
A Kingfisher can sometimes be seen as a blue flash, but then is hidden by all the foliage that has grown in May. A heron is much easier to see.

I have not seen any ducklings on the River Ock, but a goose and goslings grazed on the grass in front of Mill Stream Court, beside the Ock.

Falls of white hawthorn blossom are alongside the River Ock. This wood pigeon was eating the little flowers.

Somebody asked me if there was a bench on the walk, and I told them there were three. Cow parsley had surrounded two of the benches but a mower then cut back the path borders.

I am beginning to notice fish in the River Ock during May. That could because fish are most likely to spawn in May.

Damson flies, and butterflies fly about among the many nettles that now border the River Ock.

Further out of town, where the River Ock meanders through fields,

ten alder trees were planted by Abingdon Carbon Cutters last October as part of a church twinning eco event. Seven of the ten alders are still alive this May.
Celebrating local heroes on the The National Cycle Network

Local heroes are being celebrated nationally with steel effigies and benches next to the National Cycle Network. The project is in recognition of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee year and had funding from the Department for Transport.

The heroes chosen in Abingdon are Mieneke Cox, the St Helen’s Church archivist and Abingdon museum curator who left a legacy of books about Abingdon.

The second effigy represents a local volunteer/community group member – one of many who give their time to improve Abingdon’s environment.
Abingdon Air and Country Show – 2023

The Abingdon Air and Country Show was called off in September last year because of the death of the Queen two days before the event. This year there was a full show with a two-hour flying display at the end. The day was fine with blue sky.

The display included among others the Titans Display Team ,

a Bronco,

and Westland Helicopters.

Information about RAF Abingdon was provided in the programme (price £2) and in a tent. Somebody found a lot of booklets called The First Fifty Years of RAF Abingdon and gave them away for free. RAF Abingdon used the airfield until it was transferred to the army in 1992.

As well as the airshow and static aircraft, a young motorcycle display team, with ages ranging from 6 to about 16, rode over ramps and in interweaving patterns. Musicians played in one marquee, and craft makers displayed artifacts in another marquee. There were lots of stalls, and a fun fair.

WWII re-enactors, including the Oxfordshire Home Guard, guarded their pitches.

Hundreds of classic cars were parked near the display area, and at the other end were lorries, and some small traction engines.
The event, as well as giving lots of people a good day out, supports local charities and good causes. Thankyou to the organisers, and volunteers, for another wonderful show.
St Ethelwold’s Garden (mid May)

Mid May, the secret crocheter has a gardening theme.
It is the third Friday of the month and there is a Farmer’s Market with a stall selling plants.

St Ethelwold’s Garden is open to explore. It is looked after by volunteer gardeners. People who enjoy the garden can leave donations that help pay for plants.
There are lots of Aliums mid May.

Irises are abundant.

These Clematises climb up part of the wall as you enter the garden, along with Wisteria,

and figs.

There are lots of pretty flowers and attractive leaves. Pink Sorrel has both.

There are cultivated varieties of plants and flowers, and wildflower areas. Wildflowers, like Green Alkanet, are great for bees and butterflies. My wife told me that bees prefer wildflowers.