Spring 2025 has been one to remember for its warm weather and sunshine. Two May bank holidays are just around the corner, so why not spend them in nature? Being outside has loads of benefits, be it improved mental health, added exercise, letting children play outdoors, and more. With so many options nearby throughout Sussex, there are more than enough ways to spend every weekend in May outdoors.
Ashdown Fields in Nutley, East Sussex, is home to Elderflower Fields, a family festival from 23-26 May. There’s a wide variety of events ranging from live music to activities to local food and more. The nature and environment activities are a great chance for people young and old to learn more about the natural world. The Woodland Wonders activity offers a guided walk through Pippingford Park’s woods, and kids can learn about Sussex woodlands and its wildlife. A Foraging Workshop covers how to brew tea from wild plants and teaches families how to identify medicinal and edible plants. Book your tickets in advance for this family-centric festival.
Just north of Haywards Heath in West Sussex lies Borde Hill. With over 70 species of trees, 383 acres of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and a list of events throughout the year, it makes for a great day out with the family. Visit the gardens on 11 May and get free access to the Specialist Spring Plant Fair, where people can pick from a wide variety of plants to take home and grow. Support the National Gardens Scheme on 13 May, where all proceeds fund the national charity. During the May half-term from 24 May to 1 June, bring the kids to enjoy the interactive Kids Trail – Oscar & The Dawn Chorus and explore the gardens.
Horsham is home to Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens saw one of the largest garden restorations in England when it reopened in 2019. Visitors can see the Rhododendron Celebration, which has over 300 species and hybrids, throughout May. There are craft workshops on offer for both young and older kids, so be sure to check out the dates. During half-term, children can take part in National Children’s Garden Week and Children’s Mini Spring Gardens. Both activities are great ways for the little ones to get their hands dirty and interact with the natural world.
The National Trust offers loads of outdoor opportunities in Sussex. Nymans is a garden lover’s home near Haywards Heath in West Sussex. Starting on 3 May, bring the whole family and discover the Moomin family and their friends, which takes explorers for a magical wander full of adventure in the idyllic and peaceful Moominvalley. Go for a 90-minute Guided Tree Tour on either 1 or 16 May, lead by an expert volunteer who showcases the magnificence of the trees at Nymans. Enjoy Blossom at Nymans throughout May by taking a guided or self-guided tour to learn about all the trees and plants in bloom. Elsewhere, explore The Very Hungry Caterpillar Trail all month at Sheffield Park and Garden in Uckfield, East Sussex. Petworth offers Ben Plants a Butterfly Garden trail during May half term, which lets children explore a trail and discover how to plant a butterfly garden. If you just want to get outdoors amongst the Sussex countryside, Devil’s Dyke, Ditchling Beacon, and Newtimber Hill are all good options.
This month, TreeAction is partnering with the Beavers & Cubs in Shoreham to plant new trees at Adur Recreation Ground. These intrepid adventurers will be tasked with planting Sweet Chestnut, Beech and Hazel trees amongst the existing trees in the park. Then, they’ll be able to visit their trees and continue to care for them throughout the year. If you and your family would like to get involved in tree maintenance and watering in Sussex in the summer, as well as planting trees in the winter and spring, you can join our Conservation Volunteers who are looking after trees in Southwick, Shoreham and Lancing. Our conservation volunteers visit sites in these areas every two weeks on a Saturday morning and early afternoon for a couple of hours – a great way to detox from your weekly screen overdose and connect a little bit with the environment! Dates and locations can be found here.
Finally, more options for gardens throughout Sussex include the West Sussex National Garden Scheme, the East Sussex National Garden Scheme, and Great British Garden’s list of Gardens to Visit in Sussex.
So wherever you are in Sussex, there’s plenty on. Take advantage of the beautiful weather, explore the outdoors, and have fun this May. As always, be sure to stay up to date with TreeAction by following us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram!