THIS week I spent some time studying the subject of allelopathy and whether it has any relevance to local plants either in the wild or in our gardens?

The word allelopathy means that some plants produce chemicals which pass from their roots into the soil. These chemicals can kill other plants which are rivals to the plant producing chemicals.

This seems to be true of the daisy which is why it is so common. The daisy would seem to have, and be using, its own "weapon of mass destruction."

We humans are very arrogant and we think that plants cannot react to changes in their environment, but I think we need to have a serious think about our attitude to plants.

If all the recent research is read and reacted on properly there is lots of excitement ahead for gardeners and naturalists alike.

The daisy is not just an unwanted weed, but once had an important medical use. The flowers were simmered in water and fluid successfully used as an eyewash.

The recent research clearly opens our eyes to the complexity of nature.

Rings are vital

SINCE around 1910 bird scientists worldwide have been ringing birds.

However, recently some so-called conversationists have been writing that this is a cruel practice which should be banned.

These people should look at a few facts:

By ringing birds we know how long birds live, how and where they migrate and how they died.

When the qualified ringer places the band on the bird's leg the specimen is weighed, measured and released.

Whenever a bird ring is found the ring is sent to the address given on the band (BTO, Tring, Hertfordshire) where possible the finder is asked to say where it was found and if possible the cause of death.

Over the years bird rings exchanged throughout the world can help to protect each species. We know where they breed and this data can be used whenever a habitat is threatened.

I am all for preventing cruelty, but scientific programmes have helped secure the future of many rare birds.

It is even vital to know as much as we can about our common birds.

If birds are handled carefully even our smallest species of breeders, which is the goldcrest, will come to no harm.

It is important birds are given rings!