Brimstone and tortoiseshell butterflies have woken up and a few bees are busy around bright spring flowers. Cheerful, impatient birdsong from robins, song thrushes, blackbirds and the newly arrived onomatopoeic chiffchaff carries on the wind. 

Bursting with bluebells

Our woodlands will soon burst into colour with beautiful carpets of bluebells. The sight of a sun-dappled woodlands where the flowers stretch as far as the eye can see is one many of us anticipate keenly each year – the sight and smell is a balm to our senses.

Start planning your visit to Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s reserves including North Cliffe Wood near Market Weighton, Grass Wood near Grassington or Chafer Wood near Scarborough.

Look out too for other stars of the spring flower display including anemones, lily of the valley and dog’s mercury. 

Wonderful wild garlic

The fragrant scent of wild garlic also peppers our woodlands and is a wonderful punchy addition to salads, stir fries or pesto. If you’re heading out to forage, make sure you do so responsibly. Tread lightly and take only as much as you need, cutting bright, healthy leaves here and there but leaving plenty behind so it can return. With mindful foraging, both people and wildlife can enjoy wild garlic. And as always, if you’re in any doubt, leave it and let it grow.

Tread carefully to protect our spring spectacles

Bluebells are delicate and it takes between five and seven years for a plant to establish – help us protect wild places by staying on paths and following signs. With so many birds building their nests low to or on the ground, please do keep dogs on a lead or close to heel and leave no evidence, only footprints from a peaceful visit.

The natural world can bring a lightness to and ground us in the moment, helping anxious, busy minds to slow down, a solace in these concerning times. After a long winter, spring brings new life, colour and joy to our lives. A reason to be hopeful - small, but powerful.