Signs of Spring

After winter without leaves and a dearth of life, the Celtic rainforest is coming to life. However, the interesting thing about the Celtic rainforest is that the mossy carpet in the winter keep the forest glowing green even in the depth of winter. In spring the rich tapestry of life is even fuller, with many species coming out of the woodworks.

Spring begins in the Astronomical calendar on 20 March, or one day either side. It is named the equinox - when daylight and dark hours become equal and marks the first day of spring (or autumn later in the year). The word equinox comes from the Latin aequs (equal) and nox (night). However the meteorological calendar splits the year into quarters based on annual temperature cycles for statistical purposes. This calendar defines spring as starting on 1 March and lasting until 31 May.

However that spring feeling of hope and light can begin from when the first snowdrop comes out. Many signs of spring in the natural world do appear in and around March.

Firstly, you might notice green shoots of plants emerging from the forest floor, a sure sign that winter is over and spring has returned. Already in February there are early Wild Garlic leaves blooming and in March the flowers will fill the air with pungent aroma, and a carpet of white flowers will be a feast for the eyes. Colour is not in short supply with yellow Daffodils and primroses, and Lesser Celandine adding to the rich tapestry which comprises the forest floor.

April meaning in Latin is the opening of a leaf, a fitting name for a month when life fully returns to our woodlands. Bluebells will emerge, which is not a sight to be missed. These early spring flowers thrive in the abundant light available in early spring before the woodland canopy fully emerges. Trees will begin to sprout foliage and emerge from their hibernation. Bright, fresh new leaves of Hawthorn and Oak will begin to sprout enlivening the forest floor. Catkins will be seen hanging from the willow. Hazel buds will emerge early in February bursting in life.

Butterflies and bees will begin to emerge feasting on early flowering trees such as the blackthorn, wild cherry and crab apple. These early flowering trees provide a useful nectar source with their pink and white flowers. Overwintering species such as Red Admiral and Orange Tips will float up and down amidst the flowers in the forest. as spring progresses. Butterflies in the UK have been in rapid decline since the 1970s (Butterfly conservation). Therefore, these early flowering trees are taking on ever increasing importance in our landscape.

In terms of the senses, you might hear a woodland orchestra chirping a way as migratory birds such as the Chiffchaff and Blackcap return from Europe. As insects are renewed, they will be greeted with a feast with which to rear their young. Birds such as the redstart, the pied flycatcher, the wood warbler can be heard. The woodpecker will be tapping away to mark its territory and the cheerful sound of the cuckoo can be heard.

In terms of mammals the hedgehog will emerge from his winter rest, crawling slowly along the ground, and badgers will also awaken to spring.

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