THIS IS GARDENING MONTH. I DON'T mind betting that MANY OF you are reading this with mud under your fingernails in between planting your fruit and veg. But don't forget, a garden that looks wonderful and provides you with food can also provide for creatures. Wildlife-friendly gardens don't have to be big and are still people-friendly too.
Choosing the right plants can mean a garden full of beautiful butterflies and useful pollinating bees. Those of you taking part in the RSPB Homes for Wildlife project will know that a few small actions can make a world of difference.
Wildlife act
ivity reaches its peak in May, with many young birds newly out of the nest and learning to survive on their own. Early hedgehog babies may also be on the move and there will be countless insects, all making the most of the milder, and hopefully sunnier, weather.
Towards the end of this month and into early June, young blue tits fledge and leave the nest. If you have a nestbox, keep watch from a safe distance; you might be lucky and see them emerge. Like all babies, they look vulnerable, but the adults will still be around to keep an eye on them. And remember, if you do find a chick that looks as though it has fallen out of a nest, just leave it. The adults will almost certainly return and will do a better job of looking after it than we can.
Listen out for swifts this month – you will likely hear them before you see them as they come screaming into our skies. I think they look like boomerangs, and their wonderful flying displays are a joy to watch.
Lastly, if you want to venture further than your own garden, there are many beautiful local walks, whether you want five minutes or a full day out. RSPB reserves are a good place to start and most are free, so why not make a date to visit with the whole family?
n For the latest news on Scotland's wildlife go to www.visitscotland.com/ wildlife For accommodation details go to www.visitscotland.com
The full article contains 365 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
