The Wildlife Calendar

April 2026

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Wildlife Events in April

Brimstone Butterfly — First of the Year

The brimstone butterfly is often the first butterfly to be seen each year, emerging on warm days from late February onwards. Spotting your first brimstone of the year is a classic sign of spring.

England & Wales, UK

Feb – Apr

🐦

Osprey Return to UK

Ospreys return to their UK breeding grounds in Scotland and Wales from their West African wintering grounds. The first sightings in spring are eagerly awaited by birdwatchers.

Scotland & Wales, UK

Mar – Apr

Osprey →

🐦

Swallow First Arrivals

The arrival of the first swallows is one of the most celebrated signs of spring in Britain. Early birds typically arrive on the south coast from their sub-Saharan wintering grounds in late March.

South Coast, England

Mar – Apr

Swallow →

🐦

Atlantic Puffin Season

Atlantic puffins come ashore to breed on rocky island colonies around Britain, particularly the Farne Islands, Skomer, and various Scottish islands. Colonies are at their most active in June and July.

Farne Islands, Skomer & Scottish Islands, UK

Apr – Aug

Atlantic Puffin →

🐦

Swift Arrival

Common swifts arrive in the UK from sub-Saharan Africa, heralding the arrival of summer. They are immediately noticeable by their screaming calls in the skies above towns and villages.

England & Wales, UK

Apr – May

Swift →