From fresh daffodils adorning the hedgerows, to the smell of wild garlic filling woodlands, to the delightful song of chiffchaffs – the British countryside comes to life in the spring months!
Why not make your family walks extra exciting this March with a scavenger hunt?
Simply see how many of these wild flowers, insects and animals you can spot!
Daffodil
Photo by Niklas Ohlrogge on Unsplash
These cheery yellow flowers bloom even in the harshest conditions – flowering in gardens, parks and woodlands from February to May. They come in lots of different varieties, in a range of yellows, creams and whites!
Primrose
Photo by henry perks on Unsplash
The primrose is one of Britain’s most well-loved spring flowers with its pale yellow petals and green, crinkled leaves – emerging between March and May. Cultivated forms, known as ‘polyanthus’ flower in a variety of colours including purple, red and pink – these are unusually found in gardens and parks.
Snowdrop
Photo by Yoksel ???? Zok on Unsplash
Bringing beauty and light to parks and woodlands, snowdrops are some of the earliest spring flowers to bloom – emerging as soon as January!
Wild Garlic
Photo by Timo C. Dinger on Unsplash
Famous for its tasty leaves – great for making soups and pestos – wild garlic also has beautiful white flowers! Spot them in woodlands and hedgerows across the UK!
Chiffchaff
Photo by Bob Robinson
With its olive-brown colour and distinctive tail-wagging movement, seeing or hearing a chiffchaff is a sure sign of spring! Listen out for the simple two-note song: “chiff-chaff, chiff-chaff, chiff-chaff”.
Red Admiral butterfly
Photo by ian kelsall on Unsplash
Red Admirals are one of the first butterflies to be seen flying in early spring. They are quite easy to identify due to their striking brown, white and orange pattern.
Great Tit
Photo by Bob Robinson
Traditionally a woodland bird, Great tits have adapted to living in garden and parks accross Britain. They are the largest UK tit. Look out for their green and yellow body, glossy black head and white cheeks. If you have a bird feeder in your garden you may be lucky enough to spot one on there!
Crocus
Photo by Yoksel ???? Zok on Unsplash
Coming out between February and April. Crocuses are some of the cheeriest spring flowers – providing masses of pollen for early queen bumblebees. Look out for their beautiful purple flowers!
Hedgehogs
Photo by Bob Robinson
March and April is when hedgehogs emerge from their winter hibernation! They can be spotted in woodland edges, hedges, farmland, parks and gardens. Help local hedgehogs by putting food in an accessible place and making sure your garden fence provides a safe passage for them!
Meloe (Oil Beetles)
Photo by Bogdan Costin on Unsplash
These large, glossy-black beetles can be found lumbering along coastal footpaths or chalky hillsides from the end of February!
How many will you spot on your nature walk this Spring? Get outdoors and get spotting!
The Buttercup Team
