´óÏó´«Ã½

Natural England has been researching the link between our mental health and the sound of birdsong.  One in ten of us will be affected by depression at some point in our lives. Spring is the perfect time to get out and about but can birdsong really have any psychological benefits? Keeley Donovan is up at the crack of dawn to investigate whether birdsong can work as a natural therapy. At Martin Down National Nature Reserve, she’s joined by members of the Wiltshire Wellbeing group to test the theory by witnessing a true springtime treat - the dawn chorus.

High in the Brecon Beacons in Wales, a small symbol of hope is ready for harvest.  James Wong learned how the humble daffodil could play an important part in treating Alzheimer's.

Keeley visits Wytham Woods in Oxfordshire. It is one of the most studied woodlands in the world.  A high tech living laboratory where scientists from Oxford University study how climate affects the natural world. Here she discovers why no two springs are alike and what impact a mild winter has had on our native flora and fauna this spring.

The New Forest comes alive in spring.  At present, more than 6,000 cattle, donkeys and ponies graze on 90,000 acres of land. Jules Hudson rides out with agister, Jonathan Gerrelli to find out more about the wardens of the New Forest whose role it is to ensure the livestock are kept safe and well. 

This spring, Paul Martin and his family are on a mission - to fulfil a dream and restore the fields and woodlands of their Victorian smallholding in Wiltshire. Today, Paul is keen to introduce sheep to help graze the land.  He visits local sheep farmer, Adrian Andrews, to find out about a local, heritage breed - the Wiltshire Horn. Perfect for smallholders like Paul, they are low maintenance, easy to manage and shed their own fleece. But will he take on his own flock?

John Craven visits Brogdale Farm, where the largest display of fruit trees and plants in the world can be found. He meets Dr Joan Morgan, known as the ‘Queen of Apples’, who is writing a book about pears.  Joan tells John why spring allows her to celebrate blossom and why she records these exquisite flowers. John then takes a sprig of blossom to Elisabeth Dowle, a talented botanical artist, and finds out more about her work.

The silver birch tree is amongst the first to bud in spring. The sugary sap that rises through its trunk marks the start of the foraging season. Margherita Taylor meets West Sussex distiller, Sarah Thompson at her busiest time of year, as she collects sap to turn in to silver birch botanicals.