How to Spot the First Signs of Spring
Days are getting longer and weather is getting warmer, which means only one this... spring is on its way! In the natural world, early march is when you'll start to see subtle clues of changing seasons - from animals coming out of hibernation to warmer temperatures and new life springing - there is so many spring signs to look out for.
If you love all things outdoors like we do, here are some of the first signs of spring to spot before and after the Spring Equinox.
Early Bloomers: Spring Flowers
Once the frost begins to go, colour fills our parks and gardens and spring blossoms bloom, and seeing these colours pop up is a sure sign that spring has arrived.
Spring Blossom Snowdrops
Snowdrops flower as early as mid february, and are one of the earliest signs of Spring. They have delicate white petals that can push through the cold ground, being known to even bloom in the snow!
You can spot these on Woodland floors, shaded gardens, and along riverbanks. Famous snowdrop locations in the UK include Anglesey Abbey (Cambridge) and Walsingham Abbey (Norfolk).
Crocuses
From late February to early March, Crocuses will bloom, spreading shades of purple, yellow and white across green spaces.
Crucial for Queen Bumblebees who emerge from hibernation, these are a great nectar source. You can find these in parks, gardens, meadows, and roadside verges. Look for mass plantings in places like Kew Gardens or Hampton Court Palace.
Daffodils (Narcissus)
Daffodils are arguably one of the most popular signs of Spring, with bunches showing off their bright yellow colour from early March to Mid April.
Daffodils are versatile and can be found in parks, along roadsides and in our gardens.
Cherry Blossoms
Cherry Blossoming trees are one of the most amazings sights of early April... the pink and white blooms transform parks and city streets and are the perfect addition to the warmer weather spring brings.
Bluebells
Bluebells appear in late April to early May, creating magical purple-blue carpets in forests. These flowers thrive in ancient bluebell woodlands and are a true UK springtime treasure.
Birds & the Dawn Chorus
A symphony of birdsong is one way to be sure Spring is on its way. Known as the Dawn Chorus, this type of bird song last from March to early May, as birds sing to establish territories and attract mates, this includes Migratory birds who have returned from their wintering grounds.
The dawn chorus is the early morning performance of singing birds, typically just before and after sunrise. Birds sing loudly and clearly in the still morning air, as sound carries further during this time of day. Robins and Blackbirds are among the first to start singing, with Great Tits and Chaffinches, along with other species, joining in as the sky becomes lighter.
As temperatures rise, many migratory birds return to their breeding grounds. Recognisable by their graceful flight and chattering calls, Swallows return to the UK from Africa in early April.
One of the first warblers to return, often heard singing their name: "chiff-chaff, chiff-chaff" (you may have guessed) is the Chiffchaff.
Buzzing Back to Life
As the weather warms, insects buzz back to life, playing a big role in seeing in the new season safely. The first signs of spring include the return of butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, emerging just as the early bloomers begin to flower. These insects help kick-start the cycle of new growth by pollinating plants, ensuring that nature flourishes throughout spring and summer.
One of the earliest insects to emerge in late February to early March is the queen bumblebee. After spending the winter hibernating underground, she wakes up hungry and in search of nectar-rich flowers to refuel before finding a nest site.
Frog Spawn
The start of Spring also means lakes, wetlands and ponds come alive, and frog spawn makes an appearance. This early spring spectacle not only marks the return of frogs but also signals that the natural world is shifting into its new season of growth and reproduction.
Male frogs arrive first to claim their territories and start calling to attract mates, while the females follow, laying their eggs in water. These eggs, known as frog spawn, are clusters of black specks surrounded by a clear jelly-like substance, forming balls or sheets in ponds and slow moving streams.
As frogs begin their seasonal ritual, other amphibians are also waking up from their winter slumber. Wetlands and ponds become hotspots for the breeding activities of various amphibians.
Warmer Days & Changing Weather
Longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures kickstart a wave of change in the natural world, which is mirrored in the behaviour of spring wildlife. The seasonal transition doesn’t just affect the weather, but also influences the lives of animals, plants, and insects as they respond to the signs of the new season.
