Out and About TV

🎄✨ We’ve just explored the magical Dunham Massey Christmas Lights 2025!
Have you been this year — or planning to go? Let us know your favourite UK Christmas trail 👇

4 days ago | [YT] | 0

Out and About TV

We spent the night at the Hampton by Hilton York, and here’s what we thought!

If you’re planning a short city break, business trip, or even travelling with your pet, this hotel really ticks the boxes. Located just a few minutes’ walk from York Railway Station and the city’s historic centre, it’s in the perfect spot to explore attractions like York Minster, The Shambles, and National Railway Museum.

Inside, the Hampton by Hilton York offers:
✨ 24-hour reception – always someone on hand to help
🥐 Free hot breakfast included with every stay
📶 Complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel
🐾 Pet-friendly rooms available on request
🏋️ Fitness centre with modern equipment
🍸 Lounge bar and dining area for relaxing evenings
🅿️ NCP parking nearby (discounted charges apply on ticket validation)
🛏️ Comfortable rooms with HDTV, air conditioning, and walk-in showers

We found it clean, welcoming, and ideal for both business and family travel.
Watch full video here: https://youtu.be/exchUgANpHo

Would you stay here on your next trip to York?
👇 Let us know your go-to hotels for city breaks!

#York #HamptonByHilton #HotelReview #TravelUK #OutandAboutTV #YorkHotels #PetFriendly

1 month ago (edited) | [YT] | 2

Out and About TV

🌿 How to Grow a Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera adansonii) in Your Aquarium

If you’re looking to add a unique tropical flair to your aquarium, look no further than the Swiss cheese plant — scientifically known as Monstera adansonii. Known for its iconic perforated leaves and lush growth, this plant is not only a houseplant favorite but also surprisingly adaptable to aquatic environments. Whether you’re interested in aquascaping, hydroponics, or just want to try something new, growing a Swiss cheese plant in water is easier than you might think.

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🪴 Why Grow a Swiss Cheese Plant in Water?

Monstera adansonii is naturally adapted to humid, tropical environments. It’s an epiphytic plant in the wild, meaning it often grows on trees and absorbs moisture and nutrients from the air and rain. Thanks to this adaptability, it can thrive in water — especially in aquarium setups where it adds aesthetic value and contributes to water quality by absorbing nitrates.

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🌱 Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Monstera adansonii in Your Aquarium

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1. Choose the Right Cutting

To start, take a healthy cutting from a mature Swiss cheese plant. You’ll need:
• A node (a small bump where roots and leaves grow)
• At least one healthy leaf

✂️ Use sterilized scissors to make a clean cut just below the node.

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2. Rooting in Water

Place the cutting in a container of dechlorinated water, making sure the node is submerged but the leaves are not.

📍 Tip: Keep the container in a bright, indirect light area — direct sun can scorch the leaves.

Change the water every few days to prevent stagnation and bacterial buildup. Within 2–4 weeks, you should see white roots emerging from the node.

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3. Adding to the Aquarium

Once the roots are a few inches long, you can transfer the cutting to your aquarium. You have two main options:

🪵 A. Above-Tank Hydroponic Style:
• Place the plant on top of the aquarium with roots submerged and leaves above the water.
• Secure the stem using suction cups, clips, or mesh lids.
• This allows the plant to benefit from humidity while preventing leaf rot.

🌊 B. Partially Submerged in the Tank:
• Position the plant with the lower stem and roots underwater, ideally near the filter output or a gently flowing current.
• Leaves should ideally stay above the waterline, though some partial submersion is okay short-term.

Avoid burying roots in gravel or substrate — this can lead to rot.

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4. Care and Maintenance
• ✅ Lighting: Bright, indirect light is best. If the tank is heavily shaded, consider a grow light.
• 💧 Water Quality: Monstera helps absorb excess nutrients, but decaying leaves can still pollute water — prune regularly.
• 🌿 Growth: Expect steady growth. If the plant gets leggy, pinch the tips to encourage bushier foliage.
• 🧪 Tank Companions: Safe with most freshwater fish, shrimp, and snails. Avoid aggressive nibblers like goldfish.

🧪 Can You Leave It in Water Permanently?

Yes — Monstera adansonii can live permanently in water if the environment is stable. However, you can also transplant it into soil later if you’d like a more traditional houseplant setup.

