After what has felt like one of the longest winters, spring is finally upon us and it feels like a breath of fresh air. There is something about shaking off the winter habits and looking forward to longer days, lighter evenings and recognising the natural changes all around us. Bore Place is a haven for wildlife, and it is a privilege to see our natural world awakening. So here are 10 signs of spring that we always recognise at Bore Place, and this might help you recognise some seasonal changes in your own garden.
1. Snowdrops
Snowdrops are not only one of the first signs of spring, but they are also probably our favourite. They encapsulate the transition from winter to spring perfectly. This year felt even more special with the late flurry of snow we had. As the snow melted, we were left with tiny white embellishments signifying the end of winter and the very start of spring.
2. Great Crested Newts
Here at Bore Place, we are proud to provide a home to our amphibious friends. We have a vast number of ponds on our site, and a guaranteed spot to find them is in our ornamental pond located in Bore Place House gardens. Their spawn is everywhere, having come a bit earlier than usual this year!
3. Wild Garlic
We love our food here at Bore Place and are proud to be certified Soil Association producers. But there is just something different about foraging for wild garlic. It's super easy to identify because you can literally sniff it out, it also has these wonderful dainty white flowers. It is already humming so see if you can find some on your next walk and try out a new recipe, you won't be disappointed.
4. Daffodils
Daffodils are probably one of the most widely recognised signs of spring. If spring were to be identified purely by a colour, it'd have to be yellow. Around Easter our stream lawn is like walking through a field of sunshine, it is always inundated with a variety of daffodils.
5. Bumblebees
The return of our fuzzy friends! The best time to listen out for the buzzing of bees is March/April. The first bees we see are usually the queens, searching for nectar before finding the perfect spot for her colony.
6. Birds Singing
As temperatures start to rise, and days start to lengthen, birds literally burst into song and dance - rejoice better times are ahead! We are fortunate enough to neighbour with Bough Beech Reservoir where you can spot a variety of bird species.
7. Butterflies
As flowers start to appear, so do these beautiful, winged insects. This creates a kaleidoscope of colours throughout natural spaces which continues to bloom as we get further into spring through to summer.
8. Blossom
Every year, we look forward to the explosion of blossom on our trees in Bore Place House gardens. From bud to the bloom, this is always a wonderful sight to behold as the ground is carpeted with delicate petals signifying that we are one step closer to summer.
9. Ducklings
Ducklings are one of the most common animals associated with spring and who doesn't love seeing these tiny fluffy babies swimming alongside their mother ducks, we can't help but smile!
10. Bluebells
Bluebells are one of Britain's most loved and iconic wildflowers, their leaves are already through and the flowers are soon to follow. All over the UK we love to see the deep velvety blue tones of the forest floors around April and May time. Why not plan a Bore Place Trail to come and enjoy them with us?