Some of the first things to look out for will be the early plants such as snowdrops and daffodils which are always the first to herald the changing seasons. But when you are out and about at dusk you can also listen for changes as well. Flocks of birds are tending to make more noise when they are coming in to roost. It’s thought to be linked to territory marking which is, in itself, a precursor to breading. Keep an eye open for returning birds who have overwintered in warmer climates. Birds like the chiff-chaff, with their distinctive call, can be heard and seen as the days lengthen.

Badgers may also be out and about as they tidy their burrows ready for the coming year’s young. I’m not going to get into the pros and cons of the TB issue but if you are lucky you could well see these intriguing animals during the evenings. As spring gathers pace you may also be lucky enough to see ‘mad March hares’ boxing and dashing about the fields. There certainly seem to be more hares around in my part of the world than in the past – hopefully it’s the same across the UK?

Not all of the signs of increased activity are confined to the areas you visit during country walks. For example, even in urban areas you will find ponds, canals and pools that might well contain frogspawn, something we all remember from younger days and which is synonymous with springtime. But no matter what you look for it is undoubtedly going to be the plants and trees that will provide you with the evidence you need to prove that winter is loosening it’s grip. Hazel catkins, hawthorn and the first signs that the buds on the trees contain the coming seasons leaf canopy and that they are growing and ripening.

No matter where you are or where you walk, there are sure to be signs of sign to look out for. Although winter has its charms just about everyone loves the spring with all the anticipation it offers – all in all, it’s a great time to be outdoors.

Phil Pickin is a writer specialising in the inland waterways, wildlife and the environment – his next wildlife column for Walk will appear in two months’ time.

In quiet glades and sun-dappled woods across the country, bluebells are springing up to blanket the landscape in colour. To celebrate this annual spectacle, Ramblers’ Bluebell Strolls Season will take place across the country in 100+ locations, from now until June 2010. It is part of an ongoing campaign with the Natural History Museum to better understand one of our most iconic and threatened spring flowers and discover more about our changing climate and countryside.

“For many the bluebell is Britain’s favourite flower and an important sign of the start of spring,” says Dr Fred Rumsey, botanist at the Natural History Museum. “We’re now keen to know when our Bluebells start flowering to help decide whether the genes within the hybrids between Spanish Bluebells and native British bluebells have altered their flowering time, or is spring just starting earlier?”

To help out, walkers are encouraged to join a bluebell walk, help ‘spot’ different types of bluebells, and enter their findings into the Natural History Museum’s online survey when they get home. Experts will use this crucial data to build a map of where the different types of bluebell are flowering. This is the fifth year running that the Ramblers have helped to contribute to research on British bluebells, and the Ramblers-led walks are free and open to all – offering the chance to see Britain’s beautiful woodland and countryside at its loveliest. Although the walks vary in length and difficulty – from family friendly 5, to 14 mile walks – all contain swathes of beautiful bluebells.

“The deep blue hue and gothic arches of the British bluebell, currently under threat from hybridisation, have brought immeasurable pleasure to walkers throughout history,” says Tom Franklin, CEO of the Ramblers. “What better way to help preserve these flowers, than putting on your boots and joining a led bluebell walk through Britain’s loveliest countryside this Spring?”

For details of Ramblers led bluebell walks, and to find one near you, visit www.ramblers.org.uk/walkthemes/Bluebells

Other bluebell-related events around the country include:

•The Cotswolds Bluebell Weekend, which takes place on 24 and 25 April. This event will provide unique opportunities for people of all ages to discover some of the best places to see bluebells across the AONB – from Ozleworth Bottom near Wotton-under-Edge, to Lynches Wood near Chipping Campden. Walks around Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust’s Midger Nature Reserve south of Nailsworth and the spectacular bluebell woods of Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust’s Foxholes Nature Reserve near Chipping Norton also form part of the weekend’s programme of events.

•The Perth & District Ramblers will be running a 5-mile, Grade C walk on Thursday  3rd June. Meeting point either ASDA car park , Perth at 6.30 p.m. or 7 p.m. at minor road at Broomhill, nr. Ballathie. Map Reference : Map 53 NO:133375
For further information contact John Andrews on 01738 827275

•Various National Trust woodlands and parks across England, Wales and Northern Ireland will be running events. Here is their selection of top bluebell locations.

Allen Banks & Staward Gorge in Northumberland – The largest area of ancient woodland in Northumberland, in spring Allen Banks comes alive with the fresh growth of wild flowers.  Explore the woods and discover the carpet of bluebells and wild garlic (ramsons) covering the woodland floor in late spring.  Download the gentle two mile riverside walk at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/walks. For more information contact:01434 344218.

