QueenKatie

I think anyone who knows their dog isn't 100% obedient to a command (and let's face it, that's the vast majority of dogs) should keep it on a lead around any kind of wildlife or farmlife. I also get so annoyed by seeing people walking ill-trained dogs off-lead in the peak district, around ground nesting birds, despite the fact that there are signs everywhere asking people to put them on a lead. About a month ago, I watched a guy running with two dogs near Higger Tor - one of them was completely and utterly out of control, to the point that it ran out of sight and then got completely confused about where it actually was.

I'm going to dissent from the majority here - I think it's absolutely brilliant that the verges aren't being cut! We are facing an ecological apocalypse. So many species of insects and birds are in a nosedive decline. Meadow and grassland species have been particularly badly hit. By treating verges effectively as meadows, and mowing less frequently, we can massively increase the amount of a threatened habitat - which will work wonders for butterflies, moths, bees, birds. An uncut verge might look untidy for the first couple of years - but provided it is cut at the right time, after plants have seeded, the species diversity will increase and you'll end up with a lovely host of wild plants and flowers. If you look at some of the verges in the Peak District, they are full of beautiful flowers, including a host of orchids. So much prettier than a 1970s monoculture grass verge! (The visual equivalent of the avocado bathroom suite, surely). Of course, it needs to be done sensibly. We need to cut if there are safety concerns or problems with visibility. We need to make sure paths are clear and that access isn't impeded. But we could do those things and still leave huge tracts unmowed. And the money that is saved? That can be put into the services that really matter - like health and social care. In a constrained resource environment, do we want cut verges or do we want better dementia care? I think there's only one sensible answer to that question.

Hi Peaches, are you still doing free manure in S8? I'd love some for my allotment if you have any available still? Thanks x

Does anyone know whether it's possibly to buy a private allotment in S8? There are some sites up the road from me (near The Ale House/Hutcliffe Woods) but I never see anyone going in or out. I'd be really interested in getting a plot up there. (I already have a council-run allotment but the rent is really high, so I'm wondering if buying one outright might be a better long term use of money if this is possible - and also wish to compare private rents to council ones).

Just (yet another) recommendation for Jeff Smith, the joiner. For a set of strange reasons which I won't go into, we needed a new front door fitting at very short notice. Jeff came out on his Saturday off to get the job done in time. The final result looks amazing - first rate work, for a really fair price, by a guy who is just so, so pleasant to deal with. I had someone hang a back door for me a while back and you would not believe the difference in craftsmanship and finish. Let's just say that Jeff knocked the competition out of the water.

I'm installing external wall insulation in my 1920s solid-walled semi, currently getting quotes from companies. (I have a Green Deal voucher). Was wondering if anyone who has had this done might be able to give me the benefit of their experience. What questions should I ask? What issues should I bear in mind? Advice very much appreciated, as I've never done major building work before and I am VERY nervous!

Mod note Content removed Please raise your advert in the section within Classified under "Jobs", as this section is not for advertising. thanks

I am looking for someone to do a green deal assessment on my house. I don't want a company that locks me into doing the work with them. I would be grateful for personal recommendations from people who've had a home review under this scheme. I am wary because while I am sure there are good companies out there, some of the websites take a bullying "double glazing salesman" kind of attitude. This will not work with me and I want to avoid having the aggro of dealing with cowboys. I want someone knowledgeable, quick, and reliable. ---------- Post added 27-04-2014 at 16:42 ---------- So this has 76 views but no replies.... I guess a lot of people are asking the same question! Some of those houses with solar panels all must have got them on the deal, surely?!

I like to wash the insides at the same time as the outsides. And then admire the silhouette imprint of all the birds who have flown into it.

Hahahaha! My cat comes and stares at me now in a concerned and slightly puzzled fashion. It's highly off-putting and takes me ages to wee. Also, since the bedroom door has also been taken, it's only a matter of time before the window cleaner gets a right eyeful.

I'm having problems with The Door Stripping Co in Hillsborough. Guy came and picked up 3 internal doors to strip... said he'd return them Monday... nothing. I've rung him several times a day, every day since... and his phone goes straight to voicemail. No word, no message, no nothing. One of the doors is to me bathroom, so I'd really like it back to be able to take a pee in peace!! Anyone else having this problem? PS OK, so the thread title is misleading. But I got your attention, right?

It looks like a bargain! The inside is really nice especially the bathroom and kitchen and people will see those and be well impressed. A couple of things that you might think about (depending on how much time and energy you have) 1. If you have 5 minutes, people often just look at picture 1 on the slideshow on RightMove, and that first pic of the front of the house is probably the weakest in your set. Try putting the kitchen on instead? 2. If you have 15 minutes, speak to your estate agent and get them to rewrite the brochure, stressing the good points more strongly- the proximity of a safe park, strong community area, modern kitchen and bathroom, large garden. (It never fails to amaze me now incredibly bad estate agents are at marketing, almost across the board). 3. If you have a free day, try just tarting up the front of the house a bit more - maybe trim back the bushes, give the door a fresh lick of paint in a lighter colour (e.g. red), put up a hanging basket and some window boxes. 4. If you have a free weekend or two, beg, borrow, steal, or Freecycle a few bits of furniture, e.g. a bed, a table. Dress them up nicely with some cheap paper napkins, plates, wine glasses, and ikea candles. It's easier to sell a place furnished than not, even if you only put a couple of very basic items in there. I know it's a total pain (I just lived without my furniture for the best part of a year while selling a place) but it does make a difference. If you got new stuff, you could always recoup the cost by offering it with the house, since first time buyers are probably a pretty key market for you. Hang in there. Times are tough at the moment, but it will sell eventually. Keeping my fingers crossed for you!

I second Feet First - great for walking/climbing boots.

Yes! My Mum posted me a couple of letters on the same day (birthday cards from the family, me gran can never remember the address), and there was a week between one and the other arriving.

Hey Bob, thanks! I didn't know that. I live up in Woodseats, but would look at anything fairly central or on that side of town, not too studenty, preferably with a few real ales on tap and some whisky behind the bar!