When I wrote Practically Pagan: An Alternative Guide to Planet Friendly Living, one of the things I wanted to stress was that people are a part of the planet too. Yes, looking after nature and the environment are so important. But, you know, you’re in the environment. You’re part of nature. And remembering that helps you to become closer to other parts of nature.

In May, from Bealtaine (the correct spelling in Irish, as it is an Irish festival) onwards, I start to emerge from my wintery cocoon of isolation and integrate myself into the world again. Okay, I’ve been out and about a bit by this point, but my part of the world seems to truly come alive in May, and that raises my energy levels dramatically. Clouds of greenfly create a haze over the streets while ladybirds patiently await their prey on sticky stalks of goosegrass. Birds of so many types appear, either building late nests or training their fledglings. The vast shadow of a grey heron can stop me in my tracks, while the haunting call of the curlew makes my soft heart stutter.

Every sound and sight of late spring and early summer is a nostalgic gift. They remind me of camping, walks in the woods, trips to the park with the kids, or simply sitting in the back garden, sipping something cool. As Adrianne Lenker puts it in her song, these are all forms of free treasure, there for the taking.

Bealtaine is the first big festival since the Spring Equinox, and it feels like such a good time to pause and remember these moments. Not just because it’s good to walk gently in nature for nature’s sake, but because it’s good for you, too. Each moment spent with things you love is a restorative tonic, and either viewing nature from your home or getting out into it if you’re able is like taking a huge draught of that tonic, for most people.

Recent statistics showed that the number of people receiving the well-known health benefits of nature seemed to have dipped since 2020 and 2021. This possibly indicates that people have less time to visit natural or green spaces, but it also indicates that we are losing our outdoor havens due to development and pollution. Some councils are involving citizens in local consultations on the future of parks and other green spaces, and I would heartily encourage you to put your voice forward if you can. Check what campaigns are happening in your local area and whether you can impact the safety and stability of your local woods or parks.

Toward the end of April, I walked under a hawthorn tree (quickly — we never linger under the hawthorn because that’s when the fae can strike!) and saw May blossom starting to emerge, just a little early. Bees buzzed around the blooming buds and a blue tit hopped among the spiky branches; a perfect springtime scene. Drink these sights in and let them refill your cup. It’s a simple magic, but possibly one of the most effective types there is. Remember what makes you buzz — and make it happen as often as you can.

Mabh Savage is a Yorkshire Witch, Pagan author, and musician with a particular interest in Irish spirituality, and folklore from all across the U.K. and Ireland. She’s also a member of the global Covenant of Hekate and has assisted in some fascinating collaborative projects such as working with members all over the world to create a song for Hekate.

Mabh is the secretary of the Pagan Federation Children and Families Team, a group that aims to make life easier for Pagan families in England and Wales. She’s also the current editor of Aether, the magazine for Pagan families.

She’s been a member of the UK Green Party for many years, and believes firmly that it’s possible to reverse the damage being done to our planet with the right focus and action now.

For more details: https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com/moon-books/authors/mabh-savage