Behind the music: inside a Monday night with the Gillingham Singers

By

-

6 May 2025

It’s easy to sit in a pew on concert night, glass of wine in hand, and let the music wash over you. But behind every polished performance lie weeks of unseen preparation, laughter, effort – and a lot of sheet music. Richard Nye, a Dorset-based composer whose works have been performed internationally and broadcast on BBC Radio 3, is choirmaster of the Gillingham Singers. Here, he lifts the curtain on a typical rehearsal, as the choir prepares for a spring concert of choral favourites and looks ahead to a world première:

Richard Nye conducting the Gillingham Singers -All images Courtenay Hitchcock The BV

As the car pulls up at Wyke Primary School in Gillingham, we can already see chairs being set up in the hall. The weekly practice begins in 15 minutes, so there is plenty of time to get things ready … or so I thought. My daughter Rosie picks up the extension lead for the piano, my wife Heather carries the water bottles, and I carry the music stand. We all have our own bags full of sheet music. As we enter the hall, there are the usual cheery greetings as chairs continue to be arranged. The choir secretary, Carole, shares some updates for our forthcoming concert, including the good news that tickets are now being snapped up. Hilary, the choir chair, rearranges a seat before coming to check that all is well – something she does every week. This evening we end up talking about logistics and how we are going to fit a string group in front of the choir for our next concert. We both very much like the name the new string group have chosen, and now it’s just about making sure plans are in place so that everything goes smoothly on the day. Before I realise it, the clock is showing 7:13pm – we have a tight schedule and need to start singing at 7:15!

Rehearsal drills
Our rehearsal is a busy one. After a warm-up, which includes stretches and breathing exercises, we run through a pre-planned practice programme. Each week I email the choir with a list of the music we’ll tackle the following week, accompanied by any notes and links to suitable recordings. This regular contact allows members the opportunity to practise at home, and the choir have embraced this approach. It makes such a positive difference.
Warm-up over, we begin the practice. Music at the start may be pieces that require some attention from the previous week. A tricky section may need looking at again, or it might be that we all just need to feel we’ve now ‘got it’. We then move on to some challenging works – and those are the tricky moments. Stopping for regular water breaks and a breather, we move forward.
David, the choir’s wonderful accompanist, moves from keyboard to the choir’s bass section as we go from piece to piece. The Spring Concert has quite a few unaccompanied pieces this year, and David is a very welcome vocal addition as we run through a madrigal, followed by David Ogden’s wonderful setting of Were You There?
The choir are providing all the soloists for this concert, which means we can rehearse complete sections, fine-tuning entries and making sure the balance works for everyone.
Our busy practice ends with a warm-down (singing something short that we know as a complete ‘performance’) before tidying the chairs away again and locking up.

Long in the planning
The week’s rehearsal might be over, but work for the choir continues. The following day the committee meets. This group of members works hard behind the scenes: organising and running fundraising events, planning future concerts, and ensuring that funds are directed to keep the choir running as it should. The Spring Concert in May was planned last year, and as MD I share thoughts on how it might look. Then, with the help of everyone on the committee, we start to build a picture that everyone can see. We are very excited to be including a string ensemble this time, which will accompany us as we sing Fauré’s beautiful and well-loved Requiem. The vocal solos in this work are well within the reach of our singers, and we have some lovely voices in the choir – those moments will be very special.

This planning and support includes everything from organising the music to running the website and social media – and it’s essential, as we are already thinking ahead.
In November, the choir will be giving the world première of Stars by Stephen Deutsch. This work for spoken voice, choir and electronics has been composed especially for the Gillingham Singers by Stephen, an American composer living in Dorset, who frequently collaborated with the playwright Peter Barnes, in addition to writing scores for the BBC. This concert will take some planning, and the committee are already working on the venue and logistics.
One thing that often comes to mind after a busy practice is how many people have been involved in making it all happen. It’s not just the singing that is very much a team effort. Everyone has a part to play – it would not be a choir without each person being present and contributing – and for me, it’s why choral music-making is such a joy.

