BBC: First-time contender crowned World Conker Champion. “The new King and Queen Conker have been crowned after a closely-fought contest at the World Conker Championships. Hundreds of competitors went into battle in Northamptonshire for the event’s 60th year – which attracted increased attention after last year’s cheating scandal, prompting ‘airport-style’ security checks.”
https://rbfirehose.com/2025/10/13/bbc-first-time-contender-crowned-world-conker-champion/
Nearly half of dog owners don’t know acorns are poisonous – vets warn of autumn dangers
Research from Quotezone.co.uk found that 49% of owners were unaware of the risks, even though acorns, conkers and wild mushrooms can cause serious illness – and in some cases prove fatal – if eaten by dogs.
Autumn strolls could turn deadly
Acorns drop from oak trees throughout September and October, with green, unripe acorns carrying the highest levels of toxins. Ingesting them can cause stomach upsets, blockages and, in rare cases, liver or kidney failure.
Conkers are no safer. The shiny seeds of horse chestnut trees contain the toxin aesculin and can choke or block a dog’s digestive system. Their spiky shells make them even more hazardous.
And it’s not just trees – certain wild mushrooms, including the ominously named Death Cap and Funeral Bell, can kill a dog if swallowed.
“A wholesome walk could quickly turn sour”
Helen Rolph, pet insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk, said: “Woodland walks in the autumn can be very picturesque, but they can also present hidden hazards for dogs such as acorns, conkers and certain wild mushrooms, which can cause serious illness or even be fatal if ingested.
“A wholesome autumnal walk could quickly turn sour, so we’re urging all dog owners to keep a close eye on their pets and seek veterinary advice immediately if they suspect their dog has eaten anything they shouldn’t.”
How to keep your dog safe this autumn
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#Acorns #Autumn #conkers #dogWalk #Dogs #fungi #mushrooms #poisonousForDogs #Quotezone #thingsDogsCanTEat #Vet #VeterinaryPractice #woodlandWalk
World Conker Championships to proceed despite early nut drop caused by hot summer
Organisers of the World Conker Championships in Northamptonshire are optimistic that this year's event will go ahead despite concerns caused by an unusually hot and dry summer. The extreme weather led to conkers falling early from local trees, prompting fears that the competition could be canceled. ... [More info]
We have a solitary horse chestnut tree in our front garden. Most years we collect a few conkers but this year it has excelled and so far we have collected over 450 and it's not empty yet. We've never managed to collect more than this bowl will hold before but I think we might just do it this year.
Another sign that autumn is here. 🍁🍂🍂🍁🍂🍁🍁🍂
Local horse chestnut trees have started shedding conkers all of a sudden. I walked past a group of them by Jesmond Dene a couple of days ago, nothing. Walked past them yesterday - conkerpalooza all over the ground. #Autumn #Fall #Conkers
Picked up some shiny conkers on my after-lunch walk. I suppose that means it’s autumn!
Ann
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