Ashridge Estate in Hertfordshire – The 1.5-mile way marked woodland trail has a stunning display of bluebells beneath the bright-green beech canopy.  Red kites can also be seen, pick up an I-spy Ashridge leaflet from the Discovery Centre. Download a two mile wildlife walk at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/walks. For more information contact: 01494 755557.

Blakes Wood in Essex – This 106 acre ancient woodland bursts into colour in spring with carpets of bluebells, primroses and yellow archangel along the woodland floor. Bring your binoculars and see if you can spot a Nightingale or Hawfinch. For more information contact: 01245 222 669.

Blickling in Norfolk – The wilderness garden and woodland in the park are renowned for their bluebells when a breathtaking two acres of blue can be seen with a single cloud of white formed by a clump of wild garlic growing in its midst. There are three way marked estate walks. For more information contact: 01263 738030.

Buckland Abbey in Devon – Discover fabulous bluebell displays in the Great North Wood and take a three mile ‘Bluebell Walk’ with the estate warden on Friday 7 May, 11am – 1.30pm.  No extra charge to normal admission but booking is advisable. For more information contact: 01822 853607.

Calke Park and Abbey in Derbyshire – With secret walks and 600 acres of parkland, much of it a National Nature Reserve, Calke is home to some of the oldest trees in Europe.  Among this ancient woodland, bluebells flower in abundance dotted with the yellow flowers of archangels in the Serpentine Wood. Download a Wildlife Walk at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/walks. For more information contact: 01332 863822.

Dinefwr in Carmarthenshire – There are several way marked walks throughout the parkland and wooded estate: take in the stunning bluebell displays and ancient trees at this special place.  For more information contact: 01558 824512.

Emmetts Garden in Kent – One of the highest points in Kent, with magnificent views of the Weald and North Downs. The woodland slopes are famed for their carpets of bluebells in spring.  For more information contact: 01732 751509.

Hardcastle Crags in Yorkshire – A hidden beauty spot near Hebden Bridge. The 3-mile Mill Walk is the ideal place to see a mass of bluebells in spring. You can also visit Gibson Mill, a flagship eco-friendly visitor centre, open Tuesdays – Thursdays and weekends from 1 April.   For more information contact: 01422 844518. Downloadable walk available at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/walks

Kingston Lacey in Dorset – The 2.5-mile woodland walk and lime walk on the estate are a great place to see the annual show of bluebells. For more information contact: 01202 883402.

Lanhydrock in Cornwall – At the start of the 1.5-mile Great Wood and Avenue Walk you’ll come across the bluebell wood, famed for its carpet of colour in spring. For more information contact: 01208 265950.

Lyme Park in Cheshire – Wander up West Park Drive and enjoy a glorious bluebell display during May – along with great views across the Cheshire Plain.  For more information contact:01663 762023.

Nap Wood in Sussex – A tranquil woodland oasis along an ancient track way of the Weald, which possibly date back to the first few centuries AD. Mature tall trees tower above while a dense carpet of bluebells brightens the woodland floor in spring. Downloadable walk available at: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/walks.  For more information contact: 01892 893868

Osterley Park in Isleworth, Middlesex – One of the last surviving country estates in London, the garden and park are the perfect retreat from London life. The bluebells appear late spring around the south and west woods. For more information contact: 020 8232 5050.

Rowallane Garden in County Down – Be inspired by this enchanting garden which reflects the beautiful natural landscape of the surrounding area.  Take a tranquil walk around the spring garden and the woodland trail, carpeted with bluebells in May. For more information contact: 028 9751 0131.

Speke Hall in Merseyside – Take a wander through the estate to Stocktons Wood where you’ll see a fantastic display of bluebells; keep going to be rewarded with great views of the Mersey estuary.  For more information contact: 0844 800 4799.

Stourhead in Wiltshire – One of the finest landscape gardens in the world, created in the 1740s by Henry Hoare II.  Bluebells are abundant throughout the Estate and give wonderful displays through the wooded glades.  Park Hill Camp is a circular 3 mile walk through the magnificent woodland.  Downloadable walk available from www.nationaltrust.org.uk/walks. For more information contact: 01747 841152.

The Weir near Hereford – A wonderful informal garden situated on the steeply-sloping, south-facing bank of the River Wye.  Richly planted with an abundance of bulbs, providing colour throughout spring, including bluebells. For more information contact:01981 590509.

Winkworth Arboretum in Surrey – Buried amidst the gorgeous collection of trees and shrubs is the old English bluebell wood, which slopes down to the lake beneath a canopy of oak and Japanese maple. All paths are hard-surfaced for wheelchairs and buggies. For more information contact: 01483 208477.

Image credits: Main photo by Wikipedia user ‘Palmiped’; landscape photo Ramblers; Buckland Abbey National Trust; Nap Wood © NTPL / Stephen Robson / National Trust