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Today, on the 20th of March 2024, we joyously welcome the arrival of the first official day of Spring! As the earth awakens from its wintry slumber, signs of renewal and rejuvenation abound, filling our hearts with anticipation and delight. After the long, frosty months of winter, there is a palpable sense of excitement as nature begins to stir once more.

With the advent of Spring, the world around us undergoes a remarkable transformation. The days get longer, bathed in the gentle glow of sunlight, casting a warm embrace upon the land. Though the lingering chill of winter may still linger in the air, there is a promise of milder days ahead, inviting us to shed our heavy coats and embrace the invigorating freshness of the season.

Everywhere we look, signs of new life emerge, painting the landscape with vibrant hues of green and splashes of colour. The tender buds of trees unfurl in eager anticipation, while delicate blossoms adorn the branches, heralding the arrival of springtime in all its glory. The sweet melody of birdsong fills the air, a joyful chorus celebrating the return of warmer days and brighter skies.

For many, the arrival of Spring is a cherished invitation to venture outdoors and immerse oneself in the beauty of the natural world. It is a time for exploration and discovery, as we wander through meadows adorned with the cheerful blooms of daffodils and crocuses, their petals glistening with dewdrops in the morning sun.

In the United Kingdom, the first signs of spring are met with eager anticipation, as the countryside awakens from its winter slumber. The sight of daffodils swaying in the breeze, their golden trumpets heralding the season's arrival, fills us with a sense of hope and renewal. It is a time of rebirth and regeneration, a season brimming with promise and possibility.

As we embrace the arrival of Spring, let us revel in the beauty of nature's awakening, and let us savour each moment as we embark on this enchanting journey through the season of new beginnings.

10 signs of Spring to look out for

Lambs

During the spring a sheep will give birth to between one and three lambs. Most lambs can stand up about an hour after they’re born. A mother sheep can recognise her young from their unique call, known as a ‘bleat’. You will almost definitely see some lambs having fun in the fields together this Spring. 

Frogs

Frogs lay a cluster of eggs, called a frogspawn, and in early spring these hatch into tadpoles. At first, they don’t have any arms or legs, these start to grow a bit later. However, they do have a tail for swimming because frogs lay their eggs partially submerged in water, in a pond, for example.

Longer Days

After the March equinox, countries above the equator line (like the UK) are tilted towards the sun. As a result, these countries get more hours of daylight and warmer temperatures.

Daffodils

These bright, yellow flowers help bring in the new season, thanks to their vibrant colour and the fact that you’ll often see whole clusters of them. Here at Spotty Otter, we love to see daffodils! 

Trees

Similar to flowers there are also trees which blossom earlier on in the spring. So look out for the small buds on their branches that will appear before the flowers do. The trees you should look for are ash, beech, oak and rowan.

Crocuses

Crocuses can be white, yellow or purple. They’re a great source of food for bees and other insects emerging for the first time because they pop up so early. 

Birds

Many birds start to build their nests in early spring, so they’re ready for when it’s time to lay eggs. These include blackbirds and bluetits. You’ll also see birds that are returning to the UK from warmer countries, these are called migratory birds. Some of these include blackcap, chiffchaff, wheatear and sand martin.

Bees

Blossoming trees are a sign that it’s time for bees! With the return of flowering plants and trees, bees emerge from their winter nests and get ready for a new year of nectar collecting.

Bluebells

Believe it or not, over half the world’s population of bluebells live in the UK, and in spring, they’re out in full force!

These strongly-scented blooms form carpets across shady woodland floors from mid-April onwards. Bluebell colonies take a long time to establish, therefore they’re often found in ancient woodland.

Blossom

The white flowers of blackthorn are one of the first blossoms every year – they appear even before the shrub has leaves! Pink blossoms like cherry and apple follow shortly after and pinkish-white hawthorn blossoms in May.

Get ready to embrace the joys of the spring season with your little explorers, as nature awakens from its winter slumber, there are countless signs of spring waiting to be discovered. 

Why not turn your outdoor adventures into a fun-filled scavenger hunt for signs of spring? Encourage your kids to keep their eyes peeled for budding flowers, emerging leaves, busy bees, and singing birds. Challenge them to spot the first signs of springtime critters emerging from their winter hideaways or the subtle changes in the landscape as it transforms from winter grey to spring green.

Capture these magical moments with your camera and share them with us by tagging us in your springtime photographs! Whether you're exploring your backyard, local park, or nearby nature reserve, we'd love to see the beauty of spring through your children's eyes. Let's celebrate the season of renewal together and revel in the wonder of nature's awakening! Don't forget to tag us @spottyotter and use #SpottyOtterAdventures