WHAT’S ON – MAY 2026
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.
- 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 (9-17 May)
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 programme on the Urban Tree Festival website.
Mental Health Awareness Week (11-17 May)
The theme for 2026 is Action: for yourself, for someone else, for all of us. The Mental Health Foundation says action is needed alongside awareness, helping to prevent people becoming unwell in the first place. You’ll find helpful information on the Mental Health Foundation website, including a round-up of mental health tips.
30 Days Wild – Sign-up details
Throughout June, The Wildlife Trusts encourage people to take part 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 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.
BOOK OF THE MONTH
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 (£12.99).
Lead picture credit: Joseph Vary on Unsplash
