We are into the second week of May already and into week three of exceptionally fine weather. The fine weather has brought drought like conditions that have some plant species struggling. The cool evenings and that dew that falls with them appear to offer some respite to our plant species. Some grasslands are awash withg colour as early bloomers like Primrose, Daffodils, and Bluebells give way to Ragged Robin, Cuckoo Flower, Daisies, and Buttercups. 

Vibrant Red Valerian looks amazing now, and many people have commented that never before have we seen so many white flowers blooming on the Hawthorns. At home, we haven't mown the lawn yet this year, we are aiming to hold out until September. This past two weeks has seen Ragged Robin, Buttercups, Cuckoo Flowers, Daisies and Plantain flourish, along with three Sedge species. We have large number of welcome pollinator visitors to the garden including bumblebees, honey bees, solitary bees, butterflies, and hoverflies. This year, we have decided to document the visitors to our garden and will submit our records to the National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC). Citizen Science is important as it helps scientists to keep track of the geographical range and distribution of species. So far, we have recorded 28 plants in our garden, three butterflies, three bee species, and nine birds. Why not record the flora and fauna in your garden and share your findings with the NBDC.