Voice Magazines - Alfreton & Villages Edition – May 2026
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Hello Readers,
This month we’ve gone a bit ‘May the fourth be with you’! Lisa has been playing with some of the AI programmes to produce our covers. We think they look amazing, but it is not as simple as you might think! She has spent hours on each cover, moving between different software programs to adapt and improve the images as very often the original versions come back with 9 fingers, a weird and random character in the background and the wording is virtually illegible – so for anyone who thinks we have ‘cheated’…. it couldn’t be further from the truth!!
The advent of AI presents a challenge to us all. But maybe the technology isn’t the problem but rather it’s the intentions of the people operating it? It’s worth noting that even the famous Luddites weren’t totally against technology of any kind, in fact they were often highly skilled machine operators themselves. They objected to the use of machines to produce low quality products and bypassing skilled labour. And maybe we can all learn from this.
Anyway, I digress, for those of you who aren’t Star Wars fans, the covers might be a bit lost on you but for those of you who are fans, I hope you approve! Either way, they’re a bit of fun and we explain a bit more about them in an article further inside the magazine.
It felt quite apt at the moment to have a futuristic cover as I don’t know about you guys but the weekly trip to the petrol station is feeling more like a scene from Mad Max! At the time of writing, Petrol was £1.54 per litre…….£1.54 per litre!!!! Don’t even start with the Diesel costs – just remind me why we are in this situation again?!
On a more positive note, we’re doing our Summer Sizzler again this year with lots of fabulous prizes to give away. We DO run giveaways fairly, we don’t do anything silly like some others might, where we give it away to Voice Magazines friends or donors (we don’t have donors but maybe we should consider it – it seems lucrative in some circles!!) but the prizes are good, we are supported by local businesses and they in turn are supporting our readers with the service they provide. So please enter, everyone of these we run each year, our participation levels increase significantly which makes us do a happy dance here in the office!!
I’m off to put on my combat gear as we’re down to quarter of a tank of fuel in the van and it’s nearly distribution time!! Wish me luck
Happy Reading, Emily x
MAY THE VOICE BE WITH YOU THIS SUMMER!
This month we have combined two of our favourite things… summer and Star Wars. With our special May The Voice Be With You… Summer Sizzler editions!
It’s a clever, (okay not that clever) pun on May the fourth be with you, which as I’m sure you all know is about Star Wars day… May the 4th, May the Force… geddit?!
So, how does that work with our front pages? Well we imagined a world where our Star Wars versions of the Voice Magazines team were enjoying a typical British summer… minus the rain! As this month we are celebrating the great British summertime with our big giveaway Summer Sizzler on the central pages.
So, this month we have Michelle-3P0 the Human Protocol Droid and Office Manager trying to save her fish and chips from the seagulls at the beach on our Darley Dale edition and cheese rolling with Princess Sarah, Leader of the Rebel Resistance and Account Manager on Sutton & Huthwaite.
Meanwhile Jedi Master and sometimes Director, LiamYoda is up to high jinks getting buried up to his neck by children at the beach (Selston edition) and later getting bitten on his freaky toes by a crab whilst rock pooling (Broadmeadows edition).
Sith Lord and Editor, Darth Emily is putting her lightsaber skills to test during Morris Dancing at the Village Fete on our Clay Cross edition, and startling onlookers whilst punting down the river with Jedi Knight Flake Dogwalker on our Swanwick Edition.
Flake Dogwalker is loving life at the beach, chilling on a deckchair with Imperial Stormtrooper and Delivery Driver David, enjoying an ice cream on our Kirkby & Annesley edition. Obviously Flake Dogwalker fancied an ice cream himself, so he’s seen later queuing at the ice cream truck on our Alfreton edition.
Roger-bacca our Wookie Delivery Driver is struggling to master cricket on our Bakewell edition before bike racing Maintenance Droid and Graphic Designer R2Lisa2, and holding up traffic on a country lane on our Matlock edition. Finally R2-Lisa2 has decided to off-road it on a country walk and is surrounded by some friendly cows on our Ripley edition.
It’s all a bit of fun, which I think we all need, so we hope you enjoy our summer silliness too!
