Most people are familiar with honey bees and bumblebees, but if you look closely, there is so much more than meets the eye.
In fact, Britain is home to over 250 species of ‘solitary bee’.
As the summer draws in and with many of us spending more time in our gardens than ever before, it’s crucial that we continue to provide bees with an environment in which they can thrive, so if you’re looking to do your bit for the bees, then we’ve found a compact solitary bee hive on Amazon and it’s already sitting firmly on the ‘Best Seller’ list.
The Wildlife World Solitary Bee Hive is “an interactive solitary bee and insect box constructed in durable FSC timber, with unique individual cell trays which can be opened for inspection and/or cleaning” and is perfect for any Mancunians looking to encourage bees into their garden this summer.
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As many will know, the ‘worker bee’ is one of the best-known symbols of Manchester.
The bee denotes Mancunians’ hard work ethic, the city being a hive of activity, represents a sense of unity and has been an emblem for over 150 years.
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According to the product description on Amazon, this “unique solitary beehive” is designed specifically “to attract non-swarming bees like the Red Mason Bee (Osmia rufa) and Leafcutter bees (Megachile spp)”.
If you’re wondering what the difference is, then do note that solitary bees “do not swarm, are gregarious and safe around children and pets” and are naturally attracted to holes in wood, which is why the Wildlife World Solitary Bee Hive is great at providing a habitat that bees love, but one that has become harder and harder to find in modern gardens across the UK.
This bee hive is “fascinating and great for education” as it is designed not only as a habitat, but to be easily dismantled to see the formation of small cells where the eggs are laid, or indeed where predators have been active.”
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Attracting solitary bees to your garden this summer is not only safe, but is also beneficial to pollination of flowers, fruit and vegetables too.
It’s retailing on Amazon at £24.45 + postage/packaging and has a multitude of positive 5* reviews from plenty of satisfied customers, so if you’ve been wondering whether it’s worth the buy or not, have a read of a few of those to help make you’re mind up.
It’s also listed as an ‘Amazon’s Choice’ product and is eligible for Amazon Prime delivery perks too for those subscribed to the service.
If you’re ready to do your bit and help the bees this summer time, then you can get the Wildlife World Solitary Bee Hive from Amazon here.
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‘Hairy men’ needed to play soldiers in returning major fantasy TV series
Thomas Melia
A huge TV series has issued an urgent casting call for, very specifically, ‘hairy men’ to play soldiers.
The exact show hasn’t been named in the casting call, but it’s definitely a major returning fantasy, and is reportedly House of the Dragon, the hit Game of Thrones spin-off.
This big on demand show is set to start filming in just two months’ time, meaning anyone considering shouldn’t wait to apply.
There are a list of key characteristics candidates should have if hoping for this role, including a great work ethic and a professional attitude, something all Mancs like to think we have.
The job description states that no prior acting experience is required, one of the only other things you need to be good at is waking up early (well that’s me out).
Most importantly, headhunters are looking for individuals to take on that have one big factor in common… lots of hair.
On the official website where you can submit your headshots and photos, you will find a mood board filled with ranging hairstyles that fit the desired look the show is going for.
Most of the pictures on the site range from long curly locks to big bushy beards – it’s a shame Santa will be back in the North Pole by now.
All candidates must have grown-out hair, ‘overgrown scruff to longer beards’, this means no short, back and sides, or any ‘modern fades’ as stated by the casting team.
If the rumours are true and this turns out to be a shoot for House Of The Dragon, it would be great to see even more Northern talent feature in this show.
It wasn’t too long ago that fans and Mancs alike realised that actor Olivia Cooke, who plays Lady Alicent Hightower, was a local lass herself, born not too far away in Oldham.
One final and important note is that anyone who is likely to apply must make sure they’re 18+ and have a right to work in the UK.
Filming will take place across North Wales and the South East from March onwards, with rate of pay roughly £140-£300+ per day (depending on hours worked).
To apply for a chance to feature in the returning major fantasy series, you can do so by visiting the site HERE.
Greater Manchester set to be battered by ‘impactful’ heavy rain and wind this week
Emily Sergeant
Greater Manchester is set to be battered by some heavy rain and wind this week, according to the Met Office.
While things have seemed surprisingly more settled for the time of year over the last week or so, with clearer skies and chilly winter mornings being fairly commonplace, all that will change very soon, as the Met Office has forecasted that the UK is set to be battered by some ‘impactful’ heavy rain and strong winds as the week goes on.
Low pressure systems will bring a more ‘unsettled’ spell of weather, with a severe weather warning for wind issued for certain parts of the UK.
Today is expected to be filled with grey skies and light rain here in Greater Manchester, with cloud covering much of the rest of the country, and other outbreaks of rain elsewhere, whereas on Wednesday, the focus of rain will shift to southern England instead.
The weather looks set to turn more unsettled during the forthcoming week 🌧️ 🌬️
Thursday is where it’s set to take the biggest downturn though, as a front bringing heavy rain moves eastwards through the day, and it’s us here in North West England that are expected to see the highest accumulations too, with 20-30mm could falling over the hills, and some hill snow even possible over the Scottish mountains too.
A deep area of low pressure will also have ‘deepened rapidly’ by Thursday, bringing ‘strengthening winds’ to western parts of the UK along with it overnight, followed by more heavy rainfall.
Greater Manchester is set to be battered by ‘impactful’ heavy rain and wind this week / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“A very deep area of low pressure will bring a very unsettled, potentially disruptive, spell of weather to the UK through Friday and into Saturday,” explained Chris Almond, who is the Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist.
“Winds will begin to strengthen on Thursday night, with the peak gusts forecast through Friday in Northern Ireland and western Scotland. The wind will also be accompanied by heavy rain bringing some unpleasant conditions to end the week.
“We have issued a Yellow weather warning for wind, and with several days before the impactful weather, the forecast details are likely to be fine-tuned during the week, so stay tuned to your local forecast and keep up to date with Met Office warnings.”