What to see and do in May

What to see and do in May

With 2 bank holidays and a half term, May is the perfect time of year to get out and about to explore the nature around you. Here are our top recommendations for things to see and do this May.

As spring is in full swing this month, we watch as the nature around us emerges and comes to life ready for us to observe in complete awe of its beauty. With 40 nature reserves to explore across our region, we’ve got you covered. Below we recommend some of our top picks for what you can see and do in May.

Welcome back to our butterflies and dragonflies!

As the flora around our nature reserves blooms once more, our nature reserves come alive with the return of some of our favourite wildlife. Butterflies and dragonflies can be spotted once again resting on wildflowers and hovering above the water, taking full advantage of the warmer and longer days and we are thrilled!

Come along to one of our wonderful reserves near you and see them in action for yourselves.

Find a reserve near you

Chalkhill Blue butterfly

©Margaret Holland

Explore the day away at Brockholes

As the longer days are here to stay, why not get out and explore Brockholes Nature Reserve by joining one of our incredible tours.

Explore the reserve with our ‘Brockholes Reserve Tour’, learn about the history of this incredible site with our ‘Lancashire Local History Tour’ and even, learn all there is to know about the beautiful wildflowers around Brockholes with our ‘ A Wildflower Year Guided Walk’.

Discover more here

guided walk

Picture perfect spring blooms

Make sure to take your camera with you as you explore our nature reserves to see some of the incredible Spring blooms that are now visible across the region. From Bluebells to Crocuses, they are truly a beautiful sight to see!

If you manage to capture some of these beautiful blooms, be sure to enter them into May’s photography competition as ‘Spring Blooms’ is the theme this month.

May Photography Competition

Sprigs of bluebells in a woodland

Bluebells by Neil Aldridge

Take part in No Mow May!

Your garden, balcony or yard, no matter how big or small, has the potential to be a haven for wildlife.

Let your lawns grow wild this month as part of Plantlife: saving wild plants’ annual movement and watch as your garden transforms into an oasis for wildlife! Patches of long grass encourage different plant species to grow, help insects to thrive and create feeding opportunities for birds and small mammals.

Discover more ways in which you can help wildlife in your garden and apply for a My Wild Garden Award.

My Wild Garden

bumblee bee in a meadow

Jon Hawkins

Look out for the new arrivals at Brockholes

The roe deer at Brockholes Nature Reserve are a regular sight enjoyed by many of our visitors.

This month is the perfect time to see these wonderful mammals as their young begin to emerge onto the reserve for the first time. Watch them from a distance as they play within the tall grasses, exploring the incredible nature that surrounds them.

Visit Brockholes

Roe Deer and young

Harry Hogg

Enjoy a Dawn Chorus Walk at Lunt Meadows

Join our experienced birders and volunteers for an early walk to celebrate International Dawn Chorus Day. Journey around the nature reserve, listening to the lovely songs of the birds as they each take the stage in nature’s greatest symphony.

Dawn Chorus Walk at Lunt Meadows

A dunnock sits on top of a bush and sings

Dunnock singing by Mark Hamblin/2020VISION

Spend May half-term exploring St Annes beach

Join us this May half-term on St Annes beach as we discover the mysterious muddy creatures living in the Ribble Estuary!

Delve into the muddy depths to uncover a myriad of hidden animals, including worms, shrimps, snails, and captivating shells that employ a unique burying technique with their giant foot!

Mud Dipping at St Annes Beach

Mud Dipping in St Anne's ©Brian Jones

Mud Dipping in St Anne's ©Brian Jones

Get ready for 30 days wild this May!

 30 Days Wild is The Wildlife Trusts' annual challenge event, where everyone involved does one wild thing a day throughout the month of June.

 Sign up today and receive a FREE pack in the post, plus lots of inspiration for activities.  

30 Days Wild

Sign up for 30 Days Wild 2024