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<p>Spring is just around the corner folks!&nbsp;</p>
<p>There's been no shortage of bad weather over the past few weeks, but longer periods of clear skies and sunshine aren't far from our reach now. In anticipation of brighter, warmer days, we've put together a little compilation of flora and fauna facts and activities to remind you what to look out for in your garden or on your walks.&nbsp;</p>
<h2 style="text-align:center;">Seeing the Woods For The Trees</h2>
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<h5 style="text-align:center;">The magnificent Scots pines of Pine Island, Connemara, Co. Galway</h5>
<p>Who doesn't love a peaceful walk in the woods while following the mossy trails and enjoying the crisp forest air? We love the scenery, the atmosphere, but most of us have probably forgotten what we learned in primary school about the differences between tree species.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The most common native trees are oak, ash, hazel, birch, Scots pine, rowan and willow. To shake up your walks, why not see if you can recognise these trees along your route? Take a look at this <a href="https://www.treecouncil.ie/native-irish-trees#:~:text=Our%20most%20common%20native%20trees,larch%20and%20fir%20to%20Ireland." target="_self">visual guide</a> beforehand to refresh your memory or learn something new about your local woodlands.</p>
<p><strong>National Tree Week 2022</strong>, hosted by the Tree Council of Ireland, is also coming up soon. They usually run some great photography/art competitions suitable for all ages, with cash prizes to give away  - we'll update you over the next few weeks as to what kind of activities and competitions you can get involved with this year.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Find plenty of atmospheric woodland trails in the Hikes and Trails section of the Xplore app.</p>
<h2 style="text-align:center;">Stopping to Smell the Flowers</h2>
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<h5 style="text-align:center;">Wildflowers at the Burren, where 75% of flora that can be found in Ireland grows</h5>
<p>Remember holding a buttercup to someone's chin to 'check' if they liked butter? Picking the love-me-not petals off a daisy? Blowing the seeds off a dandelion? Wildflowers form part of our collective childhood memories, and although we might see clusters of them every day, it may have been a while since we last really <em>looked </em>at them.</p>
<p>Why not take some time this spring to appreciate the natural and timeless beauty of these childhood favourites? Check out <a href="http://www.wildflowersofireland.net/" target="_self">this website</a> by wildflower expert Zoe Devlin to learn how to identify the different types of flowers that are blooming at this time of year.&nbsp;</p>
<h2 style="text-align:center;">Refine Your Bird's-Eye</h2>
<p>Many kinds of birds visit our gardens daily, but it's difficult to put a name to some, especially when they have similar characteristics, postures and colours.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This BirdWatch Ireland poster is a great reference for spotting the differences between them. Learn how to tell a dunnock from a wren, or a rook from a starling.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This could be a great solo activity or something to do with the kids to keep them busy and curious over the weekend.</p>
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Springing to Life: Plant and Wildlife Guide For Nature Walks

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