Sensory swimming in May

This is what you can see, hear, smell, touch and taste at the water’s edge this month

See: ducklings

Ducklings, goslings and signets are all starting to appear in rivers and lakes. Give them space, be aware of where they nest and enjoy their fluffy innocence. There is nothing like witnessing life beginnings from eye level in the water. Don’t forget parent birds will be protective!

Hear: chiffchaffs

Chiffchaffs (below left) are small olive-brown warblers. They have dark legs instead of pale legs, like the Willow Warbler. But it is their song that you will hear, which gives them their name. It is a chiff-chaffing tune. They spend winters in Africa but can be seen and heard across the UK in spring/summer.

Smell: hawthorn blossom

The sweet, musky perfume of hawthorn blossom (top right). Hawthorn is a symbol of fertility and has a lot of history with May Day, often the flowers were used for celebration garlands. Flowers are highly scented, white and occasionally pink. Find them in woodland, scrub and hedgerows.

Touch: Mermaid purses

Some sharks, skates and rays lay their eggs in tough, leathery capsules which, once the eggs have hatched, leave the empty egg cases (bottom left) to be washed up on beaches. You can find them on the strandline. You can also report your findings to the Marine Conservation Society.

Taste: Nettles

Nettles (bottom right) are common and familiar across the world. They often grow in abundance on riverbanks and in woodlands. They are annoying if you encounter them in a swimsuit, our bare skin exposed to their prickling irritation. But they also make great tea, beer and herbal remedies. Why not try it yourself!