Signs of Spring Walking Trail

Spot the signs that nature is waking from its winter slumber and warmer and longer days aren’t far away. Look out for unfurling buds, nesting herons and clusters of beautiful snowdrops on our Signs of Spring Walking Trail. Enjoy the awe and wonder of wildlife wandering alongside the lake, through the gardens and into the woodland.

Start: The trail begins at the YSP Centre. Pick up a map from the Information Desk.

Distance:

2.5km / 1.5 miles to visit all trail points
5km / 3 miles to see all trail points and return to the YSP Centre

Terrain: Gravel paths with inclines. Tree roots underfoot on woodland paths which can get muddy.

Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome outdoors, excluding some nature conservation areas near the lake. Part of this trail goes through Bridge Royd Wood where dogs are not permitted, but an alternative dog-friendly route is signposted.

A carpet of snowdrops in spring sunshine.

Trail Point 1: Bothy Garden

The first to bloom: snowdrops

They may appear delicate but snowdrops are tough little plants. The tips of their leaves are especially hardened for breaking through frozen ground and their sap contains a form of antifreeze that prevents ice crystals from forming. Isn’t nature amazing! Daffodils and tulips will soon be bringing colour to these gardens too.

People taking photos of golden appled hanging from a branch

Trail Point 2: Bothy Garden (near Anya Gallacio)

A long winter waiting…

As tree buds get ready to burst, you might think all the growing and changing takes place in the spring. If you look closely at twigs during autumn and winter, you’ll see they already have tiny leaf buds! These buds are formed at the end of summer while they have energy to grow, before the days get cooler and shorter. The buds then lie dormant over the winter, waiting for spring to arrive. How many different trees can you spot?

Trail Point 3: Hillside (near Barbara Hepworth)

Big-fat-buds ready to burst

Spot or feel the horse chestnut buds covered in a sticky resin. This gluey film holds the elements of the buds together so it can grow nice and big before it pops open later in the spring.

Trail Point 4: Learning car park

Spring is in the air

Don’t just look down for spring flowers, look up too. Some might be growing on trees! Can you spot tiny, slim catkins on these silver birch trees? For a few weeks each year, catkins release pollen into blustery spring breezes. They then fall off and the tree canopy unfolds.

A blue tit perched on a moss covered branch

Trail Point 5: Birds nesting (near YSP Learning Café)

The early bird catches the worm

Just as nature starts to re-stock its larder with tasty insects and fresh new buds, birds begin to build their nests. In early spring, look out for blackbirds, blue tits and robins, flitting around collecting construction materials.

A blackbird perched on the branch of an evergreen tree

Trail Point 6: Bird calls (heading towards Lower Park)

Nature’s harmony

When searching for snowdrops or early spring flowers, listen out for birds singing too. The Swiss name for snowdrops is Amselblumli or ‘blackbird flower’ because they bloom as the amsel, the blackbird, starts to sing. Surely a sign of the spring to come and that winter is loosening its icy grip. Take a moment to enjoy the birdsong in this spot.

Trail point 7: Entrance to Bridge Royd Wood

You’re not the only one looking for snowdrops!

Winter sunshine can wake insects from their hibernation including bees. The insects are hungry and in need of food and snowdrops are one of the few sources of pollen and nectar available.

A heron standing in shallow water with green foliage behind it.

Trail point 8: Herons (Lower Lake path near Cascade Bridge)

An island haven for herons

Look across to the island – can you see the silhouettes of herons perched on their nests? Grey herons nest in groups at the same locations for generations, reusing the same nests year on year. They start arriving and making house repairs in February. Heron chicks can take as long as eight weeks to fledge, so even with an early spring start they will still be in the nest later than other young birds.