I can’t wait to…

…SEE MARCH HARES

In the clearing stands a boxer and a fighter by his trade… oh no, wait, it’s just a mad March hare. There’s something about this time of year that sends these furry sprinters into a frenzy, and that something is breeding season. Males charge about looking for a mate, and when the females have had enough of the chase, they turn round and make their feelings clear with a swift wallop. Up on their hind legs, sparring with front paws, they look like they’re going the distance. But as a species in rapid decline, maybe the females need to throw in the towel every now and then. Marie Marsh, Production Editor

…HEAR NATTERJACKS

This toad is a very rare beast, but in spring it advertises its location loudly. As night falls, the males puff out their throats and rasp out a lady-luring croak that can be heard over a mile away. The species is only found at about 60 sandy sites across Britain – the Sefton Coast is a stronghold – and it’s smaller than a common toad, has a yellow line down its back and short legs which mean it tends to run, not jump. It’s of course wise to keep your distance to minimise disturbance, and these toads emit poison when attacked, although some wily crows have worked out how to eat them without touching the skin. Jenny Walters, Features Editor

…SPOT COWSLIPS

Getting sidetracked often leads to wonderful things. It did three springs ago when I strayed from the Ridgeway into Segsbury Castle on the Berkshire Downs to find the grass from rampart to horizon spangled yellow with nodding cowslips. I’m always cheered by their fruity-scented blooms as April rolls around. ‘Cowslip’ is said to come from ‘cow slop’ because it favours pasture, and it goes by various country names including ‘keys from heaven’. Primula veris (related to primrose) grows on verges and in ancient woods too, producing one-sided clusters of fairy-teacup flowers, exploding like fireworks from tall stems. Philip Thomas, Features Writer