Allotment Wildlife Watch: May Edition
Introduction
May is a month of abundance and vibrancy, bringing warmer days and a burst of life to your allotment. Birds are busy raising their young, pollinators are hard at work among the flowers, and mammals and amphibians thrive in the warming environment. For gardeners, May offers the perfect opportunity to observe and support the rich biodiversity that makes your allotment thrive. From providing food and shelter to planting wildlife-friendly flowers, there’s plenty you can do to make your plot a haven for wildlife. In this May Edition of Allotment Wildlife Watch, discover the species to look out for, practical ways to support them, and the benefits of encouraging a wildlife-friendly environment on your allotment.
Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book
Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-
You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.
Why Focus on Wildlife in May?
May is a critical time for supporting wildlife, offering numerous benefits for your allotment:
- Pollination Boost: With crops and flowers blooming, pollinators like bees and butterflies play a vital role in fruit and seed production.
- Pest Control: Encouraging natural predators such as birds, frogs, and ladybirds helps keep pests in check without chemicals.
- Supporting Young Wildlife: Many species are rearing their young and need access to food, water, and safe shelter.
- Biodiversity Balance: A diverse range of species creates a healthy and resilient ecosystem.
- Enjoying Nature: Observing the bustling activity of wildlife in May brings joy and a deeper connection to your allotment.
By creating a welcoming environment, you can support local wildlife and enjoy the benefits of a thriving, balanced garden.
Wildlife to Watch for in May
May is teeming with activity as animals and insects take advantage of the warmer weather. Here’s what to look out for:
1. Birds
Birds are busy feeding their young and foraging for food:
- Robin (Erithacus rubecula): Often spotted hunting for worms and insects to feed their chicks.
- Swallow (Hirundo rustica): These graceful birds are seen swooping low over fields, catching insects on the wing.
- Blackbird (Turdus merula): Singing their rich, melodic songs, blackbirds are a joy to observe.
- Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus): These colorful birds make frequent trips to feeders while raising their young.
- House Sparrow (Passer domesticus): Common near gardens and allotments, sparrows forage for seeds and insects.
2. Mammals
Mammals are fully active in May, foraging for food and raising their young:
- Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus): Emerging at dusk, hedgehogs patrol for slugs, snails, and other pests.
- Foxes (Vulpes vulpes): Foxes may be seen at dawn or dusk, hunting or foraging for food to feed their cubs.
- Field Mice (Apodemus sylvaticus): These small mammals forage for seeds and grains, often near compost heaps.
3. Insects
Insects are at their most active, pollinating plants and controlling pests:
- Bees: Bumblebees, honeybees, and solitary bees are busy collecting nectar and pollen.
- Butterflies: Look for species like red admirals, peacocks, and small tortoiseshells fluttering around wildflowers.
- Ladybirds (Coccinellidae): Feeding on aphids, these beneficial insects are essential for natural pest control.
4. Amphibians
Amphibians thrive in damp areas and around ponds in May:
- Frogs and Toads: Young frogs and toads begin leaving the water, while adults remain active in gardens and allotments.
- Newts: Newts can often be seen basking on pond edges or among aquatic plants.
5. Predators
- Bats: At dusk, bats swoop through the air, feeding on insects such as moths and mosquitoes.
- Kestrels (Falco tinnunculus): These birds of prey hover in search of small mammals, often hunting near allotments.
How to Support Wildlife in May
May is an excellent time to create a welcoming environment for wildlife on your allotment. Here’s how:
1. Provide Food
- Bird Feeders: Keep feeders stocked with seeds, suet, and mealworms to support nesting birds.
- Wildflower Seeds: Allow wildflowers to bloom, offering food for pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Fruit Offerings: Leave windfall fruit or fresh produce for mammals like hedgehogs.
2. Offer Water
- Bird Baths: Keep water sources clean and replenished for drinking and bathing.
- Ponds: Ensure ponds are well-maintained and accessible for amphibians and birds.
3. Create Shelter
- Nest Boxes: Check that bird boxes are secure and in good condition, providing safe spaces for young birds.
- Hedgehog Homes: Provide undisturbed areas like log piles or purpose-built shelters for hedgehogs.
- Insect Hotels: Create or maintain insect hotels for solitary bees, ladybirds, and other beneficial insects.
4. Plant for Wildlife
- Nectar-Rich Flowers: Plant flowers like foxgloves, alliums, and lavender to attract pollinators.