The Spring Concert by the Gillingham Singers is on Saturday May 17th at Motcombe Church. ‘Earlybird’ tickets are £10 (£12 on the door) and include a glass of wine.
For tickets please contact Carole on
07572 786416
More details can be found at the choir website: gillingham-singers.org
Stephen Deutsch’s website can be found at stephen-deutsch.com

Chippies caught between a cod and a hard place

By

Editorial team

-

5 May 2025

0

Battered but not beaten – Sturminster Fish Bar’s owners on loyalty, resilience and why they’re determined to stay part of the town’s story

A box of cod that once cost £150 now approaches £300
All images: Courtenay Hitchcock The BV

As highlighted by a recent Daily Mail article, Britain’s fish and chip shops are facing unprecedented pressures. Costs have soared, customer spending has dropped, and the industry – long a cornerstone of British culture – is under threat. Here in North Dorset, the story is no different. At Sturminster Newton’s much-loved Sturminster Fish Bar, owners Lee and Yoyo are doing everything they can to keep serving the town without passing spiralling costs onto their customers.
Lee and Yoyo, who moved to the UK from Malaysia more than 20 years ago, have run the Sturminster Fish Bar for nearly eight years. With two young children and deep roots in the town, they are fiercely committed to their community – but they are also facing the toughest trading conditions they have ever known.
‘It’s getting harder every year,’ Lee says. ‘Everything we buy – fish, potatoes, oil – it’s all gone up so much. But we can’t just raise our prices to match. People don’t have the money anymore.’
The numbers are stark. In the past year, the price of a 25kg bag of potatoes – the bedrock of any chip shop – has leapt from £5 to as high as £30 at its peak. Although costs have stabilised slightly, they remain three times higher than they were just two years ago.
Fish prices tell a similar story. A box of cod that once cost £150 now approaches £300.

Lee owner of Sturminster Fish Bar – image Courtenay Hitchcock The BV

Walking the tightrope
‘Unitl recently we offered a large cod and three sizes of chips,’ Lee says. ‘But it’s too expensive now. We’re focusing on regular portions, trying to keep it affordable for families.’
It’s a balancing act – one which Lee and Yoyo approach with the needs of their customers front of mind. Rather than drastically raising menu prices, they have chosen to adapt portion sizes and quietly adjust the offering, hoping that by making smaller changes, customers will continue to support them without feeling priced out.
‘We could have put prices up by two or three pounds on everything,’ Lee says. ‘But then people might stop coming. We don’t want that. We want to be fair to everyone.’
One such change is that Lee will no longer serve standard or large portions of chips. It’s not a decision Lee has taken lightly. ‘Often, people order one large chips and share it between three people,’ he says. ‘But I’m already taking a loss on the fish – I can’t afford to lose out on the chips as well.’
By limiting portions to a small – still generous, but only enough for one – Lee hopes customers will each buy what they need, allowing the Fish Bar to cover its costs without sharp price rises. ‘If everyone just buys their own, it spreads the cost fairly. We’re trying to keep things going without hurting anyone’s pocket too much.’
The impact of inflation is not just on supplies. Rising wages – including the recent mandatory increases to the minimum wage – add further strain. ‘Our wage bill went up by more than £100 a week,’ Lee says. ‘At the same time, customers are spending less. They still come, but instead of a big order, maybe it’s just a couple of portions now.’
This experience echoes the national trend. Chip shops across the country are finding that although footfall remains steady, average customer spend has dropped significantly. Household budgets are stretched tighter than ever in 2025, and what was once seen as a cheap treat has become a considered expense.

More than a chip shop
It’s a particularly bitter blow for shops like Sturminster Fish Bar, which have become key parts of their community. As well as serving food, Lee and Yoyo provide vital first jobs for many young people in the town – currently the couple employ five teenagers and young adults who might otherwise struggle to find work locally.
‘There aren’t many jobs for young people here, especially after school hours,’ Lee says. ‘We try to give them a start, to help them learn to work. It’s an important skill.’
But with margins squeezed ever tighter, even these opportunities could be at risk if the situation does not improve. Lee has had to think hard about how to keep the doors open without making cuts that would hurt either his customers or his staff.
‘I just want to be fair,’ he says. ‘If everyone shares a little bit – smaller portions, small changes – then nobody has to carry all the burden alone.’
It’s an attitude that has earned Sturminster Fish Bar loyal customers over the years. The quality of their food – consistently praised online and among locals – is matched by the warmth of their service. Despite winning accolades like Best Fish and Chip Shop in Dorset in customer polls, Lee and Yoyo have never sought awards or national recognition. Their focus has always been on looking after their customers – and their staff.
‘I think of them like family,’ Lee says of his young employees. ‘We sit down together, talk together, have staff outings. I want them to feel they belong, not just that they’re working for me.’

