What to Do in the Weald in March
Published 20 February 2026
Photo by Annie Spratt · Unsplash License
March is the month when the Weald finally shakes off winter. Lengthening days bring a rush of activity: sap rises, migrants return, and the hedgerows begin to whiten with blackthorn blossom. Whether you tend a kitchen garden, keep chickens, or simply enjoy walking the lanes, there's plenty to do — and notice — this month.
Country Jobs for March
Service the mower
Get the mower serviced before the first cut. Sharpen blades, change the oil and check the spark plug. The first cut should be on a high setting — never scalp a spring lawn.
Check fences and gates
Winter storms take a toll on post-and-rail fencing. Walk your boundaries now and repair weak spots before livestock go out to spring pasture.
Clear gutters and drains
After the last of the leaf fall and winter debris, clear gutters and land drains. Blocked drains on Wealden clay can cause serious waterlogging.
Prepare nest boxes
Clean out old nest boxes before resident birds start prospecting. Face the hole away from prevailing weather (north-east is ideal in the Weald). Put up new boxes if you can — there's a national shortage of nest sites.
Start a compost heap
If you don't already have one, March is ideal. Mix green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) waste in layers. Turn it monthly and you'll have usable compost by autumn.
Order logs for next winter
Season your firewood for at least a year. Order now and stack it in a sunny, airy spot — you'll thank yourself next November.
Wildlife in March
Blackthorn blossom
The first hedgerow spectacle of spring. Blackthorn flowers before its leaves appear, creating a cloud of white along lanes and field edges. A vital early nectar source for bees.
Chiffchaffs arrive
One of the first summer migrants to reach the Weald. Listen for the distinctive two-note "chiff-chaff" song in woodland edges from mid-March. Their arrival is a reliable herald of spring.
Frog and toad spawning
Ponds across the Weald fill with frogspawn in early March, followed by toad spawn in strings a week or two later. If you have a garden pond, leave a section of bank wild for easy access.
Brimstone butterflies
The lemon-yellow brimstone is one of the first butterflies on the wing. Males patrol woodland rides and hedgerow edges on sunny days — the name "butterfly" may derive from this butter-yellow insect.
Badger cubs emerge
Born in February, badger cubs start appearing above ground in late March. Watch at dusk near known setts — but keep your distance and keep dogs on leads near sett areas.
Explore wildlife sightingsNesting season begins
Many birds are now nesting or nest-building. Avoid cutting hedges until September and keep dogs on leads on heathland and near ground-nesting birds. Disturbing active nests is an offence under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981.
In the Garden
Sow broad beans and peas
Direct sow broad beans (Aquadulce Claudia does well on Wealden clay) and early peas in prepared beds. Protect with cloches if hard frost is forecast.
Chit seed potatoes
Stand seed potatoes in egg boxes in a cool, light place to chit. Shoots should be 1–2 cm by planting time (late March to early April on lighter soils, mid-April on heavy clay).
Prune roses and fruit bushes
Cut back hybrid tea and floribunda roses to an outward-facing bud. Prune autumn-fruiting raspberries to ground level. Gooseberries and currants benefit from opening up the centre of the bush.
Start tomatoes and chillies under cover
Sow tomatoes, chillies and aubergines on a warm windowsill or in a heated propagator. They need 6–8 weeks before planting out after the last frost (usually mid-May in the Weald).
Feed the soil
Top-dress beds with well-rotted compost or manure. On Wealden clay, a layer of garden compost improves drainage and structure — work it into the top few inches with a fork.
Plant bare-root hedging
The last chance to plant bare-root native hedging (hawthorn, hazel, field maple, dog rose) before sap rises. A mixed native hedge is the single best thing you can do for garden wildlife.
Foraging in March
Important: Foraging Safety
Never eat any wild plant unless you are 100% certain of its identification. Some edible plants have toxic lookalikes. If in doubt, leave it.
Only forage where you have permission — never on private land without the owner's consent. Uprooting any wild plant is illegal under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981. Respect the Countryside Code.
Wild garlic (ramsons)
Look for the broad, bright-green leaves in damp woodland from mid-March. The garlicky scent is unmistakable. Use in pesto, soups, or as a wilted green. Pick leaves only — never pull the bulb.
Nettles
Young nettle tops (the top 4–6 leaves) make a superb soup, tea, or side green — rich in iron and vitamin C. Wear gloves when picking; cooking destroys the sting completely.
Cleavers (goosegrass)
The sticky stems and leaves that cling to your clothes are edible when young. Traditionally used as a spring tonic tea — simply steep fresh tips in boiling water for 5 minutes.
Three-cornered leek
Common along Wealden lanes and churchyards, this mild, onion-flavoured plant has white drooping flowers and a triangular stem. Leaves and flowers are both edible and excellent in salads.
Events This Month
Dark Skies Stargazing at Seven Sisters
Seven Sisters Country Park · £5 per person
Wealden Farmers' Market
Crowborough Community Centre · Free entry
Forest Bathing in Broadwater Warren
Broadwater Warren RSPB Reserve · £15
South Downs Way Guided Walk — Spring Wildflowers
Ditchling Beacon Car Park · £8 adults, under-16s free
Bluebell Railway — Mothering Sunday Cream Tea Special
Sheffield Park Station · £35 adults, £18 children
Crowborough Annual Litter Pick
Crowborough War Memorial · Free — all welcome
Sheffield Park — Spring Garden Tour
Sheffield Park and Garden · Free with garden admission