Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust expert encourages residents to enjoy nature this spring

With the lighter nights due to the clocks going forward coinciding with a few clear sunny days, the impact has seemed dramatic, writes Erin McDaid of the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust.

The gloom of the long winter seems to have been replaced almost overnight by the hugely welcome brightness of spring.

While, in reality, the transition has been more gradual - with increasing numbers of trees and shrubs coming into leaf and a host of spring plants coming into flower in recent weeks - the combination of the extra hour of daylight in the evenings and the simultaneous blooming of so many spring flowers is often spectacular.

This year seems like a great year for blossom and early flowering trees and shrubs such as camelias and magnolias, and the ever-reliable blackthorn is beautifully brightening our hedgerows with a generous blanket of brilliant white blossoms.

While the early crocuses and snowdrops might be past their best or even have disappeared, the arrival of tree blossom and flowers to complement the second wave of spring bulbs such as daffodils and tulips, delivers a delight for the senses — sound-tracked by ever increasing numbers of songbirds perched amongst the blossom laden branches.

The riot of colour is truly a sight to behold and cherish after a drab few months. The sheer range of blossoms and flowers that literally spring into life at this time of year is a welcome symbol of the power of Mother Nature.

While the displays of blossom might be breath-taking and uplifting, their often-fleeting presence is also a salutary reminder that nature is fragile as well as mighty.

It is also a reminder that we shouldn’t take things for granted as the somewhat breezy spring weather can mean that what are already brief displays can disappear in the blink of an eye. I would urge you to take the time to savour this natural spectacle whilst you can.

While our streets, parks and gardens are resplendent with blossoms and bulbs, our wild woodlands and hedgerows are also worth savouring in spring.

The blossoms that adorn the blackthorn and wild cherry beautifully complementing wood anemone, celandines and primroses that bedeck the ground — offset wonderfully against a verdant green canvas provided by the leaves of wild garlic and bluebell which serve to as a promise of a further feast of flowers to come.

As Mother Nature puts her best foot forward, I’ll continue with the walking analogy and suggest that you make the most of this magical time of year and let nature put a spring in your step.

Walk around your local area to fund and admire the magnolias and camelias that are in full bloom in gardens and look up at the magnificent displays of cherry blossom whilst you can. If you drive to work, why not allow a few extra minutes so you can stop off at a park en-route?

If you normally catch the bus, look up from your phone or paper back for a few minutes to take in the palette of colours all around us.

You could even get off at a stop or two early to take a closer look? If you’ve got some time this weekend, pop to your local park to see the bulbs and blossoms or visit a local woodland to see the spring wildflowers take in the bird song – you won’t regret it.

While nature has plenty of offer throughout the rest of the year, there is genuinely something special and uplifting about the full-on spectacle of spring and it would be a shame to miss out.