The First Signs of Spring: What to Look for in Nature
Spring is around the corner and the world is waking up. From buds, birds, bugs and first blooms, here’s how to spot the early signs of the season.
Spring has sprung! The cold winter days are slowly being replaced by warmer spring days. The sun is shining more often and the heralds of spring are everywhere…if you know where to look!
There’s something so special about spotting the early signs of the spring season – the hopefulness that fills your heart knowing that warmer, brighter days are just around the corner.
Buds
As the weather begins to warm up, new growth is all around. Hawthorn, blackthorn, and elder begin to show swelling buds and fresh green shoots, whilst hazel and willow catkins (often called “lamb’s tails”) appear, releasing pollen.
A sure sign that spring is firmly on its way is the wild garlic that begins to appear in sweeping carpets across woodland areas. This fragrant plant, with pretty white flowers, is popular for foraging as it makes delicious pesto! (Always be sure to forage responsibly, and reference reputable sources to safely identify plants!).
Birds
Is there anything better than birdsong on the breeze? Robins, blackbirds, song thrushes and great tits start singing more frequently to establish territories. Chiffchaffs, one of the first migratory birds to return, can be heard singing their distinctive “chiff-chaff” call.
We suggest using an app such as ‘Merlin’ to identify these bird’s songs. It’s a lot of fun going out to see what you can hear. If you don’t already, listen carefully and you’ll begin to recognise their pretty calls.
As we begin to get the itch to ‘spring clean’, blue tits and long-tailed tits can be seen busily foraging as they prepare for nesting.
Blooms
Snowdrops are famously among the first flowers to appear, followed by crocuses, primroses, and daffodils.
Lesser celandine brightens hedgerows and riverbanks with small yellow flowers, whilst wood anemones and violets begin to flower in ancient woodlands.
Bugs
Something is a-flutter! A familiar buzzing returns, as buff-tailed bumblebee queens emerge from hibernation, searching for nectar from early flowers.
Brimstone butterflies (often mistaken for early-season leaves due to their yellow wings) start fluttering on warm days.
We’re not the only ones making the most of the warmer days, 7-spot ladybirds and other pollinators bask in sunny patches.
Changes in the Landscape: Spring has arrived!
As the days grow noticeably longer, bringing more warmth and extended daylight hours, frogs and toads head to ponds to spawn – look for jelly-like frogspawn in still water.
Take a deep breath…the scent of damp earth and fresh greenery fills the air as the land reawakens.
Welcome, Spring! What a wonderful time of year.
