If you stay at the Long Barn in May, you are in for a treat. May is a wonderful month, and one of our favourites, here in the North York Moors.
Woodland Walks in the North York Moors
The North York Moors is one of the most wooded of the national parks, with trees covering almost a quarter of the landscape. There are some lovely woodland walks here, several from the door of the Long Barn. You’ll find maps with instructions of our favourite walks from the Barn, as well as our favourite ones a little further afield.
And as May is officially National Walking Month, what better time to get out into the countryside and explore? Who knows what you might see? Check out the Ryedale Natural History Society for what they’ve recently spotted in the area. Recently they’ve reported on sightings of the Green Hairsteak butterfly and a white tailed eagle.
May Highlights: Wildflowers and Birdsong
Wild Flowers of May in North York Moors
From late April onwards, the bluebells take over from the wild daffodils. This year, the bluebells are the best we’ve ever seen in our local woods. Hell Bank Wood, just 10 minutes’ walk from the Long Barn, is full of bluebells down its steepest banks. The wild garlic is beginning to flower so the woodland floor almost glows. Primroses, violets and wood anemones are still peeking through, but in a couple of weeks will be taken over as the green vegetation grows.
In the fields, yellow cowslips are starting to flower, their tiny flowers on upright stalks in contrast to the primroses.
And as the sloe blossom fades, the hawthorn blossom starts to appear. We think that the British hawthorn blossom should be celebrated as the cherry blossom is in Japan. When the hawthorn is in bloom, the countryside around Appleton le Moors looks beautiful. Everywhere is a froth of white, from hawthorn to wild roses to cow parsley.
Birdsong in May
It feels as if the morning chorus goes up a gear in May. A mixture of more arrivals from the continent, as well as birds competing for mates, nest sites and territories. We love using the Merlin Bird ID App, which is completely free, and helps identify bird song. Our goal is to finally hear an elusive turtle dove in the wild ourselves. One was heard last year near the village church, and they are nesting in nearby Cropton Forest.
We’ll keep you posted on Turtle Dove sightings, especially now that we have two new ponds in the village to encourage them. So far this year we’ve heard; wood peckers (Great Spotted and Green) Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Tit (Long -tailed, Great, Blue and Coal) Nuthatch, Goldcrest, Song Thrush, Robin, Wren, Blackbirds, Wood Pigeons and Pheasants. All in Hell Bank Wood.
In the fields, we’ve seen our first yellow hammer, and also a red kite overhead. Plus barn owls who we often see hunting during the day. We have also seen our first swallow and martin of the summer. And are just waiting for our favourites, the swifts to arrive. Maybe this year, will be the year they nest in our swift boxes. We’ve got one in the Long Barn courtyard, and one on the farmhouse.
Jackie’s Favourite Walk: A 2.4 Mile Loop
At this time of year, we recommend Jackie’s favourite circular daily walk from the door, through the woods to the east of Appleton. It’s 2.4 miles long, and takes in Hell Bank woods and the surrounding fields. As well as listening out for singing birds, keep an eye open for roe deer and hare.
If you are interested in wildlife, let us know when you stay, and we can let you know about the latest sightings, and where to look out for them.
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