What to see and do in May
As we reach the height of spring, wildlife continues to emerge and come to life for us to observe in awe of its beauty. With over 40 nature reserves and wildlife sites to explore across our region, we’ve got you covered! Below we recommend some of our top picks for what to see and do in May.
Welcome back to our pollinators
As wildflowers start to bloom once more, our nature reserves come alive with the return of some of our favourite wildlife. Butterflies, bees and other pollinators can be spotted once again, taking full advantage of the warmer and longer days - how many species can you spot?
Take a look at our guide to help you identify some of the butterflies you may spot on your next visit to one of our reserves.
Common blue (male) © Tom Hibbert
Learn something new on our guided walks
As the longer days are here to stay, why not get out and explore our reserves whilst learning something new?
May's calendar of events at Brockholes Nature Reserve includes our monthly A Wildflower Year guided walk (22nd May), where you can come along and observe how the flora on the reserve changes throughout the year; our Spring Flower Saturday guided walk (2nd May), a gentle walk where our team will help you identify spring wildflowers; and our New Arrivals guided walk (13th May) where you'll be able to learn about some of the migrant species arriving on the reserve during spring.
Jason Lock Photography
Take part in our photo competition
Make sure to take your camera with you as you explore our nature reserves this month! May's theme for our monthly photo competition is 'New Beginnings'. From the earliest roe deer fawns at Brockholes, to waterfowl with their fluffy rows of chicks, budding flowers starting to bloom or birds singing in the dawn chorus, there are plenty of wild sights that could fit this month's theme perfectly.
Take part in No Mow May!
Let your lawns grow wild this month as part of Plantlife: saving wild plants’ annual No Mow May 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 simple ways to help wildlife in your garden this spring with our free My Wild Garden guide.
Image by Cath in Manchester
Set an early alarm for International Dawn Chorus Day
International Dawn Chorus Day takes place on Sunday 3rd May this year. Why not set an early alarm, make a warm brew and head outside to your garden, local park, or a nature reserve near you to enjoy nature’s greatest symphony!
To prepare for Dawn Chorus Day, why not learn a little more about the birds you're likely to hear at this time of year? Our free, 7-day birdsong email course introduces some of our most common species and their calls, to help you identify the birds you may hear on your next walk!
We also have a dawn chorus walk taking place at Mere Sands Wood on 22nd May.
Dunnock singing by Mark Hamblin/2020VISION
Get ready to go wild this summer!
30 Days Wild is a free, month-long challenge designed to inspire people of all ages to connect with nature during June. From birdwatching in your garden to exploring a local nature reserve, every action — big or small, daily or weekly — helps you get closer to nature.
Sign up today to receive a free pack in the post full of inspiration, ideas for your activities, and lots of other goodies which will help you get ready for your wild challenge next month!
Images thanks to Evie & Tom photography, Jon Hawkins Surrey Hills Photography and Monkey Business Images / Shutterstock.com
Discover nighttime wildlife
Come along to Warton Crag on 9th May for North Lancashire Wildlife Group's moth trapping and bat detection evening!
Search for moths by attracting them to lights and sugar, and observe bats at dusk and after dark using bat detectors. Very little walking is involved; just bring warm clothes and torches. Anyone who enjoys nature is welcome to join us; no knowledge or experience necessary.
NLWG
Celebrate the moors at Moor Fest
Taking place across three weekends in May, Moor Fest is a chance to celebrate the winning of the Right to Roam on Darwen Moor through art, poetry & music. Enjoy a guided walk across the moors, a Lancashire lunch, and local artists performing poetry, spoken word and live music.
Head to the coast this spring
Join us for guided walks on the Fylde Coast this spring, with our Discover the Dunes walk taking place on 3rd May and the Wildflowers of the Fylde Dunes walk taking place on 21st May. Enjoy fresh air and wide open spaces while learning all about the flora and fauna of the sand dunes, and the intricate, unique ecosystem that all these species are part of.
Fylde Sand Dunes Guided Walk ©Brian Jones
Go Xploring this half term
Xplorer Challenge is back this half term! Brought to you in partnership with British Orienteering, Xplorer is the perfect outdoor activity to get the whole family outside in the fresh air together. There are certificates for those completing the challenge along with a sweet treat!
Come along to Brockholes or Mere Sands Wood between 16th-31st May to take part in the self-led trail, find the markers and enjoy exploring and learning together.
Laura Cronin
Blackbird - Jon Hawkins – Surrey Hills Photography
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