Early Signs of Spring in The Lizard Peninsula
Spring is arguably the most beautiful transitional season of the whole year. We witness nature wake back up after a winter of hunkering. The Cornish coastline offers the perfect backdrop to witness this epic display. Discover the early signs of spring on the Lizard Peninsula, from what rare flora to spot, and animals to be on the look out for, to let you know that spring is almost here!
Early Signs of Spring in The Lizard Peninsula
1.Wild Flowers
During the winter months, the hedgerows and fields are not as colourful, with more calm, mute tones. So it’s a magical moment when you begin to spot the first sparks of colour burst amongst the shore. To some it may seem impossible, what with the harsh coastal weather of high winds and rain, that anything manages to bloom at all. But the wild flowers of The Lizard, despite this, still manage to put on one a beautiful display. Here’s what to look out for;
Spring Squill - A sky blue star shaped six-petalled flowers, with a dark blue bracts at the base.
Sea Campion - A pure white or white with a hint of pink or mauve petalled flower.
Thrift - A dwarf evergreen that has small white or pink flowers.
Long headed clover - A long yellowish white flowering spike of pea-like flowers.
2. Sea Life
The Lizard is a hub of activity. From the skies to the shore, you witness nature all around you and all year round. But spring offers its own hub of activity. Look to the ocean and see if you can catch a glimpse of Basking sharks. Generally from April and into early summer, you can spot them as they swim around The Lizard Peninsula’s coast, and especially in the headlands such as Lizard Point.
Dolphins may be more strongly associated with countries with warmer climates, but at the start of spring and into summer, you can catch a glimpse of dolphin pods during their feeding periods. Only recently they were seen by a group of friends who captured the incredible moment, there they were unexpectedly joined by a pod of dolphins while kayaking in a Cornish Bay. Read the full story here.
3. Bird Life
We’ve mention him many times, and that’s our Cornish Chough, as they’re pretty special and rare to spot! But we can’t not bring up the famous bird of The Lizard. As well as Choughs you can look to the skies and see the UK’s largest seabird, The Northern Gannet. Although they do not breed locally, they choose to travel here from their colonies on the northern coast of France, and even as far away as the Welsh island of Grassholm.
4. Farm Life
We’re surrounded by the rolling hills of the Cornish country side, and in spring we can get to see our favourite sheep, cows, and bunnies roam around in the grass. Nothing quite signals spring than seeing lambs in the fields. Lizard Point is also home to a rabbit warren! Bunnies, lambs…do you feel spring like yet?
5. Warmer Weather
Likely one of the most noticeable and anticipated signs of spring is, of course, the welcomed arrival of warmer weather. But even better, The Lizard has its own microclimate, meaning it’s climate is probably the warmest in Britain!
We hope these pockets of wildlife to look out for, help give you a spring in your step to get through the last of the winter months. Discover our latest offers, events and menus. Let’s book your coastal escape today!