The clocks go forward on 29th March and the days begin to feel noticeably longer. We’re filled with a mysterious ‘energy’ that tempts us outside, gets us excited and promises that spring time is just around the corner. Of course, we have been slowly recovering sunlight since 21st December, but the spring equinox really gets our juices flowing.

You may not know that we experience a state of equality on the equinox itself – a perfect balance of daylight and darkness before we tip into growing warmth and light, rushing toward the June solstice.

Getting away
This time of year brings the promise of Easter as well as plans for holidays. Families looking to get away can access a wealth of holiday treats right on our doorstep – the Forest of Dean, the Wye Valley, the numerous Cotswold villages and, a little further afield, the rural expanses of South Wales.

We are blessed with an infinite number of attractions for family day trips, and if camping is your thing, there are numerous high-quality camp sites dotted about the local area. From Tewkesbury Abbey to the Forest of Dean we are spoiled for choice for places to stay and play.

Camping is certainly a budget friendly way to get the whole family together and enjoy being outside. Take a football, a disposable barbecue and some waterproofs (just in case), load up on marshmallows and hot chocolate and you are good to go. Kids love the sense of adventure and, even if it is a bit of an effort, adults will enjoy the change of scenery. There’s nothing like the big blue sky to clear the mind and relieve stress.

Pottering in the garden
Meanwhile, back at home, the garden will be crying out for some attention. Now is the time to get the lawnmower out and start planting those early potatoes. For small gardens use large pots to plant some early vegetables and watch the kids enjoy the thrill of growing their own food. Let them choose what they want to plant, as this may encourage them to try new foods.

You can also plant some colourful bulbs ready to flower in the summer. I find these jobs with the promise of rewards very uplifting when the days are grey and the mood dips. Getting your hands dirty is a great way to remember what’s really important in life.

So, this month, why not get the whole family feeling creative and adventurous? You might just be surprised what you can do.