After a long, dark winter, the first sign that spring is on its way is often the longer daylight hours, the appearance of the first buds on trees and new plants emerging from the soil.
To find out how the scientists define the start of spring – Met Office – When Does Spring Start?
Look for Signs of Spring
Go for a walk (in the school grounds or beyond the school gate) and look for signs in the world around us. Here are some ideas and resources to help all ages and stages explore the natural world at this time of year.
Outdoors Spring Fun has simple ideas for activities that can be done at school or by families outside of school time.
Outdoor Fun Late Spring and Early Summer Fun continues the theme to encourage learners to be aware of the changing seasons. These can be done as part of class activities on the way between venues – school gate to greenspace, for example.
WW Spring Tree ID It’s possible to identify trees before leaves are on show. Use this identification sheet to help you identify trees from their buds.
Nest Building
Build a Bird Nest Nest building is more difficult than you think. Challenge yourself to build a safe, sturdy nest.
Find tips for what sorts of nest building materials we can provide for the birds sharing our greenspaces RSPB ‘A Helping Hand’. Add nest building materials to your bird feeding area.
Gardening and Growing
RHS School Gardening Campaign resources include Class Growing Topics. This Spring Seed Sowing Topic has 4 lesson plans and supporting activities to help you get your school garden off to a good start.
Make plans for your school garden – for food growing, for wildlife – and join the RHS School Gardening Campaign & Awards.
To gain the first level award, submit 80 words on an outline plan for your gardening work.