WHAT’S ON – MAY 2025
No Mow May
Plantlife is urging people to give the lawnmower a break and let wild plants set seed.
“With over 20 million gardens in the UK, even the smallest grassy patches add up to a significant proportion of our land which, if managed properly, can deliver enormous gains for nature, communities and the climate”, says the charity.
There are free resources on the Plantlife website, including a guide to increasing the number of wildflowers in your garden.
- On ‘Rewilding a Window Box’: Read an extract from Small Ways to Wild the World by James Canton
Nature’s Calendar
This citizen science project encourages members of the public to record signs of the changing seasons to show and assess the impact of climate change on the UK’s wildlife.
To take part, choose from the list of species and events you can record (such as leaf buds bursting and migratory birds arriving), select your recording locations and then add your observations to the Nature’s Calendar database.
The Urban Tree Festival (May 10-18)
The Urban Tree Festival is back with a diverse programme of events, activities and workshops that celebrate the magic of trees in urban environments. You can view the national festival events programme on the Urban Tree Festival website.
Mental Health Awareness Week (May 12-18)
The theme for 2025’s Mental Health Awareness Week is ‘Community’. You’ll find helpful information on the Mental Health Foundation website, including ten ways to get involved in your community and a round-up of the foundation’s best mental health tips.
30 Days Wild – Sign-up details
Throughout June, The Wildlife Trusts encourage people to participate in a nature-inspired activity every day. Whether it’s mindful moments in nature, spotting local wildlife or planting for pollinators, there are lots of ways to reconnect with nature.
Sign up today at The Wildlife Trusts to receive free resources to help you plan your month of daily nature activities and make the most of every wild moment.
- Read our guide to the 30 Days Wild challenge, including inspiring quotes from nature-loving authors.
NEW BOOKS
Out this month: two empowering picture books to inform and inspire young readers…
Wild by Katya Balen. Illustrated by Gill Smith
This charming story follows a little girl as she leaves her untamed home behind and moves to the big city, where she fears she has lost her wild. With whimsical illustrations, it helps young readers connect with nature and reminds them that it’s possible to find wildness wherever you are. Published in hardback by Walker Books on May 1 (£12.99).
It’s OK to Say No by Molly Potter. Illustrated by Sarah Jennings
Molly Potter’s latest book offers reassuring guidance on when consent is needed and how to say ‘no’ when something doesn’t feel right. Colourful illustrations with speech bubbles give visual insights into key topics around consent and privacy, such as taking photos, personal space and sharing information. Published by Bloomsbury Education on May 8 (£12.99).
- Read our review of What’s Going On Inside My Head? Starting conversations with your child about positive mental health
Lead picture credit: Joseph Vary on Unsplash
