Connecting with Nature

CONNECTING WITH NATURE

Government guidelines at the time of writing allows unlimited exercise for those who are not self isolating. If you are able to get out, then there are some fantastic walks to be had in the Lewes District - see our maps page. However, if you are at home then there’s no need to miss out - nature is everywhere - especially at this time of year. 

MAY NATURE BLOG

For many, daily local walks have highlighted the diversity and variety of local wildlife. May and June are a great time to get out and explore our district - with clement weather and many wild flowers coming into bloom. Clearer, quieter skies mean you may see and hear more birds whilst any unmown grass verges are currently playing host to some beautiful wild grasses and flowers.

Bluebells carpet our Sussex woodland every April and May. Though now on the wane, you will still see some of these diminutive blue flowers glowing at dusk along with late white ransom flowers. 

Every spring, nesting season sees frantic Blackbirds, Robins and Bluetit parents searching for food for their young. If you are able, a bird table with a small shallow dish of water, seed and mealworm will ensure you can maximise views.

If you stand near a Hawthorn bush at this time of year, you'll soon realise why they are often known as 'bee trees' - stay quiet and you'll be able to hear a steady, constant buzz. Weighed down by creamy flowers during May, you may be able to spot Red-tailed Bumblebees and Honey Bees as well as many other pollinators in its blossom. 

One of the species taking advantage of this explosion in the insect population are Swifts. Local group Lewes Swifts are inviting participants to join in with their Swift Watch. Tweet or email them with your sightings here. Swifts can migrate up to 14,000 miles each year, clocking up the miles by following the rains in sub-Saharan Africa. No fans of cold weather, these birds are sure-fire confirmation that spring has arrived in Sussex.

If you're walking near ponds, then May is an ideal time to look out for froglets. The Common Frog is easily our most recognisable amphibian with long legs and that ubiquitous smooth green-gold skin. A froglet is a young frog that hasn't reached full maturity. Unlike adult mature frogs, froglets still have a tail from their time as a tadpole. 

Visible from January through to December, the Pygmy Shrew is the UK's smallest mammal, easily identifiable by their large pointed nose and tiny black eyes. Active by day and night, a keen eye (or ear - they are very loud in spite of their size) is likely to spot one at this time of year.

Despite the name (and appearance!), the Slow Worm is actually a lizard, albeit one without legs. Look out for it basking in the sun or even in your garden, often in compost heaps. See them from March through to October.

Other wildlife to look out for in May - June in Sussex:

Bee-fly

Common Spotted Orchids

Cuckoo

Elderflowers

Emperor moth

European hedgehog

European turtle dove

Golden plover

Grass snakes

Hares

Holly blue butterfly

Nightingales

Peacock butterflies

Red Campion

Roach

Sedge Warbler

Swallows

Yellow iris

AT HOME

Now is a great time to plant either in your garden, window boxes or even a windowsill. Plant nurseries all over Lewes District have recently taken stock of beautiful spring bedding plants. Fill your gardens with a riot of colour - have a look at our list of local businesses who are able to deliver. 

LEWES DISTRICT NURSERIES

Goldcliffe Nurseries are accepting orders over the phone - call 0127 3813968 or visit their website.

Marchants are accepting orders and offering delivery - visit their website for more information.

Peter Eastwood have been inundated with orders and are currently unable to accept more orders. Keep an eye on their Facebook for updates, though.

Stavertons are able to deliver, visit their website for list of available plants and seeds or call 01825 840249.

Tates have set up a local home delivery service, You can view their ranges for home delivery here and call them on 01273 845232 between 9-4pm to place your order over the phone.

RESOURCES

Sussex Wildlife Trust

RSBP

RHS