Patricia Crawford reports
Shocking statistics from NFU Mutual reveal that animals worth close to £200m were severely injured or killed by dogs in 2025, with the South-East the second worst-hit area. Farmers are devastated by the appalling suffering experienced by their livestock and the financial aspect impacts on their businesses. A survey undertaken by NFU Mutual indicated that 57% of owners let their dogs off-lead when walking in or near farmland. Doubtless owners don’t want their dogs to cause injuries but accidents happen and even obedient, well-trained animals can become excited when near livestock. The answer: always keep dogs on a lead when walking in the countryside.
Colourful and sweet-scenting, wildflowers are abundant throughout May. Depending on the location, cowslips, primroses, buttercups, cuckoopint, garlic, dandelions and daisies are already in flower and this month will be joined by drifts of cow parsley. Kent Wildlife Trust suggests a visit to Marden Meadow: located between Marden and Staplehurst, it is described as an ‘excellent example of an unimproved hay meadow’, it is part of the Coronation Meadow Project and is open throughout the year. Entry is free, parking £2.50. Bluebells began flowering in April but in many areas they’re still in bloom in May. Liking partial shade, they grow in wooded areas but they are also a welcome sight along roadside verges and on little patches of common land. Emmetts Garden (National Trust) at Ide Hill is one of the very best places to view bluebells en masse. Located high in the Weald, the views are stunning and the tearoom is wonderfully welcoming.
Dates for diary:
19-23 May. RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Recognised as the best flower show in the world, it is set in the stunning grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, home of the Chelsea Pensioners.
www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show
5-7 June. South of England Show, Ardingly, West Sussex, RH17 6TL. 9am-6.30pm. seas.org.uk/search/tickets
This month’s jargon buster: Landscape-scale management involves groups of farmers working together (sometimes referred to as ‘farm clusters’) to manage wildlife habitats. Reports confirm that the initiative is producing some excellent results.