March sweeps into Hampshire with a lively, green-tinged energy. A fresh breeze rolls across the South Downs, waking the hills from their winter slumber. Everywhere, the county seems to stretch and sigh with relief, spring has finally arrived.

In Winchester, the water meadows burst into life, the grass bright and dewy underfoot. Frothy clusters of daffodils pop up along paths, bending their golden heads in the breeze.

In the New Forest pregnant ponies can be spotted everywhere, the foals just a few weeks away. Let birdsong weave a soundtrack as you wander along Rhinefield Ornamental Drive and watch sunlight flicker through the giant redwoods like a spell being cast.

March markets bustle with energy and new season vegetables from local farms start to appear on stalls and restaurants, where chefs celebrate spring with updated menus filled with wild garlic, savoy cabbage and purple sprouting broccoli.

Over in Portsmouth, the sea air starts to feel invigorating rather than bracing. A walk along Southsea’s promenade brings the joy of spotting early beachcombers searching for shells and sea glass.

March in Hampshire is when Spring equinox heralds the retreat of early dark evenings and the sun crosses into position directly above the equator for a brief time.

Big love,
Bex