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  1. Home
  2. Phil Gates

Phil Gates

Phil Gates taught biology at Durham University and writes for The Guardian’s Country Diary column.

Recent articles by Phil Gates

Stinging nettles. © Adrian Flory/Getty
Plant Facts

Do dock leaves really help nettle stings?

Collared earthstar in Thetford Forest, Norfolk, UK. © Dave Porter/Getty
Identify Wildlife

How to identify British earthstars

Hollyhock (Alcea rosea) © Andia / UIG / Getty
Flowers

Why do flowers point up or down?

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Sea thrift wildflowers growing by the South West Coast Path. © AL Hedderly/Getty
Flowers

How does thrift survive life on salty cliffs?

Trees have an ingenious way to avoid freezing. © Howard Oates/Getty
Trees

Does tree sap freeze?

Eelgrasses are flowering plants that spend their entire lives submerged in seawater. Illustration by Mike Langman.
Plant Facts

7 eelgrass facts you need to know

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