Spring in the UK

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British people love talking about the weather; in person or online, face to face or in an email conversation! For many people Spring is their favourite season. Here are some essential facts and useful vocabulary that will help you participate in everyday conversations not only about Spring and the four seasons in the UK but also the wider impact of climate change.

The four seasons in the UK

 

The United Kingdom is a country that experiences four different seasons: winter, spring, summer, and autumn. Each season has its own special charm, but many people say that spring is their favourite. Spring is the time of new beginnings, warmer weather, and longer days.

The UK has a temperate climate, which means it does not get too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter.

  • Winter (December to February): Cold and often wet, with some snow in certain parts of the country.
  • Spring (March to May): Flowers bloom, the weather gets warmer, and animals come out of hibernation.
  • Summer (June to August): The warmest season with longer days, making it a great time for outdoor activities.
  • Autumn (September to November): Leaves turn red, orange, and yellow before falling off the trees, and the air becomes cooler.

Different parts of the world experience different seasons. For example, countries near the equator, like Brazil and Indonesia, do not have the four seasons like the UK. Instead, they often have a dry season and a rainy season. In places like Australia and South Africa, the seasons are the opposite of the UK. So, when it is winter in the UK, it is summer in Australia!

Why is Spring special in the UK

 

Spring is a magical time in the UK. It usually begins in March and lasts until May. The days become longer, which means the sun sets later in the evening. This is because of something called Daylight Saving Time, when the clocks go forward by one hour in March. This gives people more daylight in the evenings to enjoy outdoor activities.

The weather in spring can be unpredictable. Some days are warm and sunny, while others can be rainy and chilly. However, as the weeks go by, the temperature gradually increases, and people start to spend more time outside.

 

Signs of Spring in the UK

 

One of the best things about spring is the return of colourful flowers. Daffodils, tulips, and bluebells are some of the first flowers to bloom. Parks and gardens become full of bright colours, making the UK look beautiful.

Animals also become more active in spring. Birds sing more, and you might see baby lambs in the fields. Hedgehogs, which hibernate during the winter, wake up and start looking for food.

Spring is also a season of festivals and celebrations. In April, Easter is celebrated with chocolate eggs and special events. People also take part in outdoor activities like hiking, picnics, and visiting gardens.

Fun facts about the Spring in the UK

 

  • The UK’s national flower for spring is the daffodil. It is a bright yellow flower that is often associated with Wales and St. David’s Day on March 1st.
  • Bluebells cover many forests in the UK. These beautiful purple-blue flowers usually appear in April and May, and many people visit woodlands to see them.
  • Spring is known for April showers. The phrase “April showers bring May flowers” is common in the UK because the month of April often has short, heavy rain showers.
  • The UK has a famous boat race in spring. Every year in March or April, Oxford and Cambridge Universities compete in a rowing race on the River Thames in London.
  • Lambing season is a big event. In many parts of the UK, particularly in the countryside, people love to see baby lambs being born in spring.

The importance of talking about the weather and climate in English

Our advice. Take part in conversations about the weather and climate, in person or online. This will not only help you improve your language skills and feel more connected to life in the UK and British culture but also the global community that we are all part of.
At Perfectly Spoken we provide lots of lessons and courses on these themes. Register for free now and try lesson 1!

Practise live with other students from our global community where these are often popular themes to talk about and discuss

  • Conversation Cafe
  • Speaking Practice sessions

We look forward to you joining us!

Useful vocabulary

  • Charm.  A special quality that makes something attractive or enjoyable.
  • Temperate.  A climate that is not too hot or too cold.
  • Equator. An imaginary line around the middle of the Earth that divides it into the northern and southern halves.
  • Unpredictable.  Something that changes suddenly and is difficult to know in advance.
  • Chilly . A little bit cold.
  • Bloom. When flowers open up and start growing beautifully.
  • Hedgehogs. Small animals with spiky backs that roll into a ball when scared.
  • Hibernate. When animals sleep for a long time in winter to save energy.
  • Cold snaps. Short periods of very cold weather.
  • Disrupt. To stop something from working normally or to cause a problem.

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