Spring on the estate

Hawfinch Watch

In March hawfinch season begins in earnest – these hard to see birds always draw a crowd and at this time of year they can be spotted most mornings in the car park. You can join expert ranger Rob on selected Fridays for Hawfinch Watch.

Feel good flowers

In May, spring walks reveal the best places to spot bluebells – find them in the woods at Brigsteer, Holeslack and Low Park, all good walking loops from the café. Bluebells will also be popping up in Dog Kennel Wood.

Daffodils arrive in early March and carpet Brigsteer Wood, where rangers will be finishing off their winter work and starting to collect the wood from winter felling.

Late May is the start of orchid season and the best places to see them are Helsington Barrows, Sizergh Fell and Lane End. Also in bloom are wild garlic, primroses, wood anemone and cowslips.

Birds and butterflies

If you’re down by the wetland at Park End, listen out for reed warbers and sedge warblers which you’ll be able to see and hear from the path in late April. From then on, they can be seen throughout the spring and summer (along marsh harriers if you’re lucky) singing from the reeds whilst you’re sitting in the hide.

Swallows return to the wetland in May too, and listen out for the distinctive call of the chiffchaff in Sizergh’s woodland. Keep an eye out for the greater spotted woodpecker, bullfinches, kestrels and buzzards.

The rangers’ butterfly transect begins in April, often picking up early brimstone and peacock butterflies. Butterflies can be seen throughout the spring, such as the bright yellow brimstone variety.

The team will be carrying out botanical surveys, orchid monitoring and invasive species control at this time of year. Recently planted trees will be taking root and establishing themselves.