If you have not heard of International Dawn Chorus Day, then you’ve missed out big time! It is usually dedicated to the first Sunday in May. One of nature’s great wonders is the dawn chorus, an early morning concert featuring birdsong such as black cap, blackbird, chiffchaff, robin, thrush and wren. If you are in Dorset, your concert starts around 04h30. You have the choice of simply opening your windows and listen to nature’s symphony over a steaming cup of coffee/tea, or a sunrise stroll.

If you decide to do the sunrise stroll, watch out for Dorset’s native bluebell flowers. They have a vertical row of flowers and a very distinct droop. Contrary to the Spanish or hybrid varieties that have multiple rows of flowers and no droop whatsoever. They can be seen at Ashley Wood near Blandford Forum, East Stoke Fen near Wareham, and Holway Woods near Sherborne.

During April / May you’ll smell the pungent scent of wild garlic growing in abundance in Dorset’s woods. Just like basil leaves make a mean pesto, you can use wild garlic leaves instead. The flowers of wild garlic can be used in salads for a taste of garlic. In addition to these uses, wild garlic leaves can also be bagged and frozen for use throughout the year.

From April to June, you’ll see an abundance of pink clover-like thrift blooms. Alternatively known as sea pink and cliff clover, you’ll find them at Chesil Beach, Eype, Hengistbury Head, Lulworth Cove, Portland, Seatown and West Bexington.