March has always been a turbulent month when it comes to the weather. ‘In like a lion, out like a lamb,’ as the saying goes.
There may be storms, snow or sunshine (or all three), but whatever the weather, nature continues to wake up after winter.
Longer days make it easier to get outdoors, and a dose of sunshine not only lifts your mood but can help to regulate sleep and provide essential Vitamin D.
Taking notice of the world waking up around you is a great way to mark the passage of the year, and we’ve picked six things to watch out for from March to May.
If it seems like some flowers and wildlife are appearing earlier each year due to climate change, you can sign up to Nature’s Calendar with the Woodland Trust to help monitor different species.
This biological record dates back to 1736 and tracks the changing seasons. The more information that’s added, the more comprehensive the record will be, so join in!
Six to see this spring
Morning song
The birds like to sing us into spring, and the dawn chorus starts in early March, as the birds start their calls to attract mates and to defend their territories. They also start nest-building.
Water life
March is the perfect time for finding frogspawn in ponds and streams. Frogspawn forms jelly-like clumps in shallow water, while toad spawn is formed of strings of eggs in deeper water.
What’s the buzz?
In March and April we start to see queen bumblebees hunting for nectar again and looking for new places to start their colonies. Listen out for their distinctive hum.
Flower power
As March moves into April, the blossom starts to appear on cherry and hawthorn tree – a welcome sight to brighten up those dark bare branches.
Winging it
April brings back swallows from the warmth of Africa, ready to enjoy a banquet of our insects. Look for their distinctive forked tails.
Come on, you blues
Vibrant carpets of mauve bluebells at the end of April and into May signal that summer’s coming, as they have to flower before the woodland leaves appear above them.
Do your bit for UK nature
Find out more about the UK’s unique wildlife and landscapes – and how you can help protect them – with the Save Our Wild Isles campaign.
More to explore
Ask our leaders to take action for UK nature
The latest State of Nature report sparked protests around the UK as it revealed wildlife is still in decline. Will you help us call for more action?
