Spring is here: Despite the recent rain and grey skies, spring is here. Wildlife is crawling out from underneath piles of leaves and out of nooks and crannies, tree buds are fattening with growing leaves, and birds are tuning up for the dawn chorus.

Some trees are changing colour. Cascades of citrus-yellow weeping willow branches dangle over the edge of the Thames at Port Meadow and beside the Oxford Canal.

The grey catkins of goat or ‘pussy’ willow are emerging. The silky-looking plump buds invite you to touch them and feel how soft they are. As the catkins develop in the coming weeks they will flower and frills of yellow pollen cover the grey buds providing nectar for bees.

This is a good time of year to practise identifying trees. Walk along the Oxfordshire Way in the Chilterns and into Warburg Nature Reserve, near Maidensgrove, to spot the slender buds of beech trees glowing like burnished copper in the spring sunshine.

Look out for the wild cherry trees. Some of them are so tall that, when you are in the wood right by them, it is difficult to see the creamy white blossom high in the canopy; but looking across a valley, the white blossom really stands out from the grey-brown branches of ash and beech.

One of the earliest woodland edge trees to flower is the blackthorn. Clusters of white buds are dotted along the black branches ready to burst into blossom before the green leaves unfold.

Dangling ‘lamb’s tails’ catkins of hazel trees have been out for several weeks beside roads and in gardens. They provide an early source of nectar for butterflies such as the pale yellow brimstone — usually the first butterfly to be seen in spring.

Early fliers: Red admiral and peacock butterflies hibernate in little crannies in old walls and garden sheds. As soon as the warmth of the February sun falls on their winter homes they are out to refuel with nectar.

Another herald of spring is the seven-spot ladybird. They emerge from hibernation (often inside our houses!) and are soon flying around the garden feeding on pollen.

Queen bumblebees are among the first bees to emerge from their winter hideouts under a pile of leaves or in a hole in soil. They will be searching for food and somewhere to start their nest. Some prefer to nest underground in empty mouse holes, while others find a cosy spot in dense grass or piles of leaves.

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Listen to birds!: Have you noticed the increasing numbers of birds singing in the mornings and evenings? We are several weeks away from International Dawn Chorus Day on May 1, but already our garden birds are staking out their territories and finding mates.

Birds need to be in good condition to raise their broods successfully. They adore protein-rich mealworms, and it is very entertaining to watch them feed on the wrigglers.

Birds like to bathe and keep their feathers in tip-top condition, so clean out the dead leaves from the bird bath and make space for the splashers!

Reserves to visit:

  • Sydlings Copse just off the B4027 between Islip and Wheatley. This is a real treasure trove of wildlife with a short circular wildlife walk taking you through a variety of habitats. Look out for catkins, blackthorn blossom and lichen-coated hedgerow trees. Listen out for the drumming of the greater spotted woodpecker attracting a mate.
  • Warburg Nature Reserve, north of Henley. Enjoy woodland and meadow walks. Spot red kites wheeling in the sky and calling to their mates. Listen to woodland birds setting out their territories and gathering nesting materials.
  • Outdoor Adventure at Sutton Courtenay Environmental Education Centre, near Didcot. For details see Get Out top left.

Get involved: Visit www.bbowt.org.uk and find out where to see wildlife on BBOWT’s nature reserves. Visit the events page on www.bbowt.org.uk for wildlife discovery days for all the family.