May
May is an intoxicating month in the Valley - there is an overwhelming sense of growth and abundance. Hedgebanks and verges are decked in the red, white and blue of red campion, greater stitchwort and bluebell; while bluebells also carpet the floors in deciduous woodlands, taking advantage of the light before the canopy closes in.
Beech trees unfurl dew-fresh lime green leaves and the oak and ash burst forth their delicate green flowers; allegedly 'if oak is earlier to flower than ash we are in for a splash', i.e. a dryer spell of weather, if it is the other way round we are in for a soak! Beech is not native to the Valley but there was a great fashion for planting it at the time of the enclosures, around the 18th century, so many of the hedges dating from that time are planted with beech. Beech avenues were also in vogue, so beech-tree lined roads are not uncommon in the area with a good example at Woodovis near Gulworthy.
In May the early mornings are light from 5am and resound with the dawn chorus. Take an early morning walk round the nature reserve at Morwellham to enjoy the best free music festival in the Valley.
Longer days mean more work for farmers and regular showers bring on lush grass for an early silage cut, the first of three in this mild climate and with regular doses of fertiliser. Some farmers cart the grass off the field in large forage trailers to be clamped under plastic sheeting in the yard, others wrap the wilted grass in large round bales to be stored in a corner of the field until winter.
May is a good month to gather ‘food for free’, nettles gathered before the end of the month make surprisingly good and nutritious soup, while wild garlic leaves make an excellent addition to risotto or casseroles, but be sure to gather away from busy roads!
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