Is spring on its way? Nature’s first signs of spring on the canals

When does spring start?

Warmer days, flowering plants, springtime nature and the first birdsong might feel like the start of a new season. Technically speaking, spring starts on the equinox (usually 20 March, give or take a day), which marks the moment when daylight and dark are equal.

However, spring actually has another start date. If you look at the seasons meteorologically, spring starts on 1 March and ends on 31 May.

But specific dates aside, there are plenty of ways to spot the arrival of spring on the canals and rivers near you.

Early signs of spring

As canal wildlife emerges and flowers bloom, there are plenty of signs of spring to look out for.

Unfurling tree leaves

The blooming leaves and flowers of native trees along our canal banks are one of nature’s signals of spring. Winter’s bare branches develop new greenery, and our canals and rivers come to life.

What trees should you look out for?

• Willows start to bud with their distinctive catkins
• Alder trees produce small cones and catkins
• Ash trees start to bud, with pale green leaves
• The silver birch has long, hanging catkins that emerge as early as March
• Horse chestnut’s budding leaves and bright pink flower buds start to appear

Blossoming flowers

Spring flowers are a lovely tell-tale of changing seasons. Bright colours and wildflowers adorn our canal towpaths and make for picturesque scenes.

What blooming flowers should you look out for?

• Primroses are one of the first flowers to bloom, often seen in the early spring – or even late winter
• Coltsfoot produces its bright yellow flowers in mid-February before its horse-foot-shaped leaves appear
• Cowslip are delicate yellow flowers that arrive in early spring and can be found in moist grasslands
• Dandelions are common cheerful yellow flowers that start to bloom in March
• Wood anemones are known for their white petals and bright green leaves that appear in early March

Wildlife awakens

You might not see some of our elusive canal wildlife that emerges in the spring, but you could spot signs of their presence, like droppings, nests and tracks.

Changing animal behaviour in spring marks the new season. With some species waking up from hibernation and others beginning their mating rituals, spring is busy on the canals.

What spring wildlife should you look out for?

• Otters are hard to spot but become more active in spring and are most often seen at night, dawn or dusk
• Water voles are small mammals found most often from April to September – look out for grass stems nibbled with a distinctive 45-degree angle
• Male frogs begin croaking in ponds and rivers during early spring as they search for mates – you might hear their distinctive rasp or see frogspawn in late February
• Newts can be spotted in waterways as they begin breeding in early spring and can be seen as early as February

The first bees and butterflies

As flowers bloom, insects come out to pollinate. Our canals in spring come alive with the buzzing of bees and the bright colour of butterflies, as well as plenty of other creepy crawlies.

What insects should you look out for?

Butterflies:

• Brimstone butterflies are one of the first to emerge, often spotted near hedgerows and woodlands
• Peacock butterflies are colourful creatures that are common along canal paths and rivers as temperatures rise
• Small tortoiseshell butterflies are a sure sign of spring – spot them resting on warm surfaces by the water's edge

Bees:

• The first queen bumblebee often awakens from hibernation in March, and buff-tailed bumblebees are seen pollinating flowers along our canals
• The first honeybees of spring emerge to gather nectar from early flowers. should you look out for?

Birdsong and nesting

The sounds of birdsong and flapping wings is a sign that temperatures are warming up. Many migratory birds return to our canals in spring, and their beautiful calls are a sure sign of the changing seasons.

What spring birds should you look out for?

• Blackcaps, chiffchaffs, wheatear and sand martins are early arrivals in March
• Coots, blackbirds and bluetits start building their nests in late February
• Great crested grebe perform impressive courtship displays with striking plumage on our larger waterways
• Male mallards (drakes) begin courting females in early spring
• Swallows arrive from warmer climes and are often seen swooping over waterways

Spring changes on our canals

Seasonal changes on our waterways bring life to our canals and rivers. Whether you’re looking out for returning migratory birds or identifying flora on our towpaths, spring is a beautiful time of year to get out and explore your local canal.