Luke Massey/2020VISION
Your guide to spring adventures in Cumbria
Spring walks
Discover spring wildlife
Frogspawn! Woodland flowers! Bursting buds! Every sign of new life in spring feels so exciting after a long, cold (and, in Cumbria, pretty damp) winter.
At first, you need to look closely to see the signs, like the tiniest of flowers on hazel trees and the spears of snowdrop leaves piercing through the earth. And then...they're everywhere!
Daffodils sway in the breeze, competing with celandines for the brightest yellow petals. On still, sunny days, early emerging butterflies flit through gardens and grasslands in search of nectar. Birds have started their annual mass sing-off for mates and territory, cutting through the noise of the world with their incredibly varied songs. And bluebells and wild garlic perfume our woodlands with their intoxicating scents.
We're so lucky to be surrounded by all of this beauty. Remember, you can help to protect it by becoming a member.
Barkbooth Lot Bluebells Credit CWT John Gorrigan
Blissful bluebells
It's a breathtaking sight: a lavender-blue haze stretching away from you across the woodland floor, as far as they eye can see.
Bluebells emerge in ancient woodlands in April and May, thriving in the dappled sunlight that breaks through the tree canopy before it's fully grown.
Osprey (pandion haliaetus) fishing, Cairngorms National Park, Scotland © Peter Cairns/2020Vision
The great rush north
During spring migration, birds that have spent their winters in warmer climes further south speed back to their northerly breeding grounds to claim territory and mate.
We see an influx come April, with swallows, house martins, redstarts, willow warblers, pied flycatchers and many more arriving back. Listen out for the distinctive call of the cuckoo – a classic sign of spring.
And don't forget our coastlines, where Arctic and little terns are arriving back and guillemots, razorbills and gannets return from their winters out at sea. Meanwhile, some birds of prey arrive too – like our wonderful #FoulshawOspreys!
Upcoming events this spring
Jon Hawkins, Surrey Hills Photography
Huge, furry zeppelins of the insect world
Professor Dave Goulson explains when to look out for bumblebees emerging and how to tell them apart.
Family spring wildlife activities
Help wildlife at home this spring
Take action in your garden, yard or local area.
Make that difference for the wildlife you love
- Free entry to our nature reserves.
- Free nature reserve guide.
- Cumbrian Wildlife magazine three times a year with accompanying 'What's On' guide.
- Plus more! From just £3.50 a month/£42 a year (based on Individual membership)