We
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Whether
HERITAGE TRUST
CROFT SCHOOL, ALFRETON
I’m sure everyone is familiar with Croft Infants’ School. It was opened on the 28th August, 1907 by James Oakes J.P., Chairman of the County Education Committee and the opening was attended by many local dignitaries including Mr. William Mortimer Wilson and local Squire, Charles Rowland Palmer-Morewood.
It was built at a cost of around £4000 and catered for 412 infants. Built in the form of a Maltese Cross, the school has a central hall, with four wings each consisting of two classrooms. Special regard was paid to lighting and ventilation, and the premises heated by a hot water system. Internally glazed bricks were used for the walls up to a height of four feet. A spacious playground and play-sheds for the scholars were also provided.
Alderman Oakes, in declaring the schools open, said in the civil parish of Alfreton, the old employers of labour used to take as much interest in education as they did in their business, and thus it was that the system there that had long been a voluntary one. He congratulated Alfreton upon having such a handsome school. He was nervous at first, he said, as the design embraced so many new ideas, but he had come round to see it was a distinction for the architect to have planned such a building. Mr. G. H. Grindrod, the inspector of schools, spoke of the schools being unique in many ways, providing much needed fresh air and sunlight.
Grade II listed, many credit County architect George Widdows with the Croft design but in fact it was Alfreton born, Percy Bond Houfton who was responsible, as newspapers of 1907 confirm. Born in 1873, he was the son of Elijah Houfton, the Alfreton U.D.C. Surveyor and Water Engineer and his wife, Elizabeth (nee Bond) Attending school in Chesterfield he later started work at the Bolsover and Creswell Colliery Company and was awarded
a certificate in mine management in 1897 and was elected to the Institute of Mining Engineers.
After designing Cresswell Model Village for the colliery company in 1895, he turned to architecture and in 1898 opened his own practice in Chesterfield. Much of his work was for colliery companies and between 1907 and 1909 Sir Arthur Markham of Brodsworth Colliery, Doncaster, employed him to build Woodlands, a model village for employees at his colliery. Houfton applied garden village principals to all he did, thus providing a healthy environment for the occupants. He became A Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects in 1925 but sadly died just one year later. Croft Infants is a fine legacy to leave.
The Heritage Trust work closely with the Staff and Pupils both in school and at the Heritage Centre. Currently we are working on two Alfreton Heritage Trails designed for children. If you’d like to be a Heritage Detective watch this space, you might even get a badge!
The Croft School
Private Chapel of Rest in
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Lots of people do fantastic things in their lives but very often they go unrecognised. Derbyshire’s Lord Lieutenant asks, ‘can we change things in Derbyshire?’ They may be doing amazing voluntary work in the community, working tirelessly to safeguard the environment, creating lots of employment in a local company, achieving incredible sporting triumphs or helping people face and overcome health problems.
The aim of the King’s Birthday and New Year Honours is to celebrate all these selfless types of activity. Anyone can be nominated for an Honour at any time.
Elizabeth Fothergill Lord Lieutenant
All you need to do is fill out the nomination form, gather evidence of the impact of the person’s activities and get letters of support from people who know them or have benefitted from their activities.
Why not have a go at a nomination. You might help the person get the recognition they deserve and it will give you a warm glow in doing so!
Ladies
More information is available at www.gov.uk/honours. and the Derbyshire Lord Lieutenant’s Honours Panel is here to help as well. They can be contacted by emailing Debra.Heaton - Lieutenancy@derbyshiredales.gov.uk
MBE (M)
Solo, but never alone on the Blue Danube
If you enjoy travelling solo but prefer not to feel like the “odd one out” on holiday, this could be the perfect fit. Riviera Travel’s MS George Eliot is the first river cruise ship designed exclusively for solo travellers, creating a relaxed, sociable atmosphere without single supplements or couple-focused dining.
Departing from Manchester on 7 July 2027, this seven-night Blue Danube River cruise starts from just £3,249 per person, with everything taken care of, from flights and transfers to full board dining and an all-inclusive drinks package.
Sail through some of Europe’s most beautiful scenery, discovering Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava, along with charming riverside gems like Dürnstein and Melk. With guided excursions, onboard entertainment and a dedicated cruise team who truly understand solo travel, you will feel supported from start to finish.
