Join the Easter egg hunts

Children running near daffodils — Spring daffodils

Easter 2021 will be coming our way soon. We've got some exciting plans to celebrate the holiday season.

Following the recent government announcement, we're delighted that we'll be able to welcome you to our Easter adventures in nature trails in England. These will be taking place from 29 March 2021 and over the Easter bank holiday weekend. There's lots of fun to be had with your family as you head along your trail. Hopping like an Easter bunny, making a home for wildlife, or peeking into veg patches are just some of the different experiences you could enjoy. Complete the trail and earn your chocolate reward at the end.

Many of our places are taking part in our Easter adventures in nature trails, so check back soon to find out where your nearest trail will be and how to book your Easter visit. To keep in line with government guidance, we ask you to stay local and support your nearest Easter egg hunt. We expect the Easter bank holiday to be popular this year, so please note that the Easter trails will last for as long as stocks last.

At this time, we're still waiting to hear if our Easter trails will be taking place in Wales and Northern Ireland, and how we can deliver these in light of the ongoing restrictions in these regions. We'll share more details as soon as we can.

In the meantime, as gardens and countryside start to come alive for spring, join us in welcoming the first delicate petals of blossom on the trees, the tweeting of birds and the warmer, longer days ahead.

Spring wildlife and wildflowers to look out for

From blossom to birds, get to know what spring wildlife and wildflowers to look out for in our top picks below.

Returning chiffchaffs mark the arrival of spring

Small Tortoiseshell butterfly on lavender

Two hares size each other up at Mottistone

Blackthorn blossom

Blackthorn is one of the first trees to blossom, providing a valuable early source of nectar for bees, and a spectacular display of frothy white flowers.

Chiffchaff

These are among the first birds to return from Africa in spring. They’re small and fairly plain-looking, so the easiest way to identify them is by their song.

Flying insects

All sorts of flying insects emerge in spring, including butterflies, dragonflies, ladybirds and mayflies. Keep an eye out in areas of grassland or near water.

Primrose

This hardy flower brightens up woods and hedgerows in spring. It was a favourite of Prime Minster Benjamin Disraeli, who lived at Hughenden in Buckinghamshire.

Boxing hares

The sight of boxing hares is a hallmark of spring. Rather than competition between males, this behaviour is actually females fending off unwanted male attention.

Violet

There are two main types of wild violet you might find in early spring. Common Dog-violets lack scent, but Sweet Violets were used as perfume in Ancient Greece.

Frogspawn and toadspawn

Frog and toad spawn can be found in ponds from January to March. Frog spawn is always laid in jelly-like clumps, whilst toad spawn comes in long chains.

Early Purple Orchid

This is one of the earliest orchids to appear in meadows and woods in spring. Look out for pink-purple flowers and dark green leaves with dark spots.

Cuckoo

The cuckoo’s call is instantly recognisable, although they’re now quite rare. Listen out for them in grassland and reedbed habitats around late March and April.