March

Hare © Barrie Tyrer

First signs of spring begin to show and some animals begin to emerge from hibernation – that's if it is warm enough!  Daffodils are one of the first optimistic signs of spring as they show all over Bowland in the woodlands and verges.  This is the best month to see the Mad March Hares buffeting each other about the fields during their mating rituals.
Bird song begins to fill the air, especially listen out for the song thrush and its amazing array of phrases.  Meadow pipits begin to head back up to the moorland breeding areas  in small flocks.

Also look out for:

  • Woodland plants emerging such as wood anemone and violets
  • The first wheatears on the fells and chiffchaffs singing in the woodlands as they arrive in the middle of the month from Africa.