You will have your own double cabin with no single supplement, plus plenty of opportunities to socialise or simply relax and enjoy the journey at your own pace.
It is solo travel, made simple, and a wonderful way to see the world on your own terms.
If this sounds like your kind of escape, I would love to help you secure your place, so just get in touch.
Hungarian Parliament building and Danube River, Budapest
WEDNESDAY MORNING 9am
Slimming World
PALMER MOREWOOD MEMORIAL CLUB 36 Hall St, Alfreton, DE55 7BU
WEDNESDAY EVENING 6pm
CHRIST THE KING CHURCH HALL Nottingham Rd, Alfreton, DE55 7GL
Tel : Sue: 07738 118 130
Slimming World Recipe
Philly cheesesteak rolls
Method:
1. Spray a non-stick frying pan with 1 cal cooking spray and put it over a high heat. Sprinkle the steak seasoning over the steak, then cook for about 2½-3 minutes on each side for medium-rare (or a little longer if you prefer). Transfer to a plate, cover with foil and rest.
2. While the steaks are resting, wipe the pan and give it another spritz of 1 cal cooking spray. Stir-fry the onion, green pepper and mushrooms for 2
If you’re having a barbeque, or maybe a bit of alfresco dining, this is more than just a sandwich! Juicy steak, oozing cheese, tangy veg and a kick of mustard will make this a hit with the whole family!
minutes or until done to your liking. Season lightly.
3. Split the rolls and spread the mustard over the bases. Thinly slice the steak against the grain and pile it up in the rolls, topping each with a slice of cheese (you may need to fold it over) and the vegetables. Drizzle over the chilli sauce and serve. These are great with Slimming World chips or wedges and salad.
Ingredients:
• 1 cal cooking spray
• 1 tsp steak seasoning
• 1 medium green pepper, deseeded and thinly sliced
• 4 x 65g wholemeal rolls
• 400g lean beef sirloin steak, visible fat removed, brought to room temperature
• 1 medium onion, halved and thinly sliced
• 80g chestnut mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 4 level tsp American mustard
• 4 x 20g light cheese singles, smoked if possible
• 1 level tbsp hot chilli sauce
Serves: 4
Swips: 10 per serving Ready in: 20 mins
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Nettle, far gone for
male, say (3,6) 7 Bread ad. could be rubbed up the right way? (7) 13 Swop rug over as it ‘matures’ (5,2) 18 Felt a dent where it had been squashed (9)
Pitcherwits® are crossword puzzles where some of the clues are in pictures.
Sound easy? It’s not called “Pit-your-wits” for nothing! The mixture of cryptic and picture clues, combined with Professor Rebus’ unique sense of humour, will keep you entertained for hours.
Across
5 Vehicle sounds snaky from Mr Kipling! (3)
6 Listener is a bit fearful (3)
10 Bird’s lost some appetite (3)
11 Making no sense of unity (7)
12 Printing units, in themselves (3)
16 Take in in the heat of the moment (3)
17 Uncommon sense that’s in especially short supply (3)
Down
2 She’s a roan in disguise! (4)
3 Old ship with a horn (4)
8 Sierra Leone-speak in urban turmoil (5)
14 Would, in days gone by, go all floppy (4)
15 Hammer back into shape en masse (4)
Paper audience trying to ease her despair (10)
Scoffing at attempts to work with yarn or hawser (7,3)
SHERWOOD OBSERVATORY OPENS STELLAR NEW EXHIBITION FOR 2026
Sherwood Observatory is delighted to announce a brand-new exhibition which has arrived at the Planetarium & Science Centre in time for the Spring–Summer 2026 season. The exhibition is now open to the public and promises to deliver an inspiring exploration of past & present spaceflight, our solar system, notable events in history, British rocketry and animal conservation.
The team and volunteers at Sherwood Observatory have designed and installed a range of exhibits that will captivate visitors (beginners and enthusiasts of all ages) from across Ashfield, the county of Nottinghamshire, and wider region with an interest in stepping into or broadening their knowledge of astronomy, space and STEM.
