Worm-charming, walking with (or without) purpose and seasonal supper clubs
Named after Maia, the Roman goddess of fertility and growth, May is a busy month for nature. Leaves are growing back on the trees, insects buzz tentatively after a long winter, and bank holidays abound. It can be tempting to get swept up in it all and be busier than ever. But a couple of weeks of illness have reminded me to savour this month. I’m noticing daily changes in the ground, the trees, the sky as I make my way around the city. Here’s a few ways to enjoy nature in London this month, and upcoming fun in June too.
Charm a worm 🪱
How many worms are there in the UK? The Soil Association is trying to figure out whether worm populations have decreased and they’re asking people to charm worms to the surface this May for a headcount. Dancing, jumping, rocking on a spade and watering all charm worms apparently so join in either in your garden or a London park and record your wiggly finds for science!
See Belgravia in Bloom 🌸
From 20 to 27 May, floral installations will once more be blooming on streets and shop fronts of Belgravia - the area between Sloane Square, Knightsbridge and Victoria. Expect to see a giant chess board, Rubik’s cube and snakes and ladders on the “fun and games” route. There’ll be pop-up garden talks in Newson’s Yard 21 and 22 May, and Belgrave Square garden will be open to the public on Saturday 25 May.
Take a hike 🚶🏽♀️
It’s National Walking Month apparently. Why not embrace the French art of flâner - to stroll and meander without purpose? London is the perfect city for it. Or you could review a slow way, one of the 6000+ walking routes that connect cities, towns and national parks in England. Many routes still need checking so now’s the time to take that hike!
Birdwatch at the Wetland Centre for just £6.50! 🐦⬛
Opened in 2000, the London Wetland Centre in Barnes, is celebrating its 25th anniversary by giving visitors access to the marshlands at the original entry price of £6.50 on Monday 20 May. They also host regular events like bat walks, wine tasting and nature photography.
Seasonal supper clubs
🧈Try nettle and dandelion butter, and a rhubarb and elderflower tart at this supper club on 11 May, Clapton, hosted by Come Together x Drink the Dressing.
🌿Attend this three-course plant-based feast on 19 May in Glengall Wharf Community Garden, Peckham hosted by SALT who volunteer in the garden.
🦀 Expect seasonal lamb and crab on 20 May, at The Jolly Gardeners, Vauxhall hosted by The Bridge Club.
🍷Dine on 4 courses and a welcome cocktail (+ unlimited wine for an extra £15) on 24 May, Crystal Palace hosted by Grace & Skye.
Coming up
8-9 June London Open Gardens 🪻🌹⛲
Private gardens are open to the public for some seasonal snooping. You can enter a ballot to visit Downing Street’s garden, go on self-guided routes to hit optimum green spaces, or sign up for guided cycle and walking tours to learn about the stories linked to London gardens and squares.
