ALSO LOOK OUT FOR…
UP WITH THE LARKS S
Skylarks start rt pouring out their song from still-dark rk skies, and many other passerines rines also sing well before fore dawn dawn. Just half an hour after sunup, the volume is already dying down. To experience it for yourself join one of the many early-morning birdsong walks taking place during May.
LIVING WITH MAMMALS
This annual spring survey by the People’s Trust for Endangered Species asks people to pick a green space within 200m of a building, and note any signs of the mammals that visit. Records from Scotland and northern England are particularly welcome. Submit your findings online at www.ptes.org/lwm
GROWING UP
May sees lots of commotion around fox earths, where the boisterous youngsters will be romping outside, especially at dawn and dusk. By midMay cubs born in March should weigh around 2kg and resemble little adults with snub noses and small ears.
MELLOW YELLOW
A rich folklore has grown up around cowslips, formerly closely linked with May Day. Search for them in unimproved, traditionally managed pasture. Nowadays, they are also planted out as plugs on road verges, so may not ot necessarily ecessa y be of o t truly u y wild origin. Find out more at www.plantlife.org.uk