Conservation Conversations: May 2026 on the Holkham National Nature Reserve

May 31, 2026 | Nature news | 3 minute read

May was just like a continuation of April’s weather with very little rainfall and a combination of hot sunny days or cooler days of northeasterly winds, meaning that our grazing marshes were drying up far earlier than we would hope. This had an effect of many of our nesting species. Birds such as Grey Herons and Great White Egrets had several nest failures and chicks dying, undoubtedly due to the adults struggling to find enough food. Spoonbills however, as they are tidal saltwater feeders in the main, had no such problems and by the month’s end close to 35 juveniles had left their nests. A great result.

Spoonbills at Holkham National Nature Reserve c. Andrew Bloomfield

Burnham Norton was our main site this year for breeding wading birds and it was pleasing to see so many Avocets and Lapwings nesting with reasonable numbers of youngsters hatching. It will be a testing time for them as the dry marshes means fewer insects to feed upon.

Ringed plover at Holkham National Nature Reserve c. Andrew Bloomfield

May can often be good for unusual migrant birds arriving. This month a flock of 9 Cranes passing over on 8th May was the highlight with good numbers of northern bound waders such as Wood Sandpipers and Whimbrel dropping in on many days. On the beaches Oystercatchers and Ringed Plovers were starting to nest although Little Terns have so far been slow in returning.

Cranes at Holkham National Nature Reserve c. Andrew Bloomfield

With conditions being so dry, orchids were slow in appearing, so we hope some serious rainfall occurs to revitalise the remainder of the flowering season. An interesting arrival of continental dragonflies occurred on the hottest days of the month with both Red-veined Darters and Lesser Emperor Dragonflies appearing. The latter were seen egg laying on one of the pools, the first time we have had that occur on the reserve. Another exciting find was a new spider for Holkham, Araneus triguttatus, found on the Elms near Meals House.

araneus triguttatus at Holkham c. Andrew Bloomfield

On the wider estate one of our gamekeepers found a young Grass Snake. It is the first time we have recorded breeding by a species only seen in the area once before.

What to look out for in June

Hopefully in June we will see good numbers of Little Terns settle down to nest on the beaches so please be vigilant and keep dogs well away from the nesting enclosures.