In the past year, the price of a 25kg bag of potatoes – the bedrock of any chip shop – has leapt from £5 to as high as £30 at its peak

Part of the town
It’s a philosophy that has become increasingly rare in a tough business climate. Many fish and chip shops around the country have already closed their doors, unable to weather the triple blow of rising costs, falling customer spend and labour pressures.
Lee hopes to avoid becoming another casualty. He’s kept prices as low as possible, and made those careful tweaks to his menu, all designed to make a fish and chip meal remain an affordable treat rather than a luxury.
‘After COVID, everything changed,’ he says. ‘People don’t have the spare money they used to. When you’ve paid your bills, your mortgage, there’s not much left. We understand that.’
Yet amid the challenges, there is quiet pride. ‘We love it here,’ says Yoyo. ‘The town, the people – this is home.’
If communities across Dorset want to keep their local chip shops alive, supporting them through tough times may be more vital than ever. As Lee puts it: ‘We’re not thinking about making big money. We’re just thinking about staying here, being part of the town.’

Sturminster Fish Bar is open Tues to Saturday,
12-2pm and 5-9pm – 01258 472491
49 Bridge St, Sturminster Newton DT10 1BZ

Sturmintser Fish bar – image Courtenay Hitchcock The BV

The Last Thursday Lunch Club

By

Editorial team

-

5 May 2025

0

A new monthly book event is launching in Blandford – and it promises to be as entertaining as it is delicious. The Last Thursday Lunch Club will take place, unsurprisingly, on the last Thursday of each month, bringing acclaimed authors to town for lunchtime talks about their latest books.
The inaugural event takes place on Thursday 29th May at The Stour Inn, Blandford St Mary, with a buffet lunch and first drink included, all in support of the fundraising efforts for St Mary’s Church. The aim? To help preserve the beautiful but beleaguered building – and stop the clatter of dying boilers and tumbling masonry.
The guest speaker is Tim Spicer, discussing his bestselling biography A Suspicion of Spies, which charts the extraordinary life of Biffy Dunderdale – a suave, daring spymaster whose real-life exploits helped inspire Ian Fleming’s James Bond. From sinking German ships at just 17 to a lifetime of “licensed thuggery” in British intelligence, Biffy’s story promises to be anything but dull.
Tickets are £20 (plus booking fee) and include lunch, a drink, the talk and a book signing.
Doors open at 12.30pm, the talk begins at 1.45pm, and the event ends at 3pm.
With plans already in motion for future events, and a return of the Blandford Literary Festival this November, it’s clear that Blandford’s literary scene is getting lively once again.

Book your ticket via Eventbrite, and follow The Last Thursday Lunch Club on Facebook or Instagram to stay updated.

Power from the ground up

By

Editorial team

-

4 May 2025

0

Brain’s Farm near Wincanton is producing biomethane and preparing to supply digestate back to farms, completing a truly circular energy cycle

The anbaerobic digester under construction at Brains Farm near Wincanton

It is predicted that, by 2030, more than ten per cent of the gas that we use in the UK could be biomethane – a renewable energy that is created by anaerobic digesters (AD). The figures, suggested by the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association, state that with new efficiency improvements, 8 billion cubic metres of the gas could be used in our homes.
One local contributor to the uplift in biomethane gas is the newly-converted Brain’s Farm near Wincanton. Planning permission was granted in 2017 for the site of the once-productive dairy farm to transition to renewable gas production. The plant is currently in the commissioning and ramping-up stage – meaning that while not yet at full production, the plant is operational.
James Lloyd, founder of BioWatt, the company that oversees the operation of the site, explained more about the project to The BV: ‘We are producing gas, but currently everything is in the performance testing phase. So, we’re going through all the equipment that has been installed as part of the construction project.’

