WHAT is it about the month of May which brings the best out of people?

Could it be a newfound sense of optimism as we lurch further in a new year? Or could it be the rebirth of nature somehow filters through even the most stoic cynic.

The 19th century German poet Heinrich Heine wrote: 'In the marvellous month of May when all the buds were bursting, then in my heart did love arise. In the marvellous month of May when all the birds were singing, then did I reveal to her my yearning and longing.'

Certainly the world's favourite season is the spring. All things seem possible in May.

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Of course in such testing times we must all look for solace and comfort where we can. For some it will be in the eyes and arms of a loved one, for others it will be on the end of a phone or email.

For some though nature is the companion who will never let you down and will keep on supporting those who need it for as long as they respect it.

Sadly we will always have people in our society who do not respect nature or their local history and use vandalism to hide behind a sheet of ignorance.

However there will also always be those that do embrace the natural world and act as its protectors and guardians and these people should be celebrated.