Diary of a springtime detective

•    Find frogs In March, frogs begin to breed and children find frogspawn fascinating. The clear jelly with black spots turns into tadpoles in a month and frogs in 11 weeks.

•    Watch for signs of growth Keep an eye out for the first flowers in bloom. Early spring arrivals include primrose, crocus and catkins.

•    See the bluebells Visit ancient woodlands where beautiful bluebells thrive. To find one in your area, visit www.woodland-trust.org.UK/bluebells

•    Spot the first birds to sing Not only will your child be able to see the birds with their beaks full as they gather nesting materials, she will also be able to hear the first birdsongs of spring from blackbirds and thrushes. Visit www.rspb.org.uk for a guide of what to spot and where.

•    Visit a family-friendly farm The Soil Association has more than 50 organic farms across the UK where children can go on Easter egg hunt, enjoy tractor ride and see the newborn lambs.

•    Look out for badgers Badger cubs are born in mid-January, which makes the early spring the ideal time for a spot of badger watching. Although badgers are nocturnal, try a spot of evening badger watching at Holme Open Farm in Cumbria.

•    Go on a nature hunt Whether it’s looking for worms, snails, slugs or spotting a big queen bee, your child need not need to venture far to spot nature. She can just go searching in the back garden. For fun activities to accompany a nature hunt, visit www.naturedetectives.org.uk