- Climbing Plants: Grow ivy, honeysuckle, or clematis to provide cover and nesting spots.
- Berry Bushes: Plant shrubs like elder or blackthorn to offer food for birds and small mammals.
5. Avoid Harmful Practices
- Skip Chemicals: Avoid pesticides and slug pellets, which can harm beneficial wildlife.
- Check Before Clearing: Inspect compost heaps, log piles, or dense vegetation for resting animals before tidying.
6. Monitor and Record
- Wildlife Diary: Keep track of sightings and behaviors to better understand your allotment’s ecosystem.
- Citizen Science: Join initiatives like the Big Butterfly Count or other wildlife monitoring projects to contribute valuable data.
Common Challenges and Solutions
1. Pest Infestations
Solution: Encourage natural predators like birds, frogs, and ladybirds to control pests instead of using chemicals.
2. Dry Water Sources
Solution: Regularly top up bird baths and ponds to ensure wildlife has access to fresh water.
3. Overgrown Areas
Solution: Leave some areas wild to provide essential shelter and food for insects, amphibians, and small mammals.
4. Disturbance of Young Wildlife
Solution: Avoid heavy activity near nests, burrows, or known wildlife shelters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What birds are most active on allotments in May?
Answer: Robins, swallows, blackbirds, blue tits, and house sparrows are commonly seen nesting and feeding.
2. How can I attract butterflies in May?
Answer: Plant nectar-rich flowers like foxgloves, lavender, and wildflowers to provide food for butterflies.
3. How do I support frogs and toads in May?
Answer: Maintain a clean, accessible pond and avoid disturbing aquatic vegetation where they may be hiding or laying eggs.
4. What’s the best way to provide water for wildlife in May?
Answer: Use bird baths, shallow dishes, or ponds to provide clean water for drinking and bathing.
5. Can I tidy my allotment in May without disturbing wildlife?
Answer: Yes, but proceed cautiously. Check for nesting birds, resting hedgehogs, and amphibians before clearing areas.
6. Are bats beneficial for allotments?
Answer: Yes! Bats feed on insects, including pests, helping to naturally control their populations.
7. How can I attract hedgehogs to my allotment?
Answer: Provide food like mealworms or cat food, avoid slug pellets, and create safe, undisturbed shelters.
8. Should I leave wildflowers like dandelions on my allotment?
Answer: Yes, wildflowers are an excellent food source for pollinators and can be left in wild areas.
9. What flowers are best for attracting pollinators in May?
Answer: Plant foxgloves, lavender, cosmos, and wildflowers to attract bees and butterflies.
10. How can I support birds raising their young?
Answer: Provide food and water, avoid disturbing nests, and ensure nearby hedgerows or shrubs remain intact.
Conclusion
May is a month of activity and abundance on the allotment, offering endless opportunities to support and observe wildlife. By providing food, water, and shelter, and planting wildlife-friendly flowers, you can create a thriving ecosystem that benefits both nature and your garden. Watching birds raise their young, bees buzzing between flowers, and hedgehogs foraging in the evening makes this season truly special. Embrace the beauty of spring with the May Edition of Allotment Wildlife Watch, and enjoy the rewards of a biodiverse and harmonious allotment.
Gardening With Ben Podcasts
If you love podcasts and are passionate about gardening, why not tune in to Gardening with Ben’s Allotment Podcasts? Packed with tips, inspiration, and plenty of down-to-earth advice, Ben’s podcasts are perfect for anyone looking to get the most out of their garden or allotment.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, Gardening with Ben covers a wide range of topics to keep you informed and motivated. From seasonal planting guides and pest control tips to creating a wildlife-friendly space, there’s something for everyone. Each episode is filled with Ben’s friendly, relatable charm, making it feel like you’re chatting with a gardening buddy.
Don’t miss out on the latest episode below, where Ben shares his insights on what to plant this month, how to prepare your soil, and creative ways to make the most of the colder seasons. It’s the perfect companion for your next cup of tea or a relaxing moment in your gardening shed.
You can also listen to Gardening with Ben’s podcasts on your favorite platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Prefer hands-free? Simply ask Alexa, “Play Gardening with Ben,” and you’ll be ready to dig into the latest episode.
So, if you’re looking for gardening inspiration, practical advice, or just a bit of friendly encouragement to get your hands dirty, tune in to Gardening with Ben’s Allotment Podcasts. It’s your perfect gardening companion, wherever you are! 🌱🎧