Well May was a bit wetter than I think most of us would have liked though at least we could spend some time with our loves ones inside during the latter half of the month. The rain didn’t stop wildlife sightings being submitted though so below is our round up of last month’s recordings.

One of our birds of prey that nearly went extinct in the UK but is now making a comeback, the Red Kite, was spotted several times last month in central and southern areas of the county. Also seen nearby were two of our distinctive birds, near Heath a pair of Lapwings, recognised by its head crest and black and white markings and near Unstone, a Barn Owl, which are known for its heart shaped face and ghostly appearance.

In western Derbyshire, some of our furry friends were spotted too including Hedgehogs and near Sutton Scarsdale a Brown Hare, sadly both of which are dropping in numbers in the UK. Our smallest carnivore and a relative of stoats and otters, the Weasel, was also sighted not too far away in Matlock.

As we step into June (and hopefully some drier weather) we'd love to hear from you about all the wildlife you’ve seen in Derbyshire, maybe whilst completing one of your random acts of wildness for the 30 Days Wild 2021 challenge which runs through out June.

For more information on how you can get involved in the 30 Days Wild 2021 challenge go to https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/30-days-wild-2021-sign-your-pack

To submit your own sightings go to https://www.derbyshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/wildlife/record-sighting

Thank you to Mike Simpson, Sean Blackham-Hayler, John Millins, Val Mosley, Wayne Griffiths, Anna Kennett, Jean Bennett, Pip Jones and Joanne Billingham.