If you choose to keep it hydroponic:
• Clean the roots monthly
• Trim dead foliage
• Add diluted, aquarium-safe nutrients occasionally

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🌿 Final Thoughts

Growing a Swiss cheese plant in your aquarium is a great way to blend botany and aquatics, creating a stunning natural aesthetic that benefits both your fish and your space. Whether you’re starting with a single cutting or experimenting with a hydroponic jungle, Monstera adansonii proves to be both beautiful and low-maintenance.

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6 months ago | [YT] | 2

Out and About TV

Dragonfly Nymph: The Underwater Predator! Or Another Red Mason Bee 🐝

Spotted this incredible creature during our latest outdoor adventure! This is a dragonfly nymph, the juvenile stage of a dragonfly. Unlike the elegant fliers we see darting over ponds and rivers, dragonfly nymphs spend most of their lives underwater, hunting with their extendable jaws. They ambush small fish, tadpoles, and even other insects—making them one of the top predators in freshwater ecosystems!

Once they’re ready, they crawl out of the water, shed their exoskeleton, and emerge as the dragonflies we all recognize. Nature never fails to amaze! Have you ever seen one of these before? Let us know in the comments!

#DragonflyNymph #NatureUpClose #WildlifeEncounters #OutAndAboutTV

Nature’s Battle: A Close Encounter in the Wild!

Bees play a crucial role in our ecosystem, pollinating flowers and keeping our environment thriving. However, they also face many dangers, from predators like spiders to environmental threats like habitat loss and pesticides.

This sighting is a reminder of the delicate balance in nature—every creature plays its part in the cycle of life. Have you ever witnessed an intense moment like this in the wild? Let us know in the comments!

8 months ago | [YT] | 3

Out and About TV

Spotted in my pond. This is an amazing Pollinator! 🐝
We recently came across a Red Mason Bee around our pond! These solitary bees are great for pollination and love nesting in small cavities. Want to see them up close? Check out our latest video!

📽️ Watch here: https://youtu.be/0J0rJhi19CA?si=oOtSY...

#Pollinators #GardenWildlife #RedMasonBee

8 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 2

Out and About TV

The River Bollin is a significant waterway in North West England, flowing through the counties of Cheshire and Greater Manchester. Originating near Macclesfield Forest on the western slopes of the Pennines, it winds its way through picturesque countryside, including Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, and Dunham Massey, before joining the River Mersey near Lymm.

👉 Watch video here: https://youtu.be/c9cU16r8KTI?si=UXN9G...

Historical Significance
• Medieval Times: The Bollin was an important resource for local communities. Its fast-flowing waters powered mills, particularly in Wilmslow and nearby villages, where industries like corn milling and textile production thrived.
• Agricultural Importance: The river has long provided irrigation and fertile soils, supporting farming in the region.
• Transport and Trade: Though never a major navigation route, the Bollin connected rural areas to trading hubs, aiding the local economy.

Industrial Influence

During the Industrial Revolution, the Bollin played a pivotal role. Water mills along its course were adapted for textile production, contributing to the region’s prominence in the cotton industry. Some remnants of these mills, like at Styal, have been preserved as part of the Quarry Bank Mill, now a National Trust site.

Ecological Importance

The river supports a variety of wildlife, including trout, herons, and kingfishers, and its banks are rich in flora. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining its biodiversity and water quality amidst urban expansion.

Cultural and Recreational Role
• Dunham Massey Deer Park: The river flows through this historic estate, providing scenic views for visitors.
• Wilmslow and Styal: Popular spots for walking, the Bollin offers serene landscapes and historical interest, such as old mill sites and weirs.
• Local Lore: Like many rivers, the Bollin is steeped in local tales and traditions, often tied to the history of the communities along its banks.

Today, the River Bollin remains a cherished natural feature, combining historical significance with environmental and recreational value.

11 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 0

Out and About TV

Which is the Best Type of Aquarium to Keep?

1. Tropical 🌴
2. Saltwater 🌊
3. Cold Water ❄️
4. Planted 🌱

Let us know which you prefer!

1 year ago | [YT] | 0

Out and About TV

Best Bottom-Feeding Fish for Your Aquarium 🐟🌊

When it comes to keeping the tank clean and lively at the bottom, which fish do you think does the best job? Vote for your favorite bottom feeder! 👇

• Corydoras: Small, peaceful, and great at keeping the substrate tidy.

• Plecostomus (Pleco): A classic choice, known for its algae-eating skills.

