...The world can seem like a big & scary place at times. Next time you feel fearful, just get yourself into an outside space & focus on a small soul "doing its thing" - just like this tiny snail,quietly drinking from raindrops on a leaf. Nature's reboot.🌿🌱🇬🇧🌱🌍🐌
Did u know? It's fab when you take time to get to know the routines of the small souls who share your outside space & realise that they're so much like us with their rituals. This lovely Wood Pigeon visits the same bit of guttering every day to drink - we're not the only creatures of habit. 🌿🌱🇬🇧🌱🌍🐦⬛
November 6, 2025 at 5:42 AM
Did u know? It's fab when you take time to get to know the routines of the small souls who share your outside space & realise that they're so much like us with their rituals. This lovely Wood Pigeon visits the same bit of guttering every day to drink - we're not the only creatures of habit. 🌿🌱🇬🇧🌱🌍🐦⬛
Did u know? Being a gardener means that you can create some great free & ethical presents this Xmas. Why not strain food waste & turn it into bottled plant food - great for house plants, or winter growing veg.(Ratio 1:10 water/food), or dry out seeds & give them as gifts? Easy-peasy. 🌿🌱🇬🇧🌱🌍 #buyless
November 5, 2025 at 5:39 AM
Did u know? Being a gardener means that you can create some great free & ethical presents this Xmas. Why not strain food waste & turn it into bottled plant food - great for house plants, or winter growing veg.(Ratio 1:10 water/food), or dry out seeds & give them as gifts? Easy-peasy. 🌿🌱🇬🇧🌱🌍 #buyless
Did u know? On milder days, you'll still see pollinators on the wing, so it's a fab idea to have something in flower all year-round. These Fatsia japonica are in full bloom now (not indigenous, but hey-ho) and my wonderful wasps are taking full advantage of their lovely nectar rich blooms. 🌱🌿🇬🇧🌱🌍🪲
November 4, 2025 at 5:49 AM
Did u know? On milder days, you'll still see pollinators on the wing, so it's a fab idea to have something in flower all year-round. These Fatsia japonica are in full bloom now (not indigenous, but hey-ho) and my wonderful wasps are taking full advantage of their lovely nectar rich blooms. 🌱🌿🇬🇧🌱🌍🪲
Did u know? The fab colours produced in leaves in autumn are pigments that are always there, but are revealed when the tree stops producing chlorophyll, which gives them their lovely green colour. Look at how the green fades to yellow in these awesome autumnal beauties..Going, going...gone...🌿🌱🇬🇧🌱🍂🌍🌳
November 3, 2025 at 5:56 AM
Did u know? The fab colours produced in leaves in autumn are pigments that are always there, but are revealed when the tree stops producing chlorophyll, which gives them their lovely green colour. Look at how the green fades to yellow in these awesome autumnal beauties..Going, going...gone...🌿🌱🇬🇧🌱🍂🌍🌳
Did u know? We should all grow more trees. Not only do they look beautiful & provide us with shade, fruit & flowers; they give us the very air we breathe & act as carbon capturers that help slow down global warming. Next time you eat an apple, plant the pips. My mini orchard, so far...🌿🌱🇬🇧🌱🌍 🌳🍎🍏
November 2, 2025 at 6:03 AM
Did u know? We should all grow more trees. Not only do they look beautiful & provide us with shade, fruit & flowers; they give us the very air we breathe & act as carbon capturers that help slow down global warming. Next time you eat an apple, plant the pips. My mini orchard, so far...🌿🌱🇬🇧🌱🌍 🌳🍎🍏
Did u know? This is what my wildlife garden looks like in winter. Stalks, stems, seed heads & leaves are all left to shelter small souls until the warmer weather returns. This isn't a mess, this is nature's quiet time where life rests & prepares to renew for the next season. Believe in brown 🤎 🌿🌱🇬🇧🌱🌍
November 1, 2025 at 6:41 AM
Did u know? This is what my wildlife garden looks like in winter. Stalks, stems, seed heads & leaves are all left to shelter small souls until the warmer weather returns. This isn't a mess, this is nature's quiet time where life rests & prepares to renew for the next season. Believe in brown 🤎 🌿🌱🇬🇧🌱🌍