With the recent trio of storms battering East Sussex and other parts of the country, it has felt rather like spring is a distant, far off dream. But despite the wild winds, small tell-tale signs of spring are making an appearance across the county. The days are getting longer. The birds are singing in the hedgerows. The first flowers are blooming. With March bringing with it the first day of spring, we can all finally exhale a collective sigh at the end of what has seemed like a long and hard winter. Many people feel more lethargic and suffer with feelings of sadness and depression over the winter months, with some even suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD); so the start of spring really can be a ray of sunshine in more ways than one.

Here’s our very own Sussex spring signs to look out for over the coming month, and some top tips for ways to put a little spring in your step.

Flower power

There’s nothing more promising than seeing crocuses and daffodils pushing up through the soil. Apart from verges and roundabouts throughout the county, there’ll also be a lovely display at Sheffield Park, where thousands of daffodil bulbs have been planted on the stretch from the top of Ten Foot Pond to the Mansion. Or check out the beautiful spring borders at Bateman’s.

If you don’t fancy going for a day out to see the daffs, bring some home instead! Just a bunch from the supermarket normally costs £1 and can brighten up your kitchen – putting a smile on your face – or garden centres and home stores sell ready-made containers with bursts of bright spring colour. Alternatively, learn how to pot up some bulbs ready for next year!

The call of the wild

With the flowers, comes the wildlife, and spring is a perfect time to seek out your local species and enjoy watching the re-emergence of life on your doorstep. Check out what you might be able to spot using BBC Springwatch’s ‘watchlist’ – a list of feathered and flowery favourites you can keep an eye out for when you head outside in the sunshine. From butterflies to blackbirds, there’s sure to be something to see.

Why not get the little ones involved and make a nature trail checklist to take out with you? They can be as easy or as difficult as you like, and everyone loves a scavenger hunt!

Walk this way

Talking of getting outside, our body creates vitamin D from direct sunlight on our skin when we’re outdoors, so not only will a sunny walk make you feel better, it will help keep your bones healthy too! Find out how to enjoy the sunshine without risking sun damage.

If you’re stuck for ideas of where to walk, then fear not! There’s lots of ideas for circular walks and cycling routes on the East Sussex County Council website. Alternatively, you can check out the one, two and three-mile routes available to print and download on 123walks.org.

Whatever makes you happy about spring, we’d love to hear about it! Drop us a comment below, and tell us what you’ll be doing to put a spring in your step this March.