A virtuous contributor
AD plants work by creating two products by digesting organic matter – biogas (used for heating or electricity) and digestate (the leftover solids and liquids in the tanks that is nutrient-rich and makes a great organic fertiliser).
At Brain’s Farm, as it is still early days, there is currently no digestate being produced. ‘It’s a two-tank process,’ said James. ’The first tank is fed, and in doing so it flows into the second tank. So, the second tank is now coming up to being at its operating level. Once it reaches that, then we’ll start to commission and performance test the digestate separation, and then we’ll be into producing digestate.’
Once that digestate is being produced, it will go back to the farmers who have contracts to grow feedstock for the plant – it will be spread across the fields to help improve the harvest for the following year’s feedstock.
‘We’ve had a lot of interest in taking the digestate – there’s a history of AD plants in the area, so the actual use of digestate and its benefits seems to be quite well known. As a result, we’ve had quite a bit of contact with local farmers inquiring as to whether it is available. Obviously, at this stage, the first digestate produced will be connected to those farmers who are growing for us.’
Digestate is a popular commodity. It’s cheaper than traditional fertiliser, but, more importantly, it removes the need for the creation of synthetic fertilisers, which are energy-intensive to create and rely on fossil fuels.
For now, the AD plant will only be fed on locally-grown crops, but soon it will be able to create biogas from other agriculture byproducts.
‘Right now we’re just commissioning on crop [products],’ says James. ‘The main reason being it’s a very safe way of starting the plant up. There’s no variability, so we’re not worried about contamination. When you’re testing everything, you take a variable out of the risk metric. So if you’re not worried about your feedstock, you can focus entirely on testing the equipment.
‘We are waiting for our environmental permit. As soon as we’ve got that, we’ll be allowed to take manures as feedstock.
‘Crops give you the best consistency of gas fuel from AD. But if you’re assuming the purpose of AD is to be a virtuous contributor to renewable energy at the lowest possible carbon cost, then what you should be processing are byproducts that haven’t got any other use … so, things like manures, straws and other agricultural byproducts.’

Objection
Even though Brain’s Farm is good for the environment, creates jobs for the local economy and revenue for local farmers, the AD came amid some concern from the residents of the area.
In 2017, Wincanton Town Council initially recommended the application be rejected, citing increased traffic and the ‘inappropriate development in the flood plain’. Local farmers believed that it would increase the cost of agricultural land to rent, making it harder for new farmers to acquire land and join the industry.
That same year, Horsington Parish Council ejected to the proposal on the grounds it was too large and inappropriate for the location and that it would have a visual impact on the rural landscape.
The communities of Buckhorn Weston and Kingston Magna (BWKM) were so concerned about the potential traffic impacts of the AD plant on their small country villages that they formed a community action group. Chairman of the BWKM Community Action Group, John Grant told The BV BioWatt had been very open: ‘I can’t say that we’ve always agreed about everything, but they’ve been very open to dialogue, and once discussions have taken place, we’ve made progress on our concerns.
‘What they’ve explained to us is that there will be some periods over this year when there will be [crop] deliveries taking place. That’s the period when, if there were going to be any traffic problems, these would occur.’
The collaboration between the action group and BioWatt led Somerset Council to approve a vehicle routing and signage strategy (VRSS) which means only farmers based in Buckhorn Weston and Kingston Magna are permitted to drive through those villages to the AD plant. The road signage directs all other AD traffic to the A303 via Wincanton. James Lloyd told the BV how the plant was to manage the traffic going in and out of the site at busy periods: ‘I think the fear of these things is considerably greater than the reality. We did a full harvest last year for grass, whole crop and maize – 13,000 tons of crop delivered to the site. And we had one errant driver.’

Harvest signs
‘I think, generally speaking, people have got a high degree of concern locally because of the general tractor use in the area. But actually, when you compare it to the number of vehicles already on the road, it will barely register. If we didn’t publish the harvest, there’s a fair chance people wouldn’t even notice.
‘We have created what we hope is a strong system to ensure the drivers all stick to the VRSS. Before harvest gets under way, we have an induction with all the drivers where we explain the importance of sticking to the prescribed routes. Each tractor and trailer is awarded a Harvest Sign, similar to a licence badge, which sits on the tractor and they hand back at the end of harvest. If someone rings with a complaint, we can know who the driver of that tractor and trailer is: next time they come onto the site, we’ll explain what’s happened and give them a warning. Second warning, they’ll be asked to stop for the day, and they’ll be fully re-inducted. And then, if there’s a third warning, it’s a case of “You have obviously chosen to disregard rules”, in which case we won’t be allowing them back on site.’

