Learn how to identify swifts, swallows and martins. These birds are all summer visitors to the UK. Here's how you can find the difference between a swift and a swallow or work out what kind of martin you could have spotted!

Getting outdoors and experiencing the natural world through touch is a wonderful way to connect with nature in spring. From the feel of grass or the elements on our skin, to getting our hands dirty in the garden, spring offers plenty of new ways to discover wildlife through our senses.

The sound of spring begins quietly at first, but as the season goes on, it rises to a crescendo as more wildlife voices join the chorus of new life. From just outside your window all the way to the depths of London’s nature reserves, the sounds of spring can be enjoyed by all throughout our city.

Spring’s arrival in London brings a delight for the senses! The fresh sights, sounds and smells that come with this season of new life, make spring the perfect time to connect with nature.

The official start date of spring is the day of the Spring Equinox, falling this year on the 20th March – this is the first day of astronomical spring. But London’s wildlife has been gearing up to spring for some time now, from our gardens and parks to London’s woodlands and wetlands, signs of spring can be felt all around.

Spring is here for us all to enjoy, and this season we encourage you to discover the wonders of nature in London!

The first sights of spring bring a joyful splash of colour and life to the gloomy landscape of the colder months. We welcome these signs of new life and the message they bring, that warmer weather and longer days are just around the corner.

Although somewhat subtler than our most dramatic sights and sounds of the season, spring smells are still exciting and fresh. They could be easily missed in the hustle and bustle of London life, but if you only stop a moment to take in the scents of spring, you'll be in for a treat.

Join London Wildlife Trust this spring for some exciting events, including nature-themed egg hunts around our nature reserves, guided walks and a teddy bears picnic!