Best places to spot signs of spring

It’s hard to beat that spring feeling – the one when you can finally leave the house without a thick coat and feel the sun’s warmth. With our handy guide you can go in search of the top signs of spring near you: from early-morning birdsong to fields of daffodils and bluebell woods. There are also plenty of tips to help the wildlife in your own garden, too.

Spring brings warmer weather and longer days, so it’s the perfect opportunity to take some time out and explore the great outdoors – you could also create a haven for spring in your own back garden. Venture outside and see how many of the below signs of spring you can spot.

When is the spring equinox?

The spring equinox will happen on 20 March 2022. Although this is the official date, you can spot lots of signs of spring just before then. Daffodils, for example, can come out as early February.

Spring wildlife to spot

Places you can see lambs

Newborn lambs are one of the earliest signs of spring, emerging on unsteady legs at farms and in fields all across the country. Lambs and sheep are vital in habitat management, because their grazing helps vegetation to thrive. Discover the best places to see lambs.

Birdspotting tips

You know spring's arrived when the woods and countryside are suddenly full of singing birds again – especially in the early morning. Whether you’re a keen birdwatcher or a beginner, we've got lots of tips for spotting birds and recognising different birdsong.

How we help bees

Spotting bees buzzing around new flowers is one of the signs of spring being well and truly on its way. Several places in our care keep bees, as they play a vital role in pollinating flowers, fruit and vegetables. Find out more about how we're taking care of these busy pollinators.

Spring blossom and blooms

Blossom

Spring is the time when orchards and hedgerows are filled with colourful blossom, which usually appears from early March. Plan your visit to a blossom garden near you, and feel refreshed on a spring walk with your loved ones.

Magnolia tree in flower at Trelissick, Cornwall

Magnolias

From May until September, you can take in the colourful sight of magnolias. They range from pure white to deepest purple and fill the spring air with a sweet scent. Find out where the best magnolia gardens are to visit.

Wisteria

Many gardeners at places we care for carefully prune wisteria during winter in preparation for spring. The blooms appear from May or June. The striking lilac flowers of wisteria grow in fluffy clouds and are hardy climbers, growing up to 10 metres in height.

Spring flowers

A field of daffodils at Wimpole Estate, Cambridgeshire

Places to see daffodils

Daffodils are one of the classic signs of spring, adding pops of colour to banks, flowerbeds and fields from late February through until May. They're even the national emblem of Wales. Plan your visit to spot them with your loved ones.

A winding woodland path lined with bluebells

Bluebells near you

You can discover the top places near you to see bluebells, understand how we look after bluebells at places we care for and get planting tips from our gardeners. Plan your spring day out to visit the best places to see bluebells.

Make wild memories

Heading outside this spring? With warmer weather and more hours of daylight, it’s the perfect opportunity to slow down and explore the world around you. If you’re not sure where to start then have a go at these top tips: specially designed to awaken your senses, lead you to new discoveries and help you make the most of the season.

Learn to identify plants and animals
There’s something satisfying about being able to name a wild flower in a hedgerow, or a bird soaring overhead. All you need to do is pick up a wildlife identification book or download an app, then head outside and practise. You could even start a nature journal to note down all your favourite sightings.

Experience the dawn chorus
Even if you’re not a morning person, the dawn choruses of May and early June are worth waking up for. Try getting into position an hour before sunrise for the best chance of hearing the birds: woodlands are usually the best place, but you could also try the local park or even your back garden.

Create some wild art
Nature has been inspiring artists since the earliest cave drawings, so why not let it inspire you too? Take a sketchbook out on a walk to draw the details and landscapes you discover, or practise taking creative photos with your phone or camera. You could even make art from the natural materials around you like broken twigs, lost feathers and fallen leaves.

Give wildlife a hand
Birds can struggle to find food in early spring, so it’s worth putting a feeder in your garden – they’re easy to make using lard and birdseed. You could also build a pile of rocks and dead wood to make the perfect home for insects, or create some seed balls to throw into your flower beds. Eventually they’ll bloom and bring colour to the garden, as well as making a tasty snack for bees and other insects.

Ideas to help wildlife where you are

Gently squash the mixture into all the holes in your pine cone

How to make a bird feeder

Putting a feeder in your garden helps the local bird populations to thrive, and also means that you can attract birds to your garden. Why not help the kids get crafty with this guide to making a bird feeder, and then see how many new visitors you get in your garden?

How to make wildflower seed balls

Why not add a splash of colour to the garden and provide a tasty snack for local bees and insects at the same time? Get little hands stuck in with these easy wildflower seed balls that you can just toss into the flowerbeds.