They say that March heralds the start of spring, so why not put a spring in your step and join us on one of our RSPB NI guided walks and take in the stunning nature that’s on your doorstep?Starting way out west in County Fermanagh, we are hosting Spring Nature Detectives at Castle Archdale on Saturday 10 March (10am to 12pm). Sign up to discover signs of spring, identify early flowering plants and buds on trees in the woodland. You could spot some red squirrels and make sure to watch out for wintering migrant birds including redwings (below) and fieldfares filling their bellies full of berries in the hedgerows or wintering wildfowl like teal and tufted ducks swimming in the bay.
Just two of our events on Rathlin (pictured, top) this year are the Roonivoolin Ramble on Saturday 7 April (12 noon to 4pm) and a photography walk in May.For the Roonivoolin Ramble, join RSPB NI warden and islander Liam McFaul to explore the Roonivoolin reserve on the southern arm of the island. This haven for nature is home to a rich variety of birds and wildlife, from common blue butterflies to wildflowers, soaring birds of prey to Northern Ireland’s only family of choughs. Along the way you might also spot seals lazing in Mill Bay or, if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of an elusive Irish hare. You’ll also be able to enjoy stunning scenery as far as the eye can see, including views of Fair Head and the Mull of Kintyre. On Saturday 2 June (11am to 3.30pm), Liam will be joined by wildlife photographer Ronald Surgenor for a special Nature Photography Walk on Rathlin. As well as getting the chance to see gulls, auks and dolphins on the ferry to the island, there will be all manner of birds to see on a walk from the harbour to Rue Point, not to mention bluebells and orchids and maybe even Irish hares.At our Belfast Window On Wildlife (WOW) reserve, warden Chris Sturgeon will be leading a special Spring Walk on Saturday 14 April (10am to 3pm).A tour around the reserve at Belfast Lough will let you see migrant flocks of black-tailed godwits all the way from Iceland, breeding moorhens on the bank and courting common terns on the man-made islands of the freshwater lagoon.As well as a chance to explore the Holywood Banks, one of the most exciting aspects of this walk is that it will include a 1km stroll through Harbour Meadows, a nature haven that is not open to the public. Try and spot linnets (above) and meadow pipits, as well as butterflies and orchids, in what really will be a walk with a ‘wow’ factor. At our Portmore Lough reserve, we will host a Yoga and Wellbeing Walk on Saturday 28 April (2pm to 4pm). Portmore is home to all sorts of amazing wildlife - from birds to butterflies and badgers to bees – so be guided around by our warden Laura Smith and take in the spectacular views over the lough and the hustle and bustle of breeding season on the meadows. After the walk, head back to the community room for a relaxing nature-themed expert-guided yoga session with Claire Ferry - clear your mind and recharge your batteries.So say farewell to winter – once the last of the snow melts – and join us on our spring strolls!To enquire about or book any of our events, email rspbnievents@rspb.org.uk or call 028 9064 5630. Or visit www.rspb.org.uk/nireland