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 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 a range of fascinating tours of Brockholes and learn all about our wildlife, local history and the conservation work that we do on the reserve.
Our pollinators are emerging, and you'll be likely to see more bees and butterflies in your garden, local park or nature reserve this month. Why not see how many species you can spot?
Discover more about these busy springtime pollinators
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
Embark on a journey of exploration and discovery with our guided walks across the Fylde Sand Dunes.
Led by passionate volunteers of the Fylde Sand Dunes Project, these guided walks offer a unique opportunity to delve into the wonders of our local dune ecosystem. Whether you're a seasoned naturalist or simply curious about the natural world, these walks offer an enriching experience for all ages.
Come along and be part of our mission to enhance nature conservation, public appreciation, and enjoyment of the dunes.
Discover the mysterious muddy creatures living in the Ribble Estuary as we delve into the muddy depths to uncover hidden animals, including worms, shrimps, snails, and captivating shells that employ a unique burying technique with their giant foot!
Our expert guides will be on hand to assist you in searching, identifying, and learning about your fascinating discoveries.
Don't forget your wellies and prepare for a muddy adventure!
Celebrate the Spring season at Brockholes by creating your very own spring themed craft!
Join us for child-friendly crafting activities and let your imagination run wild. Choose your craft on the day and create something special this spring.
Dates: 5th April, 7th April, 11th April, 12th April, 13th April
We provide all the supplies—just bring yourselves!
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 and insects interact with the water or even the vast and beautiful nature 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 wildlife calendar for 2026, along with your very own copy of the calendar.
The Mad Hatter is having a tea party at Brockholes this Easter and you are all invited! Join us on the 21st April 2025 for a magical afternoon filled with frivolous, fabulous fun, perfect for the whole family.
We will have a whole host of fun filled activities for the whole family to get involved with, such as: a delicious buffet, fancy dress, a disco, party games and much more.
Don’t be late for this very important date!
