Springtime is coming, and although spring doesn't officially begin until 20 March this year, new life is already starting to spring up around us. If the (slightly) warmer weather and longer days have you itching to get back outdoors and into nature, we've shared some of our favourite things to see and do this month to get you inspired.
Daffodils (c) Ross Hoddinott/2020VISION
Consciously making the time to get outside and take in the nature around you is something that 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 slow down and notice the sights and sounds of the season; the evenings will be lighter, daffodils will be coming into bloom, blossom may be starting to appear on the trees, and you may spot some early spring pollinators like bees and butterflies starting to emerge. Take a look at our blog below for some inspiration on where to go for your next springtime walk!
Blackthorn blossom by Guy Edwardes/2020VISION
If you're a keen photographer, make sure to take your camera out with you whilst you enjoy those 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 a wonderful way to get creative on your mindfulness walks; or even in your own garden. Look out for budding blooms, colour returning to bare trees, spring migrant birds, or perhaps even a courtship ritual! Send in your entries by 31 March for your chance to win a £100 in focus voucher and have your image displayed at our visitor centres.
Wood anemone by Mark Hamblin/2020VISION
The earliest spring migrant birds start to reach our shores in March from 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 the arrival of our spring and summer visitors, plus how and where you can spot them, below.
Which spring and summer migrant birds can you see in our region?
Peter Cairns/2020VISION
March is a great time to keep your eyes peeled for some unique displays of animal courtship! Hormones are running high and plenty of 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
Join us on the first weekend of March for our first Artisan Markets of 2024. Located on our floating Visitor Village at Brockholes Nature Reserve, our markets run from 10am until 4pm and give you the chance to explore 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 sights and sounds of our beautiful nature reserve.
This month we're hosting our first monthly Wellbeing Walk at our Lunt Meadows Nature Reserve. Come along to explore our wonderful wetland reserve, observe the nature around you, meet like-minded people and get some steps in!
Come along with a friend, with the family, or by yourself - everyone is welcome. We hope to see you there!
During March we are running two 'Walk and Talk' events on the West Pennine Moors, near Darwen and Rivington. These walks give you the opportunity to explore our region's beautiful moorlands whilst having friendly conversations about the moors and how you feel about them.
Enjoy a moderate two-hour walk across the moorlands and have a chat with us about how you explore and enjoy the West Pennine Moors.
West Pennine Moors from the air - Photo by Alex Critchley
If you're a new parent, grandparent or carer looking to get some fresh air and exercise, why not join us for one of our weekly pram walks on Thursday mornings at Brockholes Nature Reserve?
Blow the cobwebs away with a brisk one-hour springtime walk around the reserve, meet and chat with other new parents and carers, and finish your walk with a warm brew in the café on our floating Visitor Village.
