Nature Notes – May 2020

April is the month when winter gives way to summer. The winter thrushes have been replaced by house martins and swallows, of which we have one or two already. The ‘lockdown’ has coincided with spectacular weather, encouraging walkers out enjoying stunning blossom and flowers, especially tulips around the village. Greg and Janet Clapham, on a nature walk with Elliot, saw an otter at the Swale; and Billy Holmes, enjoying a bike ride, saw an osprey at Langton Bridge. Butterflies and bumble bees are very evident. During May swifts will return and we may even hear a cuckoo!