Spring is now well underway, and with it comes a rush of wonderful sights, sounds and colours as woodland flowers start to bloom, birds build their nests, pollinators emerge and blossom coats our trees.
Here are some of our favourite things to see and do in April...
Chris Lawrence
One of the most iconic and beautiful signs of spring is the sight of our woodlands carpeted with bluebells. Take a walk in some of our region's ancient woodlands this month and you're likely to see them in full bloom! Learn all about bluebells, and where you can spot them at our reserves, below.
Bluebells (c) Luke Massey/2020VISION
Speaking of bluebells, one of our favourite places to see them is Boilton Wood, right on the doorstep of Brockholes Nature Reserve.
Why not incorporate a guided walk into your bluebell-spotting adventures? Join our Guided Walk Leaders on one of our fascinating tours of Brockholes and learn all about our spring flora and fauna, and the conservation work that we do on the reserve.
Our pollinators are emerging again, and you'll be likely to see more bees and butterflies in your garden, local park or nature reserve this month as the weather warms up. Why not see how many species you can spot? Below we've rounded up some of the earliest spring bees you're likely to see at this time of year.
Buff-tailed BumbleBee © Jon Hawkins Surrey Hills Photography
We're all likely to be busy in our gardens, yards and balconies this month planting seeds, watching our spring bulbs emerge and readying our spaces for summer.
Whilst you're working through your spring gardening to-do list, why not take a couple of extra steps to make some wildlife-friendly adjustments to your garden? Our gardens can be a real lifeline for wildlife, and taking just a few small actions can make a world of difference to the creatures on our doorsteps.
Learn more about what you can do in your garden this month to help wildlife:
Our My Wild Garden award
Many more migrant birds continue to reach our shores throughout April from their wintering grounds in Africa, with several beloved species including swallows, swifts, house martins and more starting to arrive here from April onwards.
Look out for house martins returning to their mud nests in the eaves of houses, swallows perched on wires, and swifts whirling around in groups above rooftops.
Which spring and summer migrant birds can you see in our region?
© Alan Price/Gatehouse Studio
Our reserves are home to some of the most picturesque lakes, ponds, streams and wetlands which is why the theme for April’s photography competition is ‘Waterways and Wetlands’.
Take your camera with you on your next adventure and capture the incredible beauty of water. This could be the reflections you see, a beautiful stream or river flowing, the way that animals interact with the water or even the vast landscapes of our wetland habitats; the opportunities are endless!
Send in your entries by 16th April for your chance to have your photo included on our 2027 wildlife calendar, along with your very own copy of the calendar.
Hop over to Brockholes this Easter between 28th March and 12th April for a whole host of seasonal fun to keep the whole family entertained! From fancy dress discos and daily craft clubs to guided walks, orienteering challenges and the return of our artisan markets - we've got something for everyone.
This Easter weekend, come along to Lunt Meadows and embark on a self-led trail where your little ones can discover the range of wonderful wildlife and habitats at the reserve, all whilst taking part in a fun Easter egg hunt.
On completion, be sure to head back to our learning centre to collect your Easter-themed reward and take part in some fun crafts - and don't miss the surprise visit from the Easter Bunny!
Hare at Lunt Credit Bob Hurrell
One of our most popular events of the year is back this April - our guided bat walks! Come along to Brockholes to learn about these fascinating nocturnal creatures and enjoy a brew and biscuit before heading out on an evening walk around the reserve to see if any bats can be spotted.
Tom Marshall
If you're looking to learn a new skill or take part in some mindful, hands-on crafting activities this spring, we have a range of craft sessions taking place.
Come along to our willow bunny workshop at Heysham Nature Reserve where you and the family can make a willow bunny to use as a wreath decoration this Easter, and take part in a spring trail around the reserve.
Or join us at the Greenhouse Project for creative workshops where you can learn to use traditional hand tools to craft a wooden stool, or learn lino printing techniques and decorate seed packets to take home.
Willow bunny workshop, Heysham Nature Reserve - Thursday 9th April, 10.30am
Wooden stool making workshop, Witton Greenhouses - Saturday 25th April, 10am
Lino printing workshop, Witton Greenhouses - Saturday 25th April, 10am
Lino printed seed packets with Ian Halawi - only to be used for this artist's workshops
Beautiful bluebells. Credit Laura Cronin
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