A Spring In My Step

Chris, ranger at the Keldy and Cropton sites in North Yorkshire, has always loved spring with its overwhelming sense of new beginnings. Here he talks about the changes taking place in the Yorkshire forests:

Spring must be my favourite time of year; seeing new life emerging is truly heartening. This time of re-birth was vigorously celebrated by ancient religions, particularly at the Spring Equinox when the day and night is of equal length. The longer days and warmer temperatures also signal to the wildlife that it is time to creep out of their holes and hollows and start their annual cycle of life yet again.

The earliest indicator of spring is of course the snowdrop, but these hardy little flowers can survive through frost and snow so do not always indicate the weather is getting any warmer. It is only when we see the first bud burst on the trees that we know spring is truly here.

The larch is one of my favourite trees, not only for its summer fullness of soft green needles, but also for the open airiness of a larch forest in winter. This allows light through so spring flowers will often flourish here. I could go on with a list of trees that are presently busy budding (such as the sharp black buds of ash and the large sticky buds on the mighty oak) but enough of the flora, here’s what the fauna has to offer us...

Few things are more exciting than discovering frog-spawn! Who would believe these gelatinous gatherings are the springboard of so much life? And it’s not just the frog-sprawn that’s started to emerge. I’ve also spotted the first peacock butterflies, those mad March hares playing wildly and a number birds starting to nest.

Yes, this is undoubtedly my favourite time of year, and it’s one which never gets boring. So keep your eyes peeled for the little things and let them put a spring in your step.