Trees are now in full bloom and the meadows, verges & hedgerows are a riot of colour. Bluebells carpet the woodlands with a cacophony of birdsong from every angle including Jays, woodpeckers, Wood Pigeons and the Cuckoo.
Swifts and House Martins are returning from their winter migrations in Africa so look out for them nesting under the eaves of houses, and if you’ve got some they should be returning to last year’s nest box.
Butterflies, dragonflies and other insects are everywhere dancing from flower to flower.
Young Coots & Moorhens are out on the water only days after hatching.
Fox and Badger cubs are starting to appear so be careful on rural roads at night.
Some earlier nesting species are now fledging already. This might be the only time you see a static Kingfisher as it waits for its parents to feed it before its unceremoniously chased off to establish its own territory elsewhere while the parent get on with the next brood.
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- Roe Deer
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- Fox
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- Flotilla of goslings
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- Heron
Things to do
- Its Hedgehog awareness week (30/4 to 6/5). See britishhedgehogs.org/uk for more details.
- Be careful of nesting birds in hedges and trees or in/around old buildings and sheds.
- Fill bird feeders and bird baths and you’ll be surprised how many different species will drop in to your garden especially now they have lots of hungry mouths to feed.
- Its “No mow May” – Try to resist the temptation to mow your lawn this month to allow insects and flowers to get well established for the summer.
If you can’t bear the sight of an uncut lawn have to cut your grass why not try mowing just some of it, perhaps an interesting amorphous shape in the centre (its also easier to mow without corners) with longer grass around the edges to allow wild flowers to establish themselves.
You could also just mow some paths around and through your lawn – it makes a garden look more interesting and young children love running around them!