This exhibition will showcase cutting-edge optical and radio astronomy, the future of space travel, interesting facts about space and our attempts to understand and explore the cosmos. There is an in-depth exploration of the Space Shuttle program featuring extraordinary objects - flown thermal protection tiles from the Shuttle Orbiters ‘Challenger’ and ‘Atlantis’, handbuilt models, vintage posters, and an array of fascinating memorabilia. These wonderful items have kindly been loaned from the private collection of Rudolf Williams (acquired with the support of NASA).
Also, we have an art exhibition created by Rudolf, which showcases the work of scientists tracking endangered species from space using satellite tags and collars. The new exhibition extends the Sherwood Observatory’s ongoing mission - to make STEM more accessible to the local community – into the arts. Through STEAM, it inspires the next generation of astronomy enthusiasts and STEM professionals.
Alongside the exhibition, the observatory will continue to host Its hugely popular programme of planetarium shows, Open Days, courses, and special guest events and activities throughout the season.
“Our goal is to ignite curiosity and provide a mixture of opportunities for everyone to explore the wonders of space,” says Tony Booth, Centre Manager at Sherwood Observatory Planetarium & Science Centre. “This exhibition represents an exciting step forward in our commitment to public engagement and STEM education. And will enhance the experience even further for returning and new visitors”
About the Exhibition & Sherwood Observatory
Planetarium & Science Centre
About the Exhibitor / Creator
Rudolf Williams VR, BA (Hons), MSc, PGCE, FRGS is an accomplished educator and navy veteran whose career spans the arts and science. A Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, he combines deep subject expertise with a commitment to innovation in teaching and learning. Rudolf’s work reflects a strong foundation in research, citizen science and community engagement, informed by his academic background and distinguished service. He continues to champion initiatives that creatively promote geographic literacy, professional excellence, and meaningful public impact.
Visiting Information
The exhibition at Sherwood Observatory Planetarium & Science Centre is included in a standard planetarium show ticket purchase available from Tues - Sat. Planetarium show tickets are available at: Sherwood-observatory.org.uk
About Sherwood Observatory
Sherwood Observatory, operated by the Mansfield & Sutton Astronomical Society (MSAS), is a leading centre for public astronomy engagement in the region. The observatory is dedicated to education, outreach, and advancing the understanding of the night sky through community programmes, research-grade equipment, and hands-on learning.
Please note that under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult. All information about Sherwood Observatory Planetarium & Science Centre can be found on the website and tickets should be purchased in advance online before a visit: www.sherwood-observatory.org.uk/.../ planetarium-shows/
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AMBER VALLEY RUGBY CLUB
SPONSORS DAY CELEBRATION AT AMBER VALLEY
Saturday 18th April saw Amber Valley RUFC host a fantastic Sponsors Day alongside the men’s final home game of the season — a brilliant way to celebrate rugby and say a big thank you to those who support the club.
The clubhouse opened early for our sponsors, who enjoyed exclusive access, a buffet, and plenty of refreshments before heading pitch-side to cheer on the team. There was a great atmosphere throughout the day, with good company, flowing drinks, and a real sense of community.
On the field, the men took on East Retford in a competitive match. While the result didn’t quite go Valley’s way, there were some strong periods of play to be proud of. Tries from Conor Buxton and Harry Waplington highlighted the team’s continued progress this season.
Man of the Match, voted by the opposition, went to Galway Hargreaves for his powerful carries and solid defence. The game also marked Galway’s final appearance for the club after eight committed years - a moment to recognise his huge contribution both on and off the pitch.
A great day all round, celebrating progress, partnership and everything that makes Amber Valley RUFC special. Keep an eye on our socials for details of upcoming summer touch rugby and bootcamp sessions
A great way to stay involved over the off-season ����
Interested in giving rugby a try? call Stuart 07966 867 946
Gareth 07595 520 537 for the ladies and Paul 07790 403 043 for the Minis and Juniors.
More than just a club, we are the #ValleyFamily. You can visit our website www.ambervalleyrfc.co.uk, Facebook & Instagram pages to contact us or follow what we do. You can find us at Lower Somercotes, Somercotes, Alfreton DE55 4NQ
Welcome to our Summer Sizzler. We do love our giveaways here at Voice Magazines and we also love summer, so why not combine the two!!
