Spring Inspirations, a Love of Nature & Planting Trees

Is that the scent of spring in the air? With Imbolc behind us and the spring clock change on the horizon spring feels within reach.

The beginning of the year has been busy for me so far, I had the pleasure of teaching watercolour painting at a beautiful baby shower, worked on a book cover illustration, completed a commission, taught lots of private watercolour workshops and of course, working away in my lovely little shop and studio at Wyresdale Park.

I can’t share any details from the book cover or private commission just yet, but the commission is my favourite and most detailed I’ve worked on so far.  A lovely story book style illustration to celebrate the birth of a first Grandchild, in the form of a woodland animal’s tea party including lots of personal family details.   

You may also have noticed that I have been sharing more regular updates on my Instagram and Facebook page, including some reels! Its lovely to connect with so many of you on there and I hope my posts can bring a little joy to your scroll.

Photo - A little snapshot of what I've been posting on Instagram lately.

Looking to Spring

I’ve been thinking more about my seasonal inspirations and how nature brings so much to my life and to my art. Stopping to notice things when we are busy is hard, but I find the more I look, the more I notice. The simplest things, the gentle shade of pink on a newly bloomed flower or moss marking the entry way to what possibly could be a little fairy house, are the sights that send me running back to my desk to start painting. 

The colours of spring are one of the first things I notice as the season turns, the dull browns of winter suddenly being framed by a dapple of green here and there, there is something so luscious about those first few leaves that unfold. 

Nature always sparks my imagination; I can’t help picturing a little moss-covered log as the perfect place for a fairy picnic. As I wander through the woodland on my daily walk, I always imagine the squirrels hurrying back and forth to each other’s houses, armfuls of acorns ready for a tea party. No matter the time of year there is always something to inspire me, and I like to think that the little woodland creatures, elves and fairies are carrying on with their busy lives as I pass by.

Photo - Fairy gallery wall for a little girls bedroom, you can see the full collection of fairy and elf prints here inspired by my daily nature walks.

Is there something you see in nature that you look for each year? 

One of the things I love most about nature is the changing seasons. As I write this, the snowdrops are slowly fading and the bright yellow daffodils are starting to open. Soon, the woods will be decorated with bluebells, and before long, the majestic foxgloves will stand tall. Some of my favourite spring inspired prints include my Hedgehogs and daffodils nursery print, Look for the Fairies - bluebell print and Fun in the Foxgloves - badger print.

Photo - double-page spread I illustrated for the Positive Wellbeing Zine for Mums a couple of years ago.

Spring Colouring Competition

Download my free colouring sheet for your little one, for the chance to win an A4 print of their choice! Or pick a colouring sheet up on your next visit to my shop.

Take the colouring sheet on a fun spring adventure, encouraging them to notice the changing seasons and signs of spring, ticking them off as they go. Then, they can bring the scene to life with their colours back at home!

I’d love to see their colouring! Simply take a photo and share it on Instagram, tagging @carlagebharddesigns to enter the competition.

At the end of spring, one lucky winner will receive an A4 print of their choice!  

Download Spring : Free Downloadable Colouring Competition here!

Other things to look out for in Spring...

Early blossom

The start of spring is one of my favourite times of year for blossom. Blackthorn, and hawthorn begin to bloom, adding splashes of white and pink to the landscape.

Birdsong Increases

Birds such as robins, blackbirds, and song thrushes become more vocal as they establish territories and prepare for nesting.

Frogs and Toads Spawning

Ponds and wetlands come alive with frogspawn and toads pawn, marking the start of amphibian breeding season.

Insect Activity

As temperatures rise, early pollinators like bees, butterflies (such as the brimstone and peacock), and ladybirds begin to emerge.

Photo - Me helping to plant the trees I donated towards in December 2023.

Planting Trees, One Print at a Time

I recently visited the local farmland where many of the trees I support are planted. Supporting the local woodlands and wildlife is my small way of giving back to nature for all the inspiration it gives me and my paintings.

Since 2023, I’ve been donating 5% of print sales to the Wyre River Trust. Each tree costs £15 to plant, which covers the nurturing and care needed during the first 3 years to give it the best chance of thriving.

Thanks to your support, I’ve been able to donate £450 so far, resulting in 30 trees being planted in the local area. I couldn't do this without you, so thank you for continuing to support my little business and in turn help the local woodland to grow and flourish!

Photo - Visiting the trees in March 2025. They’re slowly starting to grow, with the Bowland Fells and farm in the background.