I previously wrote about re-wilding my small patch of garden in the centre of a capital city (granted one of the greenest cities in the UK, but a city nonetheless). I took a ‘minimal pruning’ approach to allow for plants to do what they wanted, and wild seeds to produce growth rather than me pulling […]

I’m sitting in my garden thrilled at the noticeable increase in bees, gnats, flies and moths compared to the past few years.  We live in the city centre of Edinburgh, and are privileged to have a small 15 ft x 15 ft garden, which makes up about one third of our total square footage and […]

Having watched the David Attenborough documentary on our Climate Change Emergency that we share as a global responsibility, I was left with a desperate feeling, not knowing what I personally can do. But then I realised I have a website, already viewed by people across the globe – so I can use that to share […]

This guide is for partners of either British Citizens or British residents who hold Indefinite Leave to Remain, who are outside the UK. Settlement visas (also known as partner visas, ‘Appendix FM applications’ or ‘to join family’) can be a cause of great stress to try to understand. The financial requirement is complex, and a […]

Provide evidence of everything!  Do not assume the Entry Clearance Officer (decision-maker of visa applications) will take your word for it. Pay close attention to the questions on the Visa Application Form (whether online or on a paper form) – if you answer something incorrectly it could be seen as an attempt to use deception […]

You must get offered a place at an educational establishment before you can apply for your Tier 4 student visa.  They will issue you with a Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number. Make sure you include your CAS number in your application (on ‘Appendix 8’) so that the Entry Clearance Officer (decision-maker of visa […]

If you want to get married in the UK you need a visa (unless you are a citizen of an EEA country or Switzerland) – either a Visit-Marriage Visa or a Fiancé(e) Visa, see Tip 5. If you want to live in the UK, but are wondering where to marry, it may be cheaper and […]