• Loaches (like the Dojo Loach): Fun and active, great for stirring up the bottom.

• Catfish: Efficient and adaptable, especially the popular Pictus and Bristlenose types.

Let us know in the comments if you have a different favorite! Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more fish-keeping tips! 🐠

1 year ago | [YT] | 0

Out and About TV

Aurora Borealis Over Greater Manchester: A Rare Natural Phenomenon Caught on Camera

Recently, a rare and stunning display of the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) illuminated the skies over Northwest Greater Manchester, offering a spectacular show to skywatchers who were lucky enough to witness it. For those who missed this celestial event, we captured it on camera, providing a glimpse into one of nature’s most breathtaking wonders.

What is the Aurora Borealis?

The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, is a natural light display that occurs when electrically charged particles from the Sun collide with gases in Earth’s atmosphere, primarily in the polar regions. This interaction causes the release of photons, which produce vibrant colors—typically shades of green, pink, and purple—that dance across the sky. The phenomenon is most commonly seen near the Arctic and Antarctic circles, but occasionally, under the right conditions, it can be visible much farther from the poles.

Why Was the Aurora Visible in Greater Manchester?

While it’s rare to see the Aurora Borealis as far south as the UK, particularly in the northwest of England, certain conditions can make it possible. The Sun goes through cycles of activity, and during periods of increased solar activity—like solar storms or coronal mass ejections (CME)—the charged particles released can reach Earth’s atmosphere at lower latitudes.

The recent display over Northwest Greater Manchester was likely due to such a solar event, where the solar wind was strong enough to push these particles closer to the UK. Additionally, the North West is relatively free from excessive light pollution in some rural areas, allowing the spectacle to be more visible to the naked eye.

Why the Northwest of England?

The Northwest of England, while not typically known for Aurora sightings, has certain advantages that make it a potential spot for rare displays of the Northern Lights. Locations farther from the urban center of Manchester, particularly in rural areas, experience lower levels of artificial light pollution, giving observers a clearer view of the night sky. Additionally, the region’s location relative to Scotland and the North Sea makes it more likely to catch the lower-latitude fringes of the auroral display during strong geomagnetic storms.

How to Improve Your Chances of Seeing the Aurora

If you’re interested in catching the Aurora in the future, here are some tips:

• Monitor Solar Activity: Websites and apps like the Space Weather Prediction Center and AuroraWatch UK provide real-time data on solar activity and the likelihood of auroral displays.

• Choose Dark, Open Areas: To maximize your chances, find a spot away from city lights with a clear view of the northern horizon.

• Timing is Key: The Aurora is best viewed during the darkest hours of the night, often between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., but this can vary depending on solar activity.

Although it’s rare, the occurrence of the Aurora Borealis in Greater Manchester highlights the beauty and unpredictability of nature. Keep an eye on the skies during heightened solar activity—you might just catch another spectacular show!

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1 year ago | [YT] | 5

Out and About TV

Trentham Monkey Forest Adventure: Meet the Free-Roaming Monkeys! 🐒🌳

Located in Stoke-on-Trent, Trentham Monkey Forest offers a unique experience where visitors can walk among 140 free-roaming Barbary macaques. This sanctuary spans 60 acres of beautiful woodland and meadows, allowing the monkeys to live as they would in the wild. Opened in 2005, the forest is part of a global effort to conserve the endangered Barbary macaque, which is native to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco and Algeria. Educational talks and feeding sessions make this an interactive and informative experience for all ages.

The Monkey Forest is dedicated to conservation and raising awareness about the challenges Barbary macaques face in the wild, including habitat loss and illegal pet trade. Visitors can witness these amazing creatures up close in their naturalistic environment without barriers, fostering a deeper connection to wildlife and conservation efforts.

Watch full video here: We went to Monkey Forest 🌳🐒🌳Trentham Stoke on Trent #monkeyforest
https://youtu.be/CcjDTK7vvcc

A trip to the Trentham Monkey Forest is a perfect family outing, blending adventure with education and the chance to support the protection of an endangered species.

#TrenthamMonkeyForest #FreeRoamingMonkeys #BarbaryMacaques #MonkeySanctuary #WildlifeConservation #FamilyAdventure #StokeOnTrent #UKWildlife #NatureExperience #EndangeredSpecies #AnimalSanctuary #ConservationEfforts #MonkeyForestAdventure #EcoTourism

1 year ago | [YT] | 0