As the days grow longer and the sunshine (hopefully!) makes more of an appearance, we’re excited to bring you some ideas into making the most of the upcoming half term and summer holidays right here in our community. Our contributors and advertisers have been fantastically generous again with the prizes and I’m not going to lie, a few of these are quite difficult to gift because we all want them at Voice HQ!!
So grab your sunhat (and maybe an umbrella just in case), and here’s to a brilliant summer right on our doorstep!
Claude the Crab:
12 of Claudes friends are lost on the beach and he needs some help to find them.
To enter the prize draw to win a family ticket to The Great British Car Journey, circle all 12 of his friends and send in a picture of your findings to community@ voicemagazines.co.uk by 5pm on the 25th May 2026
Please put your name, address and a contact telephone number on there so that we can contact you. Sadly you do have to be 18 & over to enter but I’m sure your adult servant/supervisor could use some help!
Other T’s & C’s apply.
AWINFAMILY PASS
Claude
SUMMER COMPETITION
This year we have created a gorgeous map of the local area, highlighting some of the local attractions you can visit this summer.
To help with your adventures we are giving away an ANNUAL FAMILY MEMBERSHIP with the NATIONAL TRUST, along with a range of other prizes to enjoy this summer, kindly donated by some fantastic local businesses.
You can either play for FUN or you can ENTER the PRIZE DRAW for a chance to WIN one of the fabulous prizes below. 1.
WORD SCAMBLE
To enter simply unscramble the words to give you the names of 12 National Trust attractions, some local, some farther afield. Then send your answers via email to COMMUNITY@ VOICEMAGAZINES.CO.UK with the subject ‘SUMMER COMPETITION’. Please provide your full name, address and telephone number, so all winners can be notified. CLOSING DATE: Monday 25th May by 5pm Sadly you do have to be 18 & over to enter but I’m sure your adult servant/supervisor could use some help! Other T’s & C’s apply.
The woods are full of surprises - from birdsong and colourful, curious insects to delicate wildflowers and ancient trees that have stood for hundreds of years. Beneath their canopy live countless animals, big and small. So, why not explore a local woodland and see how many things you can find off our list.
WOODLAND SCAVENGER HUNT EVENTS THIS SUMMER
Find or Something:photograph: { older than you { that makes a sound { perfectly symmetrical { that looks like an animal { you’ve never noticed before { soft { sharp { that doesn’t belong
HARDWICK HALL
FAMILYCHATSWORTHFESTIVAL
A host of entertainment and activities designed to entertain every family member. 23th-25th May 2026
THE WAINGROVES SHOW 11th-13th Sept 2026
• Horticultural show • Stalls MIDSUMMER STORYTELLING IN THE OLD HALL WITH STORYFOLK 20th June 2026
Celebrate the summer season as the Elizabethans once did, with joy, festivity, and stories.
AYUP! Alfreton Leisure Centre
Indoor cinema and picnic for kids (with Blend and The Old Farm Bus), followed by a live band and disco for adults. 11th July 2026
THE BUSY GNOMEGARDENTRAIL
The Crescent, Buxton 30th May 2026
Follow the friendly gnomes as they help spell out a gardening word, discovering how plants grow from seed to seedling along the way.
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MIKE’S MUSINGS
Am I the only one, or are others becoming increasingly fed up with American words, phrases and customs taking over our language/way of life? PART 3
I knew I’d get a response, and I do appreciate hearing from those of you who have been in touch, especially as you all seem to take the same view as me on this topic.
Kelly, from Wessington, who, like me, is never short of an opinion or two, agrees that the slow creep of Americanisation, particularly amongst the young, is undermining many of our traditional customs.
A couple of her gripes were as follows:In the park recently, she overheard a young mother helping her daughter, probably about four years of age, learn the alphabet. Kelly was quietly supportive of this until, as the mother was getting near the end, she encouraged the child to say V, W, X, Y and then ZEE. Kelly could understand if the mother had been American, but knew for a fact, that this young lady had been born & bred in Shirland! What’s wrong, asks Kelly, with the good old British ZED?
