A season of new beginnings
As days grow longer and temperatures begin to rise, gardens and outdoor spaces start to become busier. New growth appears, more flowers begin to open and insects become increasingly active. It’s a great time to look closely and notice how quickly your patch can change.
What might you notice?
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What's Flowering?
Look for early flowers opening as spring progresses. These can provide valuable nectar and pollen for insects becoming active after winter.
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Who's Visiting?
Watch for bees, hoverflies, butterflies and other insects beginning to appear more regularly as warmer days arrive.
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What's Changing?
Look for fresh leaves, new shoots, nesting activity and other signs that plants and wildlife are becoming more active.
Ways to help this spring
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Grow Spring Flowers
Grow a variety of flowering plants to provide nectar and pollen as more pollinators become active.
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Provide Water
Offer a shallow source of fresh water and include stones or other safe landing places so visiting insects can reach it easily.
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Give Nesting Wildlife Space
Look carefully before cutting back plants, moving materials or disturbing sheltered areas where wildlife may be nesting.
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Don't Tidy Too Quickly
Leave some stems, leaves and sheltered corners undisturbed while wildlife that used them through winter begins to emerge.
Watch spring unfold
Spring can change quickly, so take a little time to notice what appears from week to week. Record the first flowers you see, the wildlife that visits and the changes happening around your patch — you may be surprised by how much there is to discover.