May is a great time for getting outside, as everything is growing, blooming, flying and breeding.
The hedgerows are full of frothy May (hawthorn) blossom and cow parsley, and bumblebees and butterflies are busy at work. Follow your nose on a walk through the woods to find delicate, pungent wild garlic. Listen for the call of the blackcap and gaze over violet swathes of stunning bluebells. Streamside strolls will be punctuated with the ‘glop’ of trout catching mayflies, and jewelled damselflies will dazzle your eyes as they dart past at impossible angles.
Wildlife Gardening
It’s the perfect time to be sowing wildflower seeds – a garden, a pot or even a wheelbarrow can become a mini-meadow; a welcome stop off for precious pollinators. For loads of advice and practical help, come along to our Wildlife Gardening sessions at our HQ on Friday 4th, 10am-12pm. Our Wild at Heart team will guide you through the practicalities and advise you on gardening techniques.
Blacka Moor Bird Walk
If you’d rather immerse yourself in wild landscapes, then get an early start on Saturday 12th, 7-9.30am. Get your boots on and join our expert Chris on a Blacka Moor Bird Walk looking out for a range of resident birds and summer visitors. It’s suitable for beginners and experienced bird watchers alike, but places are limited so don’t forget to reserve yours!
Ecclesall Woods Wild Play
Half term may be looming, but don’t despair – we’ve got some fun events lined up to help you go wild together! Our Ecclesall Woods Wild Play sessions are hosted by the Trust’s outdoor learning team and are designed for families with young children who want to get out and explore the woods! With three sessions to choose from: Tuesday 29th, 10am-12pm and 1-3pm; and Wednesday 30th, 10am-12pm, there’s bound to be one to suit your tribe. Booking is essential. Or how about a fun day out at Boston Castle? The Natural Neighbours team will be on hand to help you at Boston Park with free activities, including outdoor games, bushcraft skills and a wildlife spotting nature walk for all the family. There are two sessions to choose from on Wednesday 30th, 10am-12.30pm or 2-3.30pm. There’s no need to book, just turn up on the day.
Volunteer Work Days
Don’t forget you can always get closer to nature in a practical way, by lending a hand at one of our volunteer work days. We’re at Wyming Brook & Fox Hagg on Tuesday 1st and Sunday 20th, Blacka Moor on Saturday 5th and Thursday 17th, Crabtree Ponds and Centenary Riverside on Monday 14th, Woodhouse Washlands on Friday 18th, Sunnybank on Wednesday 23rd and Greno Woods on Friday 25th. Whether you can give an hour of your time or stay all day, our friendly teams would love to see you!
30 Days Wild
The amazing natural challenge 30 Days Wild is now open for sign-ups! Share your wild experiences with us on social media using #30dayswild – and don’t forget to tag @WildSheffield. Follow us for hints and tips on how to make June your wildest month yet!
You can find out more details about all our events and workshops by visiting our events page or email nature.reserves@wildsheffield.com for more information about volunteering on your local reserve.