April

The clocks have sprung forward, and the days are getting longer. We're starting to feel some warm weather, making it feel like spring is finally here.

Birds are singing with gusto as they gear up for the breeding season, with some already feeding their first brood of chicks. Others are still winging their way to Sussex and it won’t be long until we’re welcoming back migratory House Martins, Nightingales and Cuckoos.

Frogspawn is hatching and ponds are teeming with tadpoles, Hedgehogs are emerging from their winter sleep and butterflies and bees are busy searching for nectar. This is a fantastic time of year to get outside and feel the benefits of being in nature, especially with the extra light in the evenings. You could head to the woods for a spring stroll to look for flowering Wood Anemones as they put on a spectacular display ahead of the native Bluebells, which are just starting to emerge. Or head to the beach for a spot of rock pooling to discover Snakelocks Anemones and search for Cuttlefish eggs. Or walk across the downs listening to Skylarks and looking for Brown Hares. Plus there are still loads of ways to stay connected to nature from your own home.

What to spot this month

• Cuckoo - listen out for the male's distinctive call
• Nightingale
• Willow Warbler
• House Martins
• House Sparrows
• Native Bluebells
• Wood Anemone
• Cuckoo Flower, aka Lady's Smock - a favourite of the Orange-tip butterfly
• Cowslips
• Hedgehogs and Bats feeding up after their long hibernation
• Frogspawn and tadpoles
• Tortoiseshell butterfly
• Peacock butterfly

Tell us what you've seen

There are many more species to be spotted this month so keep your eyes peeled and don’t forget to submit your sightings via iRecord, or fill in our species recording form, so we can submit your sightings to the Sussex Biodiversity Record Centre.

Sussex Wildlife Trust nature reserves to visit this month

Marline Valley, a rich wood valley and SSSI situated in Hastings, East Sussex, will be bursting with colour from the carpets of Wood Anemones, Bluebells, Wild Garlic and Lesser Celandine. Look out for pockets of Early Purple Orchids later in the month. Birds are also staking out the territories with striking birdsong. The warm spring days will also offer the opportunity to spot butterflies in the meadows - lots of Brimstones, Peacocks and Orange-tips.

Sussex Wildlife Trust Courses

Why not see what events and courses Sussex Wildlife Trust are running this April..

Remember this month

Have you seen any Frog or Toad spawn? Take part in the PondNet Spawn Survey 2025.