Now that spring is upon us and lockdown is easing, we can start to look ahead to future activities, events and getting outdoors more often.
There is so much to love about the spring season with colourful flowers sprouting up from the ground, sunshine and Easter. It’s an ideal time to try something new and to prepare for the year ahead.
We’ve suggested a range of ideas for spring, including spring crafting, nature walks and also featured resources for mental health and exercise.
Here is a list of ways to enjoy and make the most of spring 2021.
1. Nature walks
There are so many great local nature walks to take on Merseyside and springtime is perfect to see them at their best.
The Sefton and West Lancashire coastal path and Undiscovered Formby walks are lovely scenic routes to see the River Mersey and surroundings.
There’s also the beautiful Wirral Circular Trail, a longer walk with stunning views of the Dee Estuary.
2. Mental health
As we gradually emerge from lockdown, it’s good to still keep on top of our mental health this spring.
There are a host of meditation and yoga classes online, such as those at Mix Pose and Liverpool’s Planet Yoga. The Mind Map website also acts as a one-stop shop to deal with mental health matters. They offer a range of help, including counselling, training and advice.
3. Spring planting
Get planting this spring for a very colourful summer and a way to reconnect with nature. Summer bulbs are ideal for patio containers and add colour to mixed borders without taking up much space.
Bulbs such as Alliums, Agapanthus and Cannas can be planted in spring, when the soil is beginning to warm up. The National Trust and the BBC have some great planting tips to get you started.
4. Take a course/ Be a volunteer
Try something new this spring and start a new course or volunteer for a charity.
Signs4Life free 6 week BSL course is a new initiative to encourage more members of the public to take up sign language. You could also take up volunteer work with a charity such as Mind or a local food bank.
5. Exercise
Take up a new form of exercise. Cycling is great for getting out and about in the warmer weather, have a look at Liverpool City Council’s cycling information for cycle maps, routes, CityBike hire and more. Outdoor exercise is relatively cheap and another great way to help with mental health.
The new lockdown changes will also allow more use of our parks, including tennis courts and outdoor gym facilities. If you’re in need of some inspiration, the BBC has some great resources and ideas.
6. Outdoor art activities
Outdoor drawing and painting are fantastic ways to enjoy the spring weather and take in the scenery. There are many online drawing classes if you need help to get started.
Make. Liverpool Digital Drink & Draw have regular classes on Zoom and dot-art also have a host of art classes to explore.
7. Spring exhibitions
Take in some art this spring. The 2021 Liverpool Biennial opens in March with a host of events. The event commissions new art every two years, previous exhibitions have included Anthony Gormley’s Another Place.
The Independents Biennial is also well worth checking out to discover emerging artists, this year they feature Jay Hampton and Mark Simmonds, amongst many others.
Both festivals run 20 March-6 June.
8. Easter treats
With Easter just around the corner there’s plenty of opportunities to get creative in the kitchen with the family.
Homemade Easter eggs are great fun to make and you could also try making customised hot cross buns. These are perfect for allowing kids to make their own designs and get creative. BBC Good Food has a variety of fun Easter projects for kids, which should keep the whole family entertained for hours.
9. Spring crafts
If you are looking for a fun way to celebrate the spring season, try some spring crafting. There are many fun and easy ways to create, such as flower crafts and butterfly rings for kids. These can be made with craft supplies you probably already have on hand.
You could also try making cards and gifts for Easter, another nice opportunity to get creative with the family.
10. Nature watching
As spring comes into life, it’s good to get outdoors with the family to discover birds and wildlife. The RSPB have a comprehensive set of online resources for identifying birds and signs of spring.
The BBC also have many resources for spring online, including archives and activities based around their Springwatch programme. The site includes tips on feeding and photographing wildlife.