April

The clocks have sprung forward and the days are getting longer. After a very wet March, we've had some lovely warm weather making it feel like spring is finally here - but conditions remain changeable, with 'April showers' so far this month bringing bouts of heavy rain and gale force winds.

Despite these challenges, the 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 but hopefully we'll soon be 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 rockpooling 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 includes:

• 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 feeding up after their long hibernation
• Frogspawn and tadpoles
• Small 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. Birds that can be heard at the moment include migrant warblers such as Blackcap, Willow Warbler and Whitethroat which are arriving to join the resident birds such as Nuthatch and Great Spotted Woodpecker. 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 March.

Remember this month

Have you seen any Frog or Toad spawn? Take part on the PondNet Spawn Survey 2024