WILD CHILD: Slow down and notice

Have you seen some ‘signs of spring’ popping up in London?

Try to find these signs of early spring on your next walk, and slow down and notice all the changes. Enjoy the journey!

• Leaf buds on tree branches

• Daffodils, crocuses and tulip leaves popping up in gardens

• Oaks and beech trees losing last year’s leaves

• Fresh green grass blades poking through black earth

• Birds singing and building new nests

• Smell of garlic or onions as you walk through the forest (Can you spot the wild leeks, wild garlic, and garlic mustard making the smell?)

• Skunk cabbage

• Spring peepers (tiny frogs) and salamanders

• Raptors flying around (hawks and eagles)

For a fun picture list for kids, visit https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/naturedetectives/activities/2016/01/first-signs-of-spring/

Written by Tandy Morton, WILD CHILD Playgroup Facilitator