MAY IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL TIMES OF THE YEAR

May is one of the most beautiful times of year. Spring has sprung and we find ourselves well on our way to full-blown summer.

It is also a beautiful month to get involved with wildlife; whether that be through gardening or exploring the countryside, there are so many things to keep an eye out for this May. As per usual, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the most exciting and easy-to-find wildlife for you to spot on your daily walks and paired it up with some gardening work that can be incorporated in order to bring these beautiful creatures to your home!

WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS:

Bluebells are a common and beautiful find through May alongside wild orchids and cow parsley. These wildflowers are often found in woodlands and on verges and are vital homes to many insects. Also keep an eye out for birds such as cuckoos, nightingales and swifts thriving through spring.

Nightingales are known for their beautiful song from dawn until dusk, proving to be one of the most well-known birds for this time of year. Unfortunately, due to decline in woodland area, the numbers of these beautiful birds are falling quite rapidly. Their ideal habitat lies in relatively new undergrowth and scrub, so it’s important to be vigilant when looking for wildlife.

Other animals that can be found at this time of year are badgers, foxes and deer who are all raising their young through spring. Try keeping a keen eye out for these as they can sometimes be hard to spot!

GARDENING:

This month is vital to start planning your summer bedding plants as well as looking after your spring bulbs for next year. This is also the time of year to harden off half-hardy plants by leaving them outside during the day and then bringing them back in at night before planting them.

As far as flowers go, remember to lift forget-me-nots if you are trying to prevent any heavy self-seeding and spreading across your garden. This also goes for daffodils and any other spring flower bulbs. It’s also a good time to prune penstemons by cutting back the old shoots to the base.

Harvest asparagus spears now before they grow too tall. Pea plants also need lots of support and potential netting for their best chance at growth through the next few months.

To keep your lawn looking at its best this month, make sure to apply lawn weed killer and a high nitrogen fertiliser to ensure some healthy green growth just in time for summer. It’s also good to continue sowing lawn seed to guarantee a full and smart-looking garden for the warmer months.