This month…

APRIL

‘April’ comes from the Latin word 'aperire' meaning 'to open' - an apt description as this second month of Spring is bursting with buds and new growth. 

April is peak season for bluebells, and the UK has nearly half the world’s population of these flowers. Ancient woodlands turn into vivid blue carpets—especially here in Sussex.

The cuckoos, swallows and nightingales will be arriving from North Africa and southern Spain. The days are getting longer and the weather is warming up….. the butterflies are arriving.

On April 1st, pranks are only supposed to be played before noon—otherwise, you are considered the fool. One of the most famous UK pranks was the BBC’s “spaghetti tree” broadcast. Remember that?!

By April, the UK experiences a noticeable increase in daylight thanks to the March clock change (BST): Early April: ~13 hours daylight. Late April: ~15+ hours! Longer evenings = more pub gardens opening!

The UK tax year begins on April 6th, which seems random—but it dates back to 1752 when Britain switched from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar and had to adjust dates.

The weeds have started flourishing and the spring bulbs are on the wain. No doubt, April will bring showers, but we should be in for some warm sunny days. For some of us, our windowsills are positively bursting with seedlings waiting for a more predictable May.

For centuries farmers try to predict spring weather. "If it thunders on All Fool's Day, it brings good crops of corn & hay". The phrase “April showers bring May flowers” isn’t just poetic—it reflects UK weather patterns. In April, warm air from the south meets colder northern air, creating frequent but short bursts of rain.