Good news for Sturminster Newton – the town is thriving!

By

Editorial team

-

4 May 2025

0

Empty shops are filling up fast: the town welcomes Smiley Miley – offering dog accessories, treats and other pet merchandise – who are moving from their space in 1855 into a shop of their own, taking over the former Agnes and Vera premises.
A warm welcome too to The Dressing Room, selling vintage and designer ladies’ clothing at the top of Station Road. Bank House Bistro has changed hands and become The Indian House, while Mumbai Bay is set to reopen as Tandoor Cottage on 6th May – good luck to both ventures.
The Dorset Blind Association has moved into Church Street and is well worth a visit. Meanwhile, the Friends of Blandford Hospital have refurbished their shop and are open for business again. While some complain about a town filled with charity shops, better those than empty windows – and charity shops offer plenty of benefits, from supporting local causes to encouraging social connection and offering affordable, sustainable shopping.

No you can’t spread it on your toast – it’s a Spoons Flavoured Butter candle – a new maker in 1855

Stur’s own community shops
The Emporium is currently looking for more volunteers, particularly for The Marketplace (the furniture store). The Marketplace is open whenever The Emporium is open, but its own volunteers are currently only there on Mondays and occasional Saturdays. Staff from The Emporium pop in when they can – but more help is needed to keep the doors open so visitors can browse the beautiful furniture inside. If you can spare a few hours a week, pop into The Emporium, The Boutique or 1855, or email Cheryl on 1855stur@gmail.com.
We’ve also welcomed new traders this month to the ever-changing 1855, joining more than 100 already trading there. And at long last, we’re stocking gift wrap too!
If that’s still not enough shopping for you, the Craft Market returns monthly from 3rd May at The Exchange, organised by Liz Whittingham.

Congratulations!
A bumper round of congratulations this month:
To The Boxing Club and The Football Club for their recent successes – long may they continue!
To SturFit, whose exercising bunnies display won the most votes in the Easter Window competition.
And to The Vale Family Hub for a strong and successful first month – though it has been sadly overshadowed by the death of key staff member Paige Hancock, aged just 24.
Our condolences to all those who knew and loved her.

Car & Bike Meet
The Car and Bike enthusiasts return to the Rec on 3rd May, moving from their smaller winter home in the car park. They had a fantastic selection of vehicles at the last one with a record attendance of more than 230 vehicles, including a Lamborghini Countach, several cars from the 70s and 80s, several stunning Porsches, E-Types, MGs and several American cars. Just a reminder that there’s no need to book, no charge and parking in the rest of the town is free for the day!
Keep an eye out too for our visitors from Montebourg, arriving that weekend as part of the town’s Twinning link with France – a very warm welcome to them.

The photo competition
The Sturminster Newton contribution to the North Dorset Photo Exhibition opens at The Exchange on 9th May for a fortnight. Local photographers will be showcasing what they love about our area, with public votes deciding the best three images from under-18s and over-18s. The winners will join the Professional photographers category winners and feature in a joint exhibition with the other North Dorset market towns later in June, also at The Exchange. The overall winners will be decided by renowned landscape photographer and local resident Charlie Waite. The aim? To build a collection of images that promote North Dorset to a wider tourist audience.

Shanty seaweed vodka – another new maker in 1855

Stur LitFest
And looking ahead to June (6th–15th), the Literary Festival is shaping up to be our best yet with soem terrific talks lined up. Tickets are on sale now – and they’re flying out, so don’t delay or you might miss out on listening to your favourite author! You can find the full list of events and book tickets at sturlitfest.com, or grab a brochure around the town. Tickets are also available in 1855
(You can see a quick LitFest round up in April’s BV here – Ed).

