Join the Easter egg hunts

Children running near daffodils

It’s time to grab your shoes, get outdoors and join us in our 2021 spring Easter adventures.

With nature-based Easter egg hunts taking place across the places we care for, you’re sure to find some family fun near you. There are lots of activities and Easter trails for the whole family to take part in, and the gardens are full of spring life – plus a chocolate treat awaits you at the end. What’s more, by taking part, you’re helping us look after the places you love.

We've got more information coming soon about your nearest Easter egg hunts. As we approach spring, we're constantly reviewing government guidance with the safety of our staff, volunteers and visitors in mind. 

Wildlife and wildflowers to look out for

When you get out and about on one of our Easter trails, not only will you and the kids have a chocolate treat to look forward to, but it's a great opportunity to immerse yourselves in nature. Get to know what spring wildlife and wildflowers to look out for, from blossom to birds, in our top picks below.

Close up of blackthorn blossom
Returning chiffchaffs mark the arrival of spring
Small Tortoiseshell butterfly on lavender
Common primrose
Two hares size each other up at Mottistone
NTIL 1196534 Dog Violet Heddon Valley
A clump of jelly-like frogspawn
Early purple orchids in a field
Wicken Fen - Cuckoo in flight

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.