As the chill of winter gives way to the gentle warmth of spring, the UK undergoes a vibrant transformation, bursting to life with renewed energy. Across the UK, plants and animals emerge from hibernation or begin their breeding cycles, marking the season of growth. This blog highlights six iconic species that define the British spring: the European Badger (Meles meles), Great Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus), European Comma Butterfly (Polygonia c-album), Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta), the Adder (Vipera berus), and the Robin (Erithacus rubecula). Each plays a vital role in various ecosystems, making their seasonal resurgence important to biodiversity in the UK.
European Badger (Meles meles)
One of Britain’s most recognisable mammals, the European Badger, becomes particularly active this time of year. This iconic species is found throughout England, Wales, Northern Ireland and most of Scotland. Our largest land predator (at 75-100cm long!) feeds on small mammals, worms, birds’ eggs, fruit, and other plants. These nocturnal creatures reside with their family group in complex underground burrow systems known as setts, which they can dig thanks to their large front paws. The new generation of cubs is born over winter, beginning to emerge from March onwards, exploring their surroundings in the warmer spring sun. Badgers play an important ecological role by aerating the soil through their digging activities and help control invertebrate populations. However, their populations have been impacted by culling due to their association with Bovine Tuberculosis. Fortunately, as of August 2024, the UK government has introduced a strategy to control the disease in cattle, aiming to end the cull. You can support badgers this spring by providing unsalted peanuts in your garden if you spot setts nearby and driving cautiously at dawn and dusk when they are most active.
Great Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus)
Spring signals the breeding season for the Great Crested Newt, the largest of three native newt species in the UK. They are a legally protected amphibian in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, due to a loss of both aquatic and terrestrial habitat connectivity and population decline. Great Crested Newts spend the majority of their time on land, hunting in grassland, scrub and woodland with plenty of understory. But these newts migrate to ponds and other water bodies in early spring, where males with large dorsal crests engage in elaborate courtship displays to attract females. Their presence is an indicator of a healthy aquatic ecosystem, as they rely on clean, well-vegetated ponds to reproduce successfully, laying roughly 250 eggs inside submerged leaves, which the female folds to protect each egg. Whilst in the water, they eat aquatic invertebrates such as leeches, mayfly nymphs, several larvae, tadpoles, frogspawn and smaller newts. On land, however, they prey on many invertebrates such as worms, snails and spiders. Grass snakes (Natrix Helvetica) are a key predator of Great Crested Newts, hunting amphibians in the water when they emerge in spring.
Despite European and UK population decline, the Great Crested Newt has made the University of Kent campus a stronghold, breeding in a few spots on campus, including an artificial pond project headed up by Professor Richard Griffiths and John Rowland.
European Comma Butterfly (Polygonia c-album)
Butterflies are among the most visible heralds of spring, and the European Comma is no exception. Found in England, Wales and Southern Scotland, this species prefers woodland edge habitats. This distinctive butterfly, with its ragged wing edges and characteristic white comma-shaped marking on the underside of the wings, emerges from hibernation as temperatures rise. It feeds on nectar from early-flowering plants such as heathers and primrose, playing an essential role in pollination, and on fallen fruit in gardens and orchards. As a caterpillar, they are usually found on nettles, their favourite food source, but can also be seen munching on Willows, Elms and Currants. They emerge from hibernation and become more active in March to Early May, but on warm days, even through winter, this species can occasionally be spotted. This timeline is likely being influenced by climate change, with warmer temperatures occurring earlier in the year in the UK. This climate change is also affecting their distribution, with their range increasing Northwards as the average temperature increases.
Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta)
A quintessential symbol of spring, the Bluebell is native to the UK and thrives in woodlands across the country, creating a beautiful carpet of violet. They spring to life around mid-April to May, blossoming into sweet-smelling flowers which droop to one side. As bluebells flower earlier in the year than many other species, they form a key food source for butterflies, bees and hoverflies. These insects help to pollinate the plant, but bees have been known to “steal” the nectar by biting holes in the top of the flowers, avoiding the pollen. A lot of folklore surrounds the iconic bluebell, supposedly ringing at dawn to summon fairies. While this plant is common, locally it is threatened by habitat destruction and hybridisation with the Spanish bluebell. Thankfully, bluebells are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981), prohibiting their removal from the soil.
Adder (Vipera berus)
As the UK’s only venomous snake, the Adder has a reputation that belies its typically shy and non-aggressive nature. With the arrival of spring, these reptiles emerge from hibernation to bask in the sun and prepare for breeding. They inhabit open habitats such as heathland, moorland and woodland edges, with enough structural complexity in the vegetation to provide cover and basking space. Mating season occurs in April and May, with males engaging in ritualised combat to establish dominance, after which females give birth to live young. In spring, this snake is at its most vibrant, as they sloughs their skin. Adult males are typically silver/grey, and females are usually copper/brown, both with the distinctive dark zig-zag pattern down their back. Melanistic (fully black) individuals are seen, with a good number around Kent. Adders are voracious predators, feeding on small mammals, lizards, amphibians and small birds, swallowing them whole. Spring marks an important time for the population of Adders in the UK, showing the importance of the conservation of their preferred habitats and breeding grounds.
Robin (Erithacus rubecula)
One of the UK’s most beloved birds, the Robin is often associated with winter, but it becomes particularly active in spring as it prepares for the breeding season. Male Robins establish and defend territories with their distinctive melodic song, which is a familiar sound in woodlands, gardens, and hedgerows. These birds build cup-shaped nests using moss, grass and dead leaves, laying 4-6 eggs from April onwards. Robins play an important role in controlling insect populations and dispersing seeds, and their calls provide a beautiful soundtrack to spring.
The importance of conservation and awareness
The species highlighted here serve as key indicators of the health of the UK’s ecosystems. Their emergence in spring not only signals seasonal change but also demonstrates the need for continued conservation efforts. Habitat protection and public awareness are crucial in ensuring that these species continue to thrive for generations to come. Simple actions, such as planting wildlife-friendly allotments in the garden, can make a massive difference to nature this spring. By understanding and appreciating the role of these plants and animals, we can all contribute to the preservation of the UK’s rich biodiversity.