Ten sights and sounds of the South Downs National Park this spring
April 5, 2023
The South Downs National Park is a feast for the senses – especially in spring as nature comes to life after its winter slumber.
So, as we mark Discover National Parks Fortnight, we invite you to tune in to the sights and sounds of spring that will truly make your heart sing!
1. Bluebell woods
There’s nothing quite as uplifting as a carpet of bluebells, shimmering in the dappled sunlight of the woods!
2. Dartford Warbler trills
The song of the rare Dartford Warbler is a beautiful sound when wandering among the heathlands of the South Downs.
3. Pub gardens full of laughter
You’re never far from a cosy public house on any trip to the South Downs and there’s nothing quite like a thirst-quenching drink in a sunny pub garden!
4. Reptiles basking in the sun
As temperatures rise, cold-blooded creatures like the sand lizard emerge and you may see one on one of the National Park’s many heaths!
5. Butterflies – everywhere!
These amazingly colourful insects emerge in spring and help to pollinate flowers, Butterflies have four life stages, the egg, the larva (caterpillar), the pupa (chrysalis), and the adult butterfly. The process of a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis is called eclosion.
6. Orchids
The South Downs is one of the best places in the UK to see orchids – make sure to treat them kindly as they are protected!
7. New-borns
Whether it’s a lamb or a baby bunny, there’s new life springing up everywhere! Baaaaa!
8. Spring blossom
There are so many picture opportunities with white, yellow, orange, purple and pink blossom brightening up the landscape!
9. Look up!
There are many busy birds around in the spring, often foraging for food to feed their chicks. Here’s one of our favourites, the tawny owl.
10. Sunlight
The South Downs is magical at any time of the year, but there’s something about the bright sunshine hitting the landscape that really makes it extra beautiful! 😊
