{"id":11433,"date":"2022-02-16T16:50:35","date_gmt":"2022-02-16T15:50:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/?p=5036"},"modified":"2022-02-19T11:57:17","modified_gmt":"2022-02-19T10:57:17","slug":"the-first-signs-of-spring","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/rss_feed\/the-first-signs-of-spring\/","title":{"rendered":"The first signs of spring"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By countryfile\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Wednesday, 16 February 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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After the darkness of winter<\/a>, the first signs of spring bring joy and fresh hope for the new season. After another uncertain winter season during the coronavirus pandemic, the thought of springtime flowers, wildlife and weather will be most welcome in the UK.<\/p>\n

With the arrival of spring<\/a>, the days grow brighter, and the first warmth of the year can be enjoyed. Although there can still be a nip in the air some days, new life is stirring and buds<\/a> appear on trees, making it a lovely season to get outdoors to explore the countryside, your local green space or garden<\/a>. If you planted bulbs in autumn, now is the time you\u2019ll see their heads begin to poke through the soil.<\/p>\n

When does spring start?<\/h2>\n

The spring equinox marks the first day of astronomical spring, when day and night are almost exactly the same length. In 2022, it takes place on 20th March.<\/p>\n

What are the first signs of spring?<\/h2>\n

In the UK, the first signs of spring are signalled by the sound of birdsong, buds on trees and early spring flowers, such as snowdrops.\u00a0Discover what else to look out for, including the best places to visit, in the British countryside or in urban parks or woodlands to spot spring wildlife.<\/p>

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Snowdrops<\/h3>\n<\/div>

Delicate snowdrops appear in the UK from January to early March. While they are often quickly buried in snow, these lovely nodding white flowers hint that the dark days and long nights of winter will soon be drawing to a close.<\/p>\n

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Head to your local woodlands to spot snowdrops in January and February (Getty)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

When do snowdrops bloom in the UK?<\/h3>\n

Snowdrops flower between January and March, often appearing en masse and creating a characteristic \u2018white blanket\u2019 coverage. The species has long been associated with winter \u2013 the latin name, Galanthus nivalis, literally translates as \u2018milk flower of the snow\u2019. They thrive in lightly shaded woodland<\/a> areas and can be found all around the UK.<\/p>\n

In the 1950s, snowdrops would not typically flower until late February, but during the past few decades the teardrops of white have appeared ever earlier, and in particularly mild winters, snowdrops may not even wait for a New Year to begin.<\/p>\n

See our Snowdrops guide: best snowdrop walks in the UK and how to grow<\/a><\/p>\n

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