Noticing nature this spring

Spring savvy

Whether you're exploring wildflower meadows, listening to birdsong in tranquil woods or enjoying your daily form of exercise in your local outdoor space, spending time in nature can give you a sense of peace and a breather from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Take the time to stop and appreciate all the joys and that sense of wellbeing that nature provides - the sight of new animals, the smells of wildflowers and the sound of birdsongs. We all need nature but at the same time, nature needs all of us to care for it and protect it. There are plenty of simple and easy ways you can help to look after the places you love this spring…

Easter at Ilam Park

You can join the Spring Flower Trail with your family whilst you explore the beautiful Ilam Park. The trail is on daily starting from Friday the 2nd – 18th April 11am – 3pm. Head to the gazebo near the stableyard facilities, just beyond the Italian Gardens to begin your #noticingnature journey. Take a closer look at all the different flowers that are blooming around Ilam Park and which insects they attract. There will be plenty of activities to do along the way, as you learn more about flowers and why lots of different insects love them so much. You can then help nature thrive in your own garden or window box at home, with a pot of sunflowers seeds to take home and grow. Sunflowers can grow up to 3 metres high, so be sure to share your photos of yours in the summer with us over social media and tag us in @PeakDistrictNT The trail costs £2 so please bring cash for this. Your support helps us to plant more flowers to help pollinators like bees and butterflies and monitor woodland bird populations across the White Peak - thank you.

Take the lead

When out exploring with your canine companion, take a moment to stop and notice the smaller details of spring, many that are often invisible to the naked eye or when speeding by at pace. The welcome sight of green shoots pushing up through the soil, our special birds like the dippers that dart across the rivers and tree buds revealing their hues of greens. When walking your dog, please help to keep wildlife, farm animals and other people safe by keeping your dog (no matter their size) on a short 2m lead. This helps to avoid any wildlife disturbance and ensures that everyone enjoys their precious time in the outdoors.

Wondrous woodlands of the White Peak

The woodlands of the White Peak make an attractive home for a whole host of bird species. Our rangers look after these woodlands to help maintain ideal conditions for birds and other wildlife by managing open land around ancient, native trees and keeping out grazing animals that can damage young trees and other woodland plants. Year on year our rangers monitor bird boxes in the White Peak and carry out surveys with the help of volunteers, to monitor all the various bird species and their populations.

Fires caused by BBQs and campfires have devastating effects on woodlands where birds and other wildlife lives, and for this and many other reasons, are not permitted across the Peak District National Park. It is therefore vital to the welfare and safety of the wildlife and our precious countryside that BBQs and campfires are avoided at all costs. Staff are patrolling regularly and will extinguish any lit BBQs or campfires immediately. Always call 999 in an emergency.

Dippers diving

Spring is a vital time of year for wildlife when they are raising their young and will be out searching for food to bring back to their children. When you find that idealylic picnic spot by the river Dove or Manifold, be sure to take a moment to spot dippers diving to get food or bobbing on rocks along the river. After you've finished your picnic, take all the litter that you brought with you home, and keep the rivers and woodlands where birds like the dipper live and eat, free from harmful litter pollution.

Be a guardian of the landscapes that you love and look after the paths, woodlands, wondrous wildlife, rolling hills and vast open spaces that have provided a welcome escape during these difficult times.