Middlesbrough Environment City

☀️ As temperatures continue to rise, a few simple steps can help you stay safe and enjoy the summer weather. We've rounded up the latest advice from the NHS, the UK Health Security Agency and the Met Office to share five simple ways to stay safe, healthy and well during the current heatwave...

💧 Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty. Limit alcohol, as it can increase dehydration.

🌳 Keep out of the midday sun: Try to stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm, when UV rays and temperatures are at their highest.

🏠 Keep your home cool: Close curtains or blinds on sun-facing windows during the day and open windows when it's cooler outside, especially overnight.

👕 Dress for the weather: Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and don't forget sunscreen if you're heading outdoors.

❤️ Check in on others: Older people, young children and those with long-term health conditions can be more vulnerable in hot weather. A quick phone call or visit could make all the difference.

Enjoy the sunshine safely and take care of ourselves and each other. 💚

Did you know we have medlar trees growing here in Middlesbrough? 🌳

If you've never heard of a medlar, you're not alone! These fascinating fruit trees were a real favourite in medieval Britain but are now one of our forgotten fruits. Every spring they produce beautiful white blossoms that provide a valuable source of nectar for bees and other pollinators, before developing their distinctive fruits ready for harvest in autumn.

But here's where it gets really interesting...

Unlike most fruit, medlars aren't eaten straight from the tree. After harvesting, they're left to soften and sweeten over several weeks in a process called bletting. Once they're ready, the fruit transforms into a rich, aromatic delicacy that's perfect for making delicious jellies, desserts and other sweet treats. 🍈

Because medlars are so rarely sold in shops, growing your own is one of the best ways to experience this remarkable piece of Britain's food-growing heritage.

It's a great reminder that our gardens and community growing spaces can support so much more than the usual apples and strawberries. By growing a wider variety of fruit and vegetables, we can boost biodiversity, support pollinators, reduce food miles and discover some wonderfully unexpected flavours along the way.💚

Have you ever tried a medlar? 🤔