Although the weather still feels chilly, new life is starting to emerge, with the promise that spring is just round the corner. If the longer, lighter days have you itching to get back outdoors and into nature, we've shared some of our favourite things to see and do this March to get you inspired.
What to see and do in March
As the days get longer and new signs of life appear, March is a perfect time to get out and reconnect with nature. Here are some of our tips for things to see and do this month.
Appreciate the signs of spring on a mindful walk
Consciously making time to get outside and observe the nature around you can really benefit your wellbeing, and this is a lovely time of year to do just that. The signs of spring are a welcome sight after the cold and dark of winter; why not take a mindful walk and see how many you can spot?
Try to take note of the new sights and sounds of the season - the evenings will be lighter, the dawn chorus will be louder, daffodils will be coming into bloom, and you may spot the occasional early spring pollinators like bees and butterflies. Take a look at our blog below for some inspiration on where to go for your next springtime walk.
Daffodils (c) Ross Hoddinott/2020VISION
...or capture them with your camera
If you're a keen photographer, make sure to bring your camera with you on your walks this month - the theme for our monthly photo competition in March is 'Signs of Spring'.
Slowing down to capture those signs of new life is another great way to connect with nature mindfully. Look out for early blossom, buds opening, spring migrant birds, birds building nests, or perhaps even a wild courtship ritual!
Send in your entries by 16th March for your chance to have your photo included on our wildlife calendar for 2027, along with your very own copy of the calendar!
Blackthorn blossom by Guy Edwardes/2020VISION
Watch out for the arrival of migrant birds
Some of the earliest spring migrant birds will start arriving on our shores in March from their wintering grounds in Africa or southern Europe (depending on the species), in search of places to nest, feed and breed.
Look and listen out for species such as the chiffchaff, wheatear, blackcap, sand martin, and of course, the magnificent osprey; a frequent visitor to Brockholes in recent summers! Learn more about our spring and summer visitors, plus how and where to spot them on our nature reserves, below.
Which spring and summer migrant birds can you see in our region?
Peter Cairns/2020VISION
Take steps for nature with the Hedgehog Walk
This spring, join The Wildlife Trusts and Timmy Time for a wild adventure that helps protect nature! From 30th March to 30th April, little legs across the country will be taking big steps for wildlife in The Hedgehog Walk – a fun and family-friendly fundraising challenge.
We’re on a mission to create more safe spaces for hedgehogs like Apricot and badgers like Stripey to thrive. That’s why we’re inviting families, schools, clubs and learning groups to walk 3km and raise vital funds for nature.
Sign up now and get your fundraising pack, including posters, factsheets and activity sheets.
Look out for courtship rituals
March is a great time to keep an eye out for some unique displays of animal courtship! Hormones are running high and many species are getting ready to mate at this time of year, making for some wonderful wildlife spectacles.
Look out for boxing hares at Brockholes, great crested grebes performing their elegant courtship dance at Mere Sands Wood or Wigan Flashes, and male buzzards swooping through the sky in a rollercoaster display to attract a mate.
How much do you know about courtship rituals in the animal kingdom? Take our quiz and test your knowledge!
Andy Rouse/2020VISION
Engage your little ones with nature
If you are a parent, grandparent or guardian looking to introduce your little ones to the natural world, we've plenty of events taking place this month that will do just that.
Come along to Nature Tots at Brockholes & Heysham Nature Reserves, suitable for children 15 months to 5 years old. Each session has a different theme and activities include nature art, sensory strolls, story time, bug hunts, games, crafts and more.
Brockholes Toddle Together is a chance for toddlers and pre-schoolers to explore the reserve and learn about nature on buggy-friendly paths, while our weekly Brockholes Pram Walk allows parents & carers to get plenty of fresh air, exercise and meet other people while enjoying a brisk walk. Our Family-friendly Nature Walk at Lunt Meadows is a chance to gently stroll around the reserve while learning about the wildlife you can see there. See below for dates and to book on!
Share your sightings with us
As the seasons change and new life bursts forth on our nature reserves and beyond, we'd love to know what you've spotted!
Reporting your wildlife sightings to us helps us track seasonal trends, allowing us to build a picture of the health of the flora and fauna on our reserves. We also love to share your photos with our followers on social media, and on our monthly blog. Share your sightings with us via the link below.
Chiffchaff by Ged Gill
Take a tour of Brockholes
Join our experienced Guided Walk Leaders for a fascinating tour of Brockholes and find out more about the wildlife, history and conservation aims at the reserve.
The walk will be at a gentle pace, with lots of stopping to look at points of interest and watch the wildlife.
Learn a new skill at the Greenhouse Project
The Greenhouses at Witton Park in Blackburn are hosting a series of workshops with local artists on Saturday 14 March. Sessions include foraging, Japanese book binding, spring-inspired clay art, and a gemstone wire tree workshop.
Come along and learn some new skills while helping raise vital funds for this wonderful project!
A.J.Critch Wildlife
Look after your local beach
Join us on Fleetwood Beach to explore the strandline and pick up litter and plastic off the beach in a bid to help nature thrive!
No need to book, turn up on the day - all equipment will be provided.
Rachel Glascott LWT
Plan ahead for the Easter holidays
Looking ahead further into spring, there's a packed calendar of wild events to look forward to! Keep an eye on our events page for some exciting Easter events coming soon at our nature reserves...
Brown hare by Andrew Parkinson/2020VISION
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