Green shoots: After the grey days of winter, it is heartening to see cascades of golden catkins and green shoots of bluebells in our woodlands.

Why not take a walk on the wild side this half-term to discover woodland wildlife, learn how to make camp fires and bird feeders, and create your own ‘snowdrops’.

Signs of spring: Take a stroll around your local footpaths, country lanes or parks and you are likely to see the blackthorn coming into blossom in the hedgerows. The pure white buds and flowers contrast sharply with bare black branches. In the autumn they will be heavy with dark blue sloes.

Blackthorn is an important hedgerow tree because it supports the rare and protected black and brown hairstreak butterflies; both species depend on blackthorn as a food source for their caterpillars.

When you go down to the woods, you will spot the green shoots of bluebells bursting through the leaf-litter with the promise of breathtaking carpets of colour and scent in April and May. On woodland edges, tassels of golden hazel catkins attract bees searching for nectar on warmer sunny days.

You may find bright yellow aconites as well as the perennial herald of spring, the snowdrop — both are naturalised plants that have escaped from gardens.

Sometimes known as Fair Maids of February, the pure white snowdrop also offers early pollen to sustain bees as they emerge from hibernation.

Pause for a few minutes to listen to the birds as they busily prepare for spring. Rooks are already pairing up and remaking their nests in the treetops. Watch flocks of blue tits and long-tailed tits flit among the trees feeding on tiny insects and collecting moss for nesting material.

If you value woodlands and want to keep them open for everyone to enjoy as well as wildlife havens, please take a look at the wildlife trust’s website www.bbowt.org.uk Here you will find information about the Forestry Commission’s plans to dispose of woods, the trust’s call for sites identified as Small Commercial Woodland to be protected, and how you can take part in the consultation.

Outdoor events: If you prefer to begin your search for signs of spring at an organised event, come along to the Sutton Courtenay Environmental Education Centre on Sutton Courtenay Road in Milton Park, Didcot, where the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust is running family and adult workshops.

On Tuesday and Thursday, February 22 and 24, follow trails and solve clues to learn about the fascinating wildlife you will find, even at this time of year. Have a go at making bird feeders and natural wooden puppets to take home. Bring a picnic and stay all day, or drop in between 10am and 4pm.

Have a great day outdoors and hands on with nature on Saturday, February 26. Our Outdoor Adventure day will kick-start woodland learning for children of all ages. Find out how to use a compass, lay trails and make a camp fire. Booking is essential, so if you would like to come along please contact us on 01235 862024 or email sceec@bbowt.org.uk. The activities are suitable for children aged eight and over.

Sugarcraft: According to legend, delicate snowdrops were created by an angel as a symbol of hope that even the bleakest of winters will not last forever. Now you can recreate them in exquisite sugarcraft.

Explore your artistic side and discover a new skill at the sugarcraft workshop for adults on Sunday, February 20, when we will be making sprays of frost-covered snowdrops from petal paste. No experience necessary, and you can take home your beautiful creations to impress your family and friends. Call Sutton Courtenay Environmental Education Centre on 01235 862024 or email sceec@bbowt.org.uk to book your place.

Find out more: Visit www.bbowt.org.uk and find out where to see wildlife on BBOWT’s nature reserves. Book your places on the Outdoor Adventure and Sugary Snowdrops events: 01235 862024 sceec@bbowt.org.uk Visit the events page on www.bbowt.org.uk for wildlife discovery days for all the family.