Nature from the doorstep: Something New Every Day
Posted on August 29th, 2025 by Sproxton Hall Cottages
We set ourselves a challenge for May 2025: to find and record a different species of plant, ideally in bloom or blossom, every single day of the month. Our “laboratory” was the network of footpaths and bridleways right from our doorstep at Sproxton Hall Cottages, leading us from the rolling farmlands of the Howardian Hills National Landscape and onward to the North York Moors National Park.
It sounded like a tall order—31 distinct plants in 31 days. What we discovered was a constant parade of botanical colours and new green growth, making our daily dog walks not just a routine, but a genuine treasure hunt. When you’re on holiday, the morning dog walk can take all morning!
The Howardian Hills: A Garden on Our Doorstep
The hedgerows and footpaths around Sproxton Hall Cottages, within the gentle slopes of the Howardian Hills, were bursting with life. One of the first things we noticed was the ubiquitous Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), its frothy white blossom earning it the local nickname “May blossom.” Photographed alongside wild garlic (Allium ursinum) the hedgerows had some distinctive scents.
Our favourite blossom was on the Ebor Way, resplendent against blue skies and far reaching views. The crab apples will be ready in autumn, alongside the sloes and blackberries.
Our favourite fragrance had to be the bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) and their heady scent early morning or evening on a still day. The cheery sunshine yellow of Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), Buttercup (Ranunculus acris) and Poppy (Glaucium flavum) brightened up our dog walks.
Into the North York Moors
Along the forest trails and woodland walks near the North York Moors National Park Visitor Centre at Sutton Bank, Kilburn and Wass (2 to 6 miles from the cottages) we found more sheltered species including bluebells and Primroses (Primula vulgaris). Out on the moors the heather won’t be in bloom until the summer summer but we found plenty of ferns in sheltered spots. Delicate Forget-Me-Nots (Myosotis sylvatica) created a sea of blue on woodland floors.
By the end of May, our list was a colourful testament to the sheer diversity of North Yorkshire’s plant life. We had hit our target of 31 without straying too far from the holiday cottages and our challenge connected us to the rhythm of the seasons and the land around us.
Beyond the Plants: A Full-Sensory Experience
We learned to slow down, to look closely at the intricate details of a single flower, and to appreciate the fragrant quiet beauty that unfolds with each passing day.
And 31 is just the start. The North York Moors National Park and the neighbouring Howardian Hills National Landscape are a haven for countless other species, from rare orchids to ancient trees. The landscape is always changing – check out our website for articles about what you might find at other times of the year.
As we learned to appreciate the ground beneath our feet, we also found ourselves looking up. The North Yorkshire landscape is home to an incredible array of birdlife, from the birds of prey on the moors to the songbirds in the hedgerows. Why not check out our beginners guide to appreciating the Birds of North Yorkshire? And remember to pack your binoculars for your holiday to rural North Yorkshire.
Nature spotting and walking books, suggestions and information about the National Park and National Landscape are available in each of the four holiday cottages that make up Sproxton Hall Cottages.