Although the weather still feels chilly, new life is starting to emerge, with the promise that spring is just round the corner. If the longer, lighter days have you itching to get back outdoors and into nature, we've shared some of our favourite things to see and do this March to get you inspired.
Consciously making time to get outside and observe the nature around you can really benefit your wellbeing, and this is a lovely time of year to do just that. The signs of spring are a welcome sight after the cold and dark of winter; why not take a mindful walk and see how many you can spot?
Try to take note of the new sights and sounds of the season - the evenings will be lighter, daffodils will be coming into bloom, blossom may be appearing, and you may spot the earliest spring pollinators like bees and butterflies. Take a look at our blog below for some inspiration on where to go for your next springtime walk.
Daffodils (c) Ross Hoddinott/2020VISION
If you're a keen photographer, make sure to bring your camera with you on your springtime walks - the theme for our monthly photo competition in March is 'Signs of Spring'.
Slowing down to capture those signs of new life is another great way to connect with nature mindfully. Look out for early blossom, buds opening, spring migrant birds, or perhaps even a wild courtship ritual!
Send in your entries by 16th March for your chance to have your photo included on our wildlife calendar for 2026, along with your very own copy of the calendar!
Blackthorn blossom by Guy Edwardes/2020VISION
The earliest spring migrant birds start arriving on our shores in March from their wintering grounds in Africa or southern Europe (depending on the species), in search of places to nest and feed.
Look and listen out for species such as the chiffchaff, wheatear, blackcap, sand martin, and of course, the magnificent osprey! Learn more about our spring and summer visitors, plus how and where to spot them on our nature reserves, below.
Which spring and summer migrant birds can you see in our region?
Peter Cairns/2020VISION
Brand new for 2025, come along to Brockholes for our Stride Through Nature walk, designed with wellbeing and fitness in mind! Join our guided walk leaders on a group walk round the reserve, and experience all the mental and physical benefits of spending time in nature and chatting with your fellow walkers.
Ben Hall/2020VISION
March is a great time to keep an eye out for some unique displays of animal courtship! Hormones are running high and many species are getting ready to mate at this time of year, making for some wonderful wildlife spectacles.
Look out for boxing hares at Brockholes, great crested grebes performing their elegant courtship dance at Mere Sands Wood or Wigan Flashes, and male buzzards swooping through the sky in a rollercoaster display to attract a mate.
Andy Rouse/2020VISION
If you are a parent, grandparent or guardian looking to introduce your little ones to wildlife and the natural world, come along to Nature Tots! Suitable for children 15 months to 5 years old, each session has a different theme and activities include nature art, sensory strolls, story time, bug hunts, games, crafts and much more.
Sessions run throughout March at Brockholes, Heysham and Lunt Meadows nature reserves. Come along and explore nature on your doorstep!
Come along to North Lancashire Wildlife Group's talk about the incredible lifestyle of these iconic birds, swifts. One of our most beloved summer migrant species, this talk will shed light on everything from their migration, life on the wing, to the threats they're facing, how we can help them and more.
David Tipling/2020VISION
Come along to our 'Build a nest box' workshop at the Gregson Arts and Community Centre in Lancaster, where we'll be building bird boxes to be installed in green spaces around the city, providing essential homes for local birds.
The session will provide all the materials you need to put together your nest box, and is suitable for families with children 5 and over.
Join us at Brockholes and be taken on a virtual journey through the night skies of Lancashire, from our planetary neighbours to distant galaxies.
Find out what can be seen with the naked eye, basic equipment and more advanced equipment. If we have clear skies, here will be an opportunity to view some of these sights yourself! Not to mention, a delicious pie and pies supper will be served during the break.
Join us for our first Artisan Markets of 2025! Based on our floating Visitor Village at Brockholes, our markets run from 10am until 4pm and give you the chance to browse wares from local artisan businesses.
Whether you're looking for a Mother's Day gift, a birthday present or just a chance to treat yourself, come along and shop for something unique and take in the springtime sights and sounds of our beautiful nature reserve.
Looking ahead further into spring, there's a packed calendar of wild events to look forward to! If you're looking for fun days out over the Easter period, look no further than our bat walks at Brockholes and Lunt Meadows, our Toddle Together sessions, a wildlife photography workshop, a local history walk, and much more...
