I’ve really enjoyed looking for the first signs of spring this year, so I thought I would put together a guide in case you would like to do the same.

Whether you’re taking a countryside walk, visiting your local park, or simply observing your garden, there are plenty of clues that spring is on its way. Here are some key signs to look out for.

Early Blooming Flowers

One of the most iconic signs of spring is the appearance of early blooming flowers. These resilient plants break through the frosty ground, bringing much-needed colour to the landscape.

• Snowdrops – Often the first to emerge, snowdrops (Galanthus) push up through the soil as early as January, offering delicate white blooms that nod gently in the breeze.
• Crocuses – These vibrant purple, yellow, and white flowers start to appear in parks and gardens in late winter, providing an important nectar source for early-emerging insects.
• Daffodils – Perhaps the most famous herald of spring, daffodils (Narcissus) burst into bloom from February onwards, carpeting roadsides and gardens with their cheerful yellow petals.
• Primroses – These pale yellow flowers begin appearing in woodlands and grassy banks, adding a soft splash of colour to the countryside.

Budding Trees and Shrubs

As daylight increases, trees and shrubs start to show signs of renewal. Look for the swelling of buds and the first hints of fresh green leaves.

• Hazel Catkins – Also known as “lamb’s tails,” hazel catkins dangle from branches as early as February, dispersing pollen into the air.
• Blackthorn Blossom – This tree produces delicate white flowers before its leaves emerge, often appearing in hedgerows by early March.
• Hawthorn Buds – Often referred to as the ‘May tree’ for its later blossoms, hawthorn begins showing bright green buds in early spring.

Returning Birds and Birdsongs

Spring is a busy time for birds as they prepare for breeding season. Listen carefully, and you’ll hear the increasing volume and variety of birdsong as male birds sing to establish their territories.

• Robins – These cheerful, red-breasted birds sing all year, but their song becomes more prominent in early spring as they defend their nesting sites.
• Blackbirds and Song Thrushes – Both species are among the earliest singers in the morning chorus, often heard before dawn.
• Chiffchaffs – These small warblers arrive in the UK from Africa around March, their distinctive “chiff-chaff” call announcing their presence.
• Swallows and House Martins – Though slightly later arrivals, usually appearing in April, the first sighting of these birds signals that warmer days are near.

Emerging Wildlife

As temperatures rise, insects and animals begin to stir from their winter dormancy.

• Bees and Butterflies – Look for the first bumblebees, particularly the buff-tailed bumblebee, as well as butterflies like the brimstone, peacock, and small tortoiseshell.
• Frogs and Toads – Ponds and wetlands come alive as amphibians return to the water to spawn, with clusters of frogspawn appearing as early as February.
• Hedgehogs – These nocturnal creatures begin to emerge from hibernation, often seeking food in gardens.

Spring is a season of renewal, and nature provides plenty of clues if you know where to look. Whether it’s the first delicate snowdrops, the song of a blackbird, or the buzzing of a bee, these signs remind us that winter is fading and brighter days lie ahead. So, take a moment to observe the world around you – spring is just around the corner!