Spring is on our doorstep and we should relish every sign. Bumblebees are out, red admiral butterflies are basking on sunny fences, and common lizards will find a log on which to soak up spring fever. But this month can also be unpredictable, throwing in unexpected days of snow and ice. It’s said that the 29th, 30th and 31st March are “borrowed” days because they can bring a wintry flurry amid spring’s awakening; a snowfall in March is called a “lambing storm”. Thankfully, one thing is certain, the flowers will grow regardless of the weather. Wood anemones and violets will cascade like little rivers in the woodlands. Birdsong is everywhere and – I have written this before, but we all need reminding – birds sing half the time for a mate and the other time for the sheer joy of improvisation and expression, a delight for us to hear, either way. If you are looking for a wildlife display, the coast will receive flocks of waders flying north, including waterfowl heading to play in the waters of the Severn and Avon valleys.
When the clocks change on Easter Sunday, 31 March, eleven days after the equinox, the light will increase and we’ll feel in our bones that winter is truly over. In our homes, the great spring-clean beckons; in the garden, it’s time to sow seeds and to feel and smell the rich soil. With the sun finally on your face, tilt your chin to the sky and listen out for that melodious blackbird.
Seeing a movie with three blankets on and turning off the phone – that’s hygge, too
Positive Ecological Restoration Stories
Croatia’s underground power
The energy company Bukothermal has found an underground lake of hot water in Croatia. This will provide a clean, renewable energy source for over 10,000 homes and sustainable electricity without any carbon emissions. Geothermal energy is a method of absorbing the heat inside the Earth to produce power. As climate change accelerates, countries are looking closely at geothermal possibilities, and this is one of the successes. The Earth herself offers an abundance of energy, if we just look beneath our feet.
Sumatra’s new rhino calf
A second calf has been born to the critically endangered Sumatran rhino community in Way Kambas National Park, which has fewer than 50 individuals left. “[This] emphasises the government commitment of the Indonesian Government on the rhino conservation efforts in Indonesia, especially the Sumatran rhino,” Indonesian Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar said in a written statement. The Sumatran rhino is legally protected in Indonesia and is on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
New reefs in the Caribbean
Atlantic hurricanes are now believed to be on the increase and Caribbean regions are urgently aiming to become more resilient to climate-fuelled storms. It has been announced that an entire reef will be constructed on the island of St Thomas using the strongest specimens grown in coral nurseries, with environmentally sensitive designs. “The goal is to provide enhanced habitat for corals struggling from climate change and provide added shoreline protection as we work to restore natural coral reefs,” said Marilyn Brandt, project manager and a research professor at University of the Virgin Islands.
Greening up central Paris
A revolution is happening in France’s capital city. Right on one of its busiest roundabouts, 470 trees have been planted, creating a flowering wood at the centre of the usual traffic circulation: oaks, ashes, maples and wild cherries. These trees will “considerably reduce air pollution”, says the city’s mayor, Anne Hidalgo. Paris is now a serious contender for becoming one of Europe’s greenest cities. “Wherever we create this type of forest or develop these sites,” says Hidalgo, “it allows us to have areas for walking and cycling, and we will be able to reduce the use of cars.”
Sky Events
The March Equinox is on 20 March at 03:01 UTC. The sun will shine directly on the equator and there are equal amounts of day and night throughout the world. It is the first day of spring (vernal equinox) in the northern hemisphere. On 24 March is the best time to view Mercury since it will be at its highest point: look for it in the western sky after sunset. Full Moon is on 25 March, and when this occurs after equinox it is called the Plough Moon, also known as the Paschal since it times with Easter Sunday. Native Americans call it the Worm Moon, since it’s a time when the ground softens and earthworms reappear. Other traditional names include the Crow Moon, the Crust Moon, the Sap Moon and the Lenten Moon.
Tides
Spring: 11th-13th and 26th-28th
Neap: 4th-6th and 18th-20th
Andreas Kornevall is a Swedish storyteller, author and ecologist. He is the Director of Operations for the Earth Restoration Service Charity based in the UK
