Nature poetry: share your first day of spring

Pink blossom blooms at The Vyne.

Spring signals the start of warmer days and longer evenings, renewed life and returning colour.

To celebrate, we're asking nature lovers across the UK to send us their observations of the arrival of the new season, to be included in a new poem by writer Elizabeth-Jane Burnett.

We want you to share how the season makes you feel, what you're seeing and why nature matters to you.

For generations, poets and writers have put pen to paper to express the importance of the arrival of spring and the burst of colour and busyness in the animal kingdom. 

The nature poetry project, delivered in partnership with the Arts and Humanities Research Council, aims to capture the start of the season by asking people to document their observations of wildlife, the weather and what spring means to them via social media.These could include descriptions of birdsong and blossom, sightings of wildlife, and reflections on the arrival of spring.Your comments will then be woven into a new poem by an acclaimed nature writer.

We hope this project will shine a spotlight on the important role nature has played in our lives throughout the pandemic and the sense of hope that has long been associated with spring.

How to take part 

You can take part by posting a comment on our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram pages (see links below) on Saturday 20 March or Sunday 21 March.

Observations can be made in your gardens, in local parks or countryside, or even through windows. 

 

Pink apple blossom

Writes of spring 2020 

Hundreds of diary entries written during the first official week of spring last year revealed the nation’s observations and feelings about the natural world in extraordinary times. The National Trust and the Arts and Humanities Research Council asked people across the UK to capture the arrival of spring and help create a crowd-sourced nature diary.

Read last year's entries
Song thrush perched in a tree

Nature writer collates diary entries 

In March 2020, hundreds of people contributed to the creative essay ‘Hope’s Heart Beats’ by writer Natasha Carthew. In it, she reflected on the thoughts and fears of a nation coming to terms with the pandemic and described special moments diarists have observed in the natural world such as dawn, birdsong, blossom and flowers blooming.

Read the full essay
Be inspired by spring blossom
Bumblebee nectaring on pink cherry blossom

Everyone needs nature  

Nature is our source of comfort, and with the arrival of spring comes new life. Blossom bursting with colour, green parks speckled with daffodils, the simplicity of a rushing stream and panoramic drama in the skies – these can answer our need for quiet and inspiration. Everyone needs nature and the calm it brings.

Close up of blackthorn blossom

Blossom watch 

Take time to admire spring blossom, whether this be from your window, down the street or in your garden if you’re lucky enough to have it grow there. You can also learn more about how these floral wonders support wildlife. Find out more about #BlossomWatch.

Join the conversation