The Met Office has shared advice for people who are planning to get out into their gardens and start preparing them for summer. May is one of the most rewarding months for gardeners, as longer days and warmer temperatures bring a burst of life to gardens.

With so much happening in nature, there’s plenty to do, but also a need to tread carefully. The Met Office has reminded gardeners to be mindful of nesting birds while gardening in May. Birds may often build nests in hedgerows, shrubs, trees, and even unexpected places like garden sheds or ivy-covered walls.

It's important to be cautious when trimming hedges, cutting back shrubs, or undertaking other maintenance jobs.

Disturbing a nest, even unintentionally, can cause birds to abandon their young.

The Met Office wrote in a blog post: "Look out for nesting birds. May is a key month for nesting birds. As wild birds, their eggs and nests are protected by law, it is vital to check that any operations such as pruning or hedge-cutting don’t cause a disturbance that would cause birds to abandon their nests. As puddles are drying up thirsty broods will appreciate the supply of additional water. The RHS has lots of advice on avoiding disturbance to nesting birds."

While being mindful of wildlife, May is also a crucial time to prepare your garden for the summer months.

One of the main tasks is planting tender vegetables and annual flowers once the risk of frost has passed. Courgettes, beans, tomatoes, and bedding plants can all be planted now, adding colour and productivity to your space.

Keep an eye on the weather forecast, though as cold snaps can still hit in May, so be ready with fleece to protect young plants. Weeding is another key job in May as plants burst into life as do weeds.

It’s also a good time to mulch borders and vegetable beds, helping to retain moisture and suppress weeds as the summer heat sets in.

Finally, don’t forget to water new plants, especially during dry spells.

A deep soak once or twice a week is better than little and often, as it encourages roots to grow down in search of moisture.

Gardening in May is all about balance, encouraging your garden to thrive while respecting the wildlife that calls it home.

Taking a moment to check for nesting birds is a small action that can make a big difference.