Exit hibernation. Enter spring

The start of March, and the start of Spring. Hawthorns are throwing out leaf shoots, Lords and Ladies sprouting in woodlands and Bluebells emerging. However this evening i was focused on finding what amphibious spring life was emerging from the undergrowth.

Common frogs and Smooth newts are the most common of the UK's Amphibians and can be found in many ponds in a variety of habitats, including gardens. They hibernate from around October to February (varying depending on Winter temperatures), in an assortment of suitable hibernating spots, for example piles of logs, areas of mixed cobbles and old housing debris and in the undergrowth of some plant material.

In my suburban garden i have two ponds, one large, one smaller. Both very good for Common frogs during the summer and the smaller one also being very good for Smooth newts too.

As the sun disappeared and the garden entered into darkness i took to it with a torch and within a few feet i found tens of frogs emerging from hibernation heading towards the two ponds (both of which were already alive with the croaking of active Males).

Common frogs

A quick check of the smaller pond soon found two male Smooth newts fresh out of hibernation ready for the soon to arrive females.

Smooth newt

Newts are my favourite. Always been fascinated by them and still can't believe we have them in my garden, even though they've been there for over 5 years, still a treat to witness.


Great to see the newts and frogs again, here's to hoping we don't see another frosty spell anytime this spring...

What signs of Spring are there in your area?