From our streets to our nature reserves, here in Yorkshire we have a wealth of wild wonders to enjoy in April and May, and more daylight – and possibly warmer weather? – means more opportunities to get out and enjoy them.

Look and listen

Nature is all around us, so wherever you are and whatever you’re doing, there are two simple things to remember: look and listen. Just by looking out of your window, you could see a swallow or house martin, returning after their epic migration journeys from Africa. If you’re out and about, you might hear our songbirds in fine voice, including newly arrived summer visitors like blackcaps and willow warblers.

With the weather warming up – we hope – it’s the perfect time to take a closer look at the huge variety of insects that live in our gardens, verges and parks, such as tawny mining bees, which emerge in April. They nest underground and will be digging little holes in flowerbeds. The females are a rich, rufous-orange colour, and bigger than the males, which aren’t as brightly coloured but have a distinguishing white tuft of facial hair.

Time it right

Try going out at dawn or dusk if you want to see some of our wild mammals, and make the most of sunrise or evening light to get some lovely atmospheric photos. Early spring is ideal for seeing woodland wildlife, before too many leaves appear on the trees. Stand or sit a while, still and quiet, and see what you can see and hear – the dawn chorus is spectacular at this time of year. It’s great for appreciating wildlife, and soothing for the soul. You don’t have to go to the woods, though. You might see a hedgehog or fox down your road, or find a frog behind the bin.

Feed the birds

It's nesting season, and you can help your garden birds by feeding them, or providing a nestbox or nesting material. If you’re a cat owner, you can help by keeping your cat indoors early in the morning and at dusk.

Wild adventures

Try looking in overlooked places. That bit of unmown grass verge, that pile of rubble, or that bit of scrub next to a field – even a sports field – could host a variety of species if you take the time to look.

Turning your time in nature into an adventure is a great way to encourage children to explore our wild world, and we have some fabulous family friendly events coming up. Find out more about our spring and summer events.