Hayley’s marathon effort boosts Sturfit fund

By

Editorial team

-

4 May 2025

0

Sturfit gym instructor Hayley Goddard has raised more than £2,000 for the Sturminster Newton community leisure centre after completing this year’s London Marathon.
Hayley, who lives in Henstridge with her partner and two daughters, joined Sturfit in 2022 and says working there has shown her just how vital the facility is for the local community.
‘We’re a little isolated here in rural North Dorset,’ she says. ‘Without good public transport links, facilities like Sturfit are hugely important for providing opportunities in sport, leisure and fitness and also a community and social hub.’
Hayley, who had only ‘dabbled’ in running before, took on the challenge to help Sturfit put on more activities and reach even more people.

Sturfit Centre Manager Roger Teasdale says: ‘Hayley’s fundraising page has already topped £2,099, beating our £2,000 target – and there are still collection pots and pledges to come in.’
Sturfit secured a coveted place in the London Marathon through the small charities ballot, but unfortunately missed out for 2026.
Find out more about Sturfit and its work at sturfit.org.

Sponsord by Wessex Internet

A glorious day at the Dorset Spring Show

By

Laura

-

3 May 2025

0

The sun continued to shine on the County Show team as the Dorset Spring Show opened its farm gates this weekend. Now in its new home at the Birch Lane Showground on a working farm, there can’t be many events that boast such a stunning backdrop of Dorset’s rolling hills.

The Spring Show was everything you’d hope for – the key is to take your time, saunter around, and stop to enjoy each element. With a packed schedule in the Spring Arena, and additional thrills from the BMX and Axemen arenas, there’s more than enough to fill a day.

Beyond the goat-herding dog, racing Shetland ponies, airborne BMX stunts and the strangely mesmerising wood-chopping, there was still so much to explore.

Titan the Robot gathered a huge crowd every time he appeared beside the picnic tent, with laughter rippling across the showground. The food hall was vast and bustling – don’t expect to leave empty handed. There’s always a sausage, chutney, vodka or cheese just tempting you to take it home.

The steam engine trailer rides proved especially popular, its cheerful chuffing and whistle creating a lovely soundtrack to the day as it gently pulled trailer-loads of families around the site.

Over on Spring Farm, it was hard to resist the draw of holding a fluffy chick, napping lambs and sleepy piglets. And in the heart of the farmyard, the kids’ pedal tractors kept many little ones happily occupied.

Trade stalls were plentiful and varied – be prepared for plenty of walking as you browse. It was a farmer’s field just a week ago, so sturdy footwear is a must!

The Food & Drink Village offered something for every taste, from local lamb burgers to Greek souvlaki. As expected, it got busy around lunchtime – go early or late if you’d rather avoid a queue. We opted for Thai (the chicken pad Thai was delicious) – though the wood-fired pizza next door was a very close contender!

The Demo Theatre hosted a fascinating NFU talk to open the day, followed by a mix of cookery and tastings from local producers, before wrapping up with floral demonstrations.

The show continues tomorrow, Sunday – it’s well worth a visit

www.dorsetspringshow.co.uk
Adults £18 | Kids £3 | Family £40
(under 5s free)

Getting to the Show:
Use the postcode DT2 7LN and follow the yellow directional signs when nearby.

Catch the Shuttle Bus from Dorchester, Poundbury and Puddletown – a double decker will be at each stop every half an hour. View the shuttle bus route: https://dorsetcountyshow.co.uk/spring-show-info/

Tickets can be purchased on the gate, or book online for faster entry (screenshot the ticket barcode on your phone before leaving home – signal’ onsite may not work’s iffy on site!).

Do take some cash – not all traders accept card, and contactless can be unreliable in the middle of a field!

Barry Cuff’s allotment: April diary 2025

By

Editorial team

-

3 May 2025

0

April is one of our busiest months on the allotment as we get ready for the main growing season. A lot of the jobs rely on favourable weather – so we are hoping for equal amounts of rain and sun!

Red Drumhead red cabbage has been planted out
All images: Barry Cuff

Weather
The first part of the month was dry, continuing on from a very dry March. Then some much-needed rain came on 18th and 22nd/23rd. We had some cold nights with a touch of frost on 8th and 17th, and we enjoyed a mix of very sunny and very dull days.

Ground preparation
The soil became much easier to dig and till after the rain on the 18th, and an absolute pleasure to prepare after the 0.3 inches on the 23rd!

Outdoor sowings
We planted two lines of Palace parsnip with four to six seeds per station. These will be thinned down to two when they’re ready. Also sowed some part lines of Moulin Rouge beetroot and Early Nantes carrot.