She quoted another example that she’d picked up when shopping at Tesco’s in Alfreton. Again, a young mother was the ‘culprit’. It was during half-term, and in an effort to keep her six/ seven-year-old boy from running around the supermarket annoying other shoppers, she suggested that he push the shopping cart. ‘It’s not a cart,’ thought Kelly, but didn’t have the courage to say. ‘You’re in Derbyshire duck. It’s
A couple, who might be described as ‘mature in years’ were lying in bed one night. The husband may have been falling asleep, but his wife was in a romantic mood and wanted to talk.
“You used to hold my hand,” she whispered, “when we were courting.”
Wearily, he reached across, held her hand for a minute, and tried to get back to sleep.
A few minutes later, she said, “ …….and then you used to kiss me.”
Mildly annoyed, he reached across, gave her a peck on the cheek, and again, tried to settle down to get some sleep.
A mere thirty seconds later, she continued, “…..and then you used to nibble my ears.”
At this, he angrily threw back the bedclothes and got out of bed.
“Where are you going?” she enquired.
“I’m just off to get my teeth,” came the irritable reply!
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Playground Games
What a lovely sound to hear children at play in the school playground. It takes me back to my childhood where many types of games were enacted with the simplest of props.
Variations on the chasing game of Tic or Tig are an age-old favourite along with statues, kiss chase or hide and seek.
Ring games like “Here we go round the mulberry bush” or “Ring a Roses” have their roots in actual historical events.
Choosing who was “on” or “it” was decided by rhymes such as “Ip dip do”, or “Eeny meeny, miney, mo”.
Games tended to be played by either boys or girls, although not exclusively.
Girls would sometimes bring in a skipping rope or a clothesline which would fit many skipping children. A piece of chalk would enable a game of hopscotch to be created.
Cat’s cradle involved making patterns with a smaller piece of wool, elastic or string. I am currently teaching my granddaughter how to do this.
Clapping games, such as “A sailor went to sea, sea, sea” and ball games like playing twosie against the side of the wall also tended to be played by girls.
Boys however, rushed out of class at playtime to play conkers, snobs or marbles or they might use their pullovers as goalposts in a game of footie. They would often instigate a rougher game of British Bulldog when staff were distracted.
Can anyone remember scuffing your knees at playtime, visiting the school nurse and having iodine and a plaster?
Happy days.
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When people think about improving their home, they often picture a new kitchen, updated flooring, or a garden makeover. However, another upgrade is rapidly gaining popularity across the UK: the roller garage door. Because a garage door can take up a large part of a home’s frontage, it has a big impact on kerb appeal. An old or damaged door can make a property look dated, while a modern roller garage door can instantly give a home a cleaner, more contemporary look that feels welcoming and well cared for.
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The Names looks like one of the must-read novels of spring. It’s a heart-tugging, mesmerising book, which makes you question whether the seemingly simplest decisions in life can actually change everything that follows. If you know the phrase sliding doors, that gives you an idea of how it works.
Cora takes her new-born son to register his birth. But she faces choices. Does she stick with the name her awful domineering husband wants; does she choose the name she would give him, to offer him a different start in life, or does she go for the lovely name her daughter suggests – what doors would that open.
In the end the author gives us each of the three options, all bringing a different version of a life. The storyline of the book brings us up to date every seven years with Gordon, Julian and Bear –the same person but inhabiting different experiences and their consequences from that simple choice of a name.
