After the cold darkness of winter, the sights, sounds and smells of life slowly begin to return. Although it is still some time away, the first indications of spring can often be observed as early as late January and throughout February.
Whether you’re exploring your local park, tending to your garden, or simply observing the world outside your window, the transition into spring is a truly magical period. It’s fascinating for all ages to witness.
In this blog, we’ll show you the early signs of spring to look out for when you’re out on your next outdoor adventure, from blossoming flowers to the sound of birds singing.
When does spring officially start?
In the UK, spring actually has two official start dates:
- Meteorological: March 1st – 31st May
This date is used by weather scientists (meteorologists) and the Met Office. They divide the year into four equal quarters to make it easier to calculate average temperatures and rainfall.
- Astronomical: near March 20th
According to the Earth’s orbit around the sun, this date is the “true” start of spring. Known as the Spring Equinox, this is when day and night are almost exactly the same length (12 hours each).
The two official start dates for spring highlight that the seasonal shift is not a single moment, but a gradual transformation. Whichever date you choose to mark the season, nature is always the most reliable way of spotting that the warmer weather and longer days are on their way.
Five signs of spring
If you’re outside with the kids, there are plenty of beautiful and subtle signs of spring that you can start seeing right now, even before the calendar officially says so! From flowers blooming to the appearance of frogspawn, we’ll guide you on where and how to find these early signs, so you can become a true spring spotting expert.
1. Flowers begin to bloom
One of the earliest signs that spring is coming is the first flowers blooming. In particular, snowdrops (delicate little white flowers) start to emerge as early as January. As hardy early-flowering plants, they can survive the harshness of winter because their leaves contain a substance that acts like antifreeze, allowing them to push through frozen ground and even bloom under a layer of snow. Other flowers, such as crocuses, primroses, and yellow daffodils, are also among the first to appear by mid February/early March.
How to spot:
You can commonly see these spring-time flowers across woodlands, local parks, and even roadside verges. In the UK, famous and spectacular displays of snowdrops can be found at Anglesey Abbey in Cambridgeshire and Welford Park in Berkshire, both of which attract thousands of visitors each year eager to witness the white bloom.
2. Birds start to sing
For the next early sign of spring, all you have to do is look up and listen to the twittering sounds of birds. From late winter onwards, native species such as robins, blackbirds, and blue tits sing more frequently and start to build nests for their young. As day hours lengthen, birds’ hormones respond to the increase in light, encouraging males to attract mates through tuneful melodies. The louder the song, the stronger and more attractive he is to a potential partner. Hence, the famous “dawn chorus” grows more prominent through March and April.
How to spot:
Simply open your window or step outside in the early hours of the morning and listen quietly. Birdsong can be heard almost everywhere, from gardens and hedgerows to parks and cities. Try using a bird app or picture guide to identify the different calls. For example, chiffchaffs are named for their distinctive, repetitive “chiff-chaff” sound, whereas a house sparrow tends to sing a monotonous “cheep-cheep” tune.
3. Frogspawn in the ponds
From the skies to the water, frogs and toads begin to stir after spending winter hidden in mud, leaf piles, and compost heaps, also known as “brumation” for cold-blooded animals. Once the weather turns milder, they migrate back to ponds using their sense of smell to breed and lay eggs (frogspawn) in a safe, aquatic environment. Each clump of spawn can contain hundreds of eggs, and they require the sun’s heat to keep the embryo inside warm and protected whilst growing into tadpoles.
How to spot:
You can find frogspawn in garden or park ponds, nature reserves, and wetlands. Look closely at the edge in calm, shallow water for clear, jelly-like clumps with tiny black dots inside. Encourage children to just watch without touching, as handling the spawn can stop them from developing properly. If you visit the same pond each week, you’ll be able to witness the changes right before your eyes, from eggs to tadpoles to tiny froglets.
4. Insects emerge
With more flowers blooming and plants growing, it’s time for the insects to awaken from their winter slumber. Many have remained hidden in soil, bark, or sheltered crevices in a dormant state called “diapause”, which slows their metabolism down and conserves energy. By March, queen bumblebees and butterflies are ready to emerge and pollinate nectar-rich flowers, while also looking for suitable nesting sites. Ultimately, the return of insects plays a vital role in supporting the whole web of life, helping plants grow while feeding birds and other wildlife.
How to spot:
Take a magnifying glass or bug viewer, and search in gardens, flowerbeds, parks, and woodlands. Bees are often seen around early flowers, while butterflies may rest on warm paths or walls. Other creepy crawlies like spiders, beetles, and ladybirds can be found on leaves, under rocks, or scurrying across the ground.
5. Longer days and lighter evenings
Finally, one of the more noticeable signs of spring is the longer daylight hours. Countries above the equator line (like the UK) are gradually tilted closer to the sun, resulting in warmer temperatures, brighter mornings/evenings, plant growth and the end of hibernation for many animals. With longer days and more natural light, it’s no surprise we spend much more time outdoors. In turn, this boosts our Vitamin D levels and regulates our circadian rhythm, resulting in improved mood, better sleep, and higher energy levels.
How to spot:
Take a short evening walk and watch how the sky changes from blue to a pinky-orange colour. Children could keep a simple diary of when it gets dark each week, tracking the time of sunset as the weeks pass. To make the most of it, go on a family bike ride or play a game of football in the garden to soak up the extra evening light and celebrate the arrival of spring together!
Spot the first signs of spring on a PGL kids’ camp!
If you’re looking to make the most of the warmer weather and longer days, why not book an action-packed PGL kids’ camp this Easter or May half-term?
We offer a huge range of exciting adventure activities to help your child thrive outdoors, make new friends, and create unforgettable memories. These include forest walks, canoeing, archery, orienteering, raft building, and much, more more!
Plus, with food, drink, equipment and accommodation all included in the price, everything is taken care of from start to finish. Our activity centres are spread across the UK, so you can be sure there’s a camp near you. Explore each of our Spring locations below:
North Yorkshire, Newby Wiske Hall
Make Spring their time to shine. Shake off the depths of winter, get outdoors and discover what your kid is capable of with an Easter holiday or May half-term camps.
For more details about our multi-activity camps at Easter and May Half Term, get in touch with our friendly team, where no question is too big or small.