Outdoor planting
Planted one row of Red Drumhead red cabbage, four rows of Bonus onions (from small plugs which had one to three seeds per plug), a part row of Red Baron onions also from plugs. Another part row of remaining onions was close-planted, as these are to be used as spring onions
In the greenhouse
Celery, celeriac, Brussels sprouts, lettuce and parsley were all sown in plugs or pots, and we have put all our tomatoes and sweet peppers into large pots. We keep a close watch on the weather forecast at this time of year – a frost could do damage even under glass.

On the plot
We have been digging as required. The garlic is looking exceptionally good, and the broad beans started to flower on the 15th.

Potatoes
Regular readers will know we grow a lot of potatoes! This year we have six varieties, plus short rows of three new varieties we are trialling.
We started planting in late March and finished on 22nd April, working as the land became available.
Early planting means we quite often harvest early and miss the blight, but we do have to check the forecast for frosts. All the early planted rows have been earthed up*.

Onions are planted out from small plugs which had one to three seeds per plug

Fruit
There are masses of flowers on the gooseberries and currants, and the strawberries started to flower on the 21st. A lot of new growth on the raspberries.

Fresh food
We harvested the last of the carrots, parsnips, cauliflower, sprouting broccoli and leeks.

Salads
We are enjoying mizuna from the plot as well as lettuce, mixed mustard leaves and pea shoots from the greenhouse, plus the forced chicons.

Next month will be the main sowing month of the year!

*where soil is mounded around the base of potato plants as they grow. This process protects the plants from frost, prevents tubers from turning green due to sunlight, and encourages more potato growth.

May in the garden

By

Editorial team

-

3 May 2025

0

With butterfly numbers falling, Pete Harcom explains how we can all help pollinators thrive by rethinking lawns, flowers and our love of tidy gardens

Painted lady butterfly (Vanessa cardui) with wings outstreached, resting on a verbena bonariensis flower

do some gardening for wildlife … and in particular, for our butterflies?
They are beautiful, of course, and they are also an important part of the UK’s wildlife – but our butterflies are swiftly disappearing.
They are highly sensitive indicators of the health of the environment and play crucial roles in the food chain, as well as being pollinators of plants.
The UK now has 59 species of butterflies, with five species having become extinct in the last 150 years. The 2022 report on the state of the UK’s butterflies revealed the alarming news that 80 per cent of butterfly species in the UK have decreased in either abundance, distribution or both since 1976.
Decreases in butterfly populations on this scale are a huge cause for concern: butterflies are an integral part of the UK ecosystem and their decline is a clear warning signal of the wider biodiversity crisis.
Perhaps we should consider stopping using weed killers and pesticides?
The RHS provides some really good advice on which plants are good for our pollinators, including butterflies, on its website here. They particularly like buddleia, sedum, hebe, wild marjoram, common knapweed, red Valerian, nettles, holly, hops and verbena bonariensis.
The Woodland Trust suggests that if we want to help pollinators, we should avoid plants with double or multi–petalled flowers: pollinators find them difficult to access. The flowers also often lack nectar and pollen. Roses and dahlias are often bred to have double flowers, but there are plenty of beautiful single–flowered varieties to grow instead.

Your new meadow
Another thing particularly appropriate this month is participating in the Plantlife charity ‘No Mow May’ idea. Maybe expand it into further months of the year: let go of that perfect lawn idea, and instead mow pathways through your new mini meadow? Leave the lawn to produce wildflowers, as these will provide nectar for our insects, butterflies and moths.
If your lawn is near a hedge or fence, insects tend to use longer grasses near hedges or fence lines for shelter. These un–mown areas provide valuable habitat for pollinators, insects, butterflies and moths, just when they are hatching or coming out of hibernation. And they in turn are a food source for birds, bats and other wildlife.
Of course, an actual wildflower meadow won’t appear from just not mowing the lawn, but it is surprising just how many flowers do appear … daisies and clover will be first, then dandelions, buttercups, yarrow … primroses and violets may also appear.
When you decide to start mowing the lawn again, mow it on the high setting on the mower first and then gradually cut it shorter over the ensuing weeks.
If you sometimes leave the lawn clippings on the lawn, they will rot down and fertilise the sward.