Some parts of this book are fairly challenging emotionally – you get pretty invested in the characters - but there’s always the promise of breaking the mould and there is a lot of life affirming possibility and hope. It also leaves you with another question. Maybe it’s not just the name, or the sliding doors moment. And aren’t we all responsible for our own lives…
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PEAK FLOWERS OF SPRINGTIME
Taking a stroll on a sunny day through any one of our wonderful ancient woods, or perhaps along a riverside like the Derbyshire River Derwent, or the canal at Cromford, and you will be struck by two things. One will be the rising crescendo of bird song, especially if it is a bright, clear day with little or no breeze. The other main experience of wild nature across the region, will be the splendid flowers of woodland and woodland edge. Some of the first spring flowers are the delicate Lesser Celandines that carpet any damp, shady spot and almost illuminate it with their massed, golden-yellow flowers. Other early wildflowers in bloom include the peculiar-looking Butterbur along canals and riversides, the dandelion cousin, the Coltsfoot, again with its yellow flowers appearing before the leaves. Alongside streams and wet areas there may be the diminutive flowers of the Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage, which is a low-growing perennial that can carpet shady damp zones of marshy ground in woodlands. This is one of a number of wildflower species known as ‘indicators’ of ‘ancient woods’, and with training an ecologist can ‘read’ the species like words on the pages of a book, to try and decipher the woodland story through the flowers which occur. We can then use the resulting information to help protect the woodland against loss and destruction, and to guide future conservation management.
With warmer, sunnier weather it is remarkable how quickly the wildlife and nature respond with birdsong, flowers bursting forth, and the early butterflies also
showing well. Brighter, warmer, sunnier days with longer daylight are beneficial to our mental health and wellbeing, and this effect seems to impact on nature itself. For people, the disconnect (for various reasons and causes) from nature, may lead to nature deprivation and serious but largely avoidable consequences. In this regard, a walk in the Peak District countryside or simply a view of nature and wildlife close to home or even in your back garden, can provide free ‘nature therapy’. Perhaps we should take more time to appreciate the commonplace and nature on the doorstep.
A further extension from the above thoughts is that nature-connectedness brings awareness of seasons and seasonal changes, to generate a sense of place and of belonging. As the songs of Chiffchaffs, Great Tits, Blue Tits, Greenfinches, Woodpeckers and more ring out, and the springtime flowers light up woodlands, hedgerows, and roadsides, these all combine to create an ambience which surely helps lighten the load and the melancholy of the stresses around us. As the brilliant white of the Blackthorn fades, it will be replaced by the whites and sometimes pinks of the Hawthorn, or ‘May Blossom’. And so, as each flower emerges, blooms, and then fades, it is replaced by others that take its place as the annual cycle of life goes on, unending, ceaseless, and ever- fascinating to observe. One piece of advice is to pause and take in the experience and thus, even if it is only for a short while, to disconnect from the wider stresses of modern life and immerse yourself in ‘the wild’. Feel the benefit!
Professor Ian D. Rotherham, researcher, writer, broadcaster on wildlife and environmental issues is contactable on ianonthewildside@ukeconet.org. Follow his website www.ukeconet.org, blog www.ianswalkonthewildside.wordpress.com/ & Twitter @IanThewildside Bluesky @ianthewildside.bsky.social
COLTSFOOT
BUTTERBUR
BUTTERBUR
DOG’S MERCURY
LESSER CELANDINE
GOLDEN SAXIFRAGE
WILD DAFFODIL
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SCAN ME
Time to make everything look brilliant! By mid-May, unless you’re in a frost pocket, you’re pretty sure of escaping frost, so the summer bedding can go out.
If you’re still not sure and you still have indoor or greenhouse reared plants inside; take them out during the day and bring back into shelter at night. Or you can keep them outside overnight in temporary protection such as cardboard boxes with a fleece insulation for a few days till, you’re more confident the danger has passed. Open them up to the fresh air during the day.
Containers are a favourite for bedding. Remove the top few inches of last year’s compost so the roots have new fresh material to go into. But check first to make sure there are no vine weevil lurking in remaining compost. These nasty little beasties - white larvae with very faint pale brown heads - can eat through a plant’s roots in no time and there’s no remedy for that.
Water is crucial for containers. Water early morning or in the evening, morning is best as slugs enjoy the moisture and will be attracted to your plants in the evening. Light rain is unlikely to go more than a few centimetres down into the compost, and won’t get the moisture where you need it, so you may need to water even if you have had showers on a hot day – and to do a late evening sweep to pick the slugs off your plants. Don’t water the entire plant; it can lead to scorching but means the roots get less. And water slowly, let the water soak in and repeat.
You may already know this; but if you’re cutting flowers for the house a couple of drops of bleach or white vinegar will keep them fresher for longer – it kills off the bacteria which builds up in the water..
