For country lovers, wrapping up warm for a stroll in the sunshine to watch the animals and birds is one of the great joys as the land comes back to life after hibernating for winter.

Bulbs bursting in top flower, buds on the trees and lambing tell us all is well with the world and despite the stresses and strains of man-made worries like work and money, nature is above all this and carries on regardless.

A country walk in the spring clears the head and mind. Not for nothing is spring known as the time of romance.

For many, the New Year does not start on January 1, but with the birth of the first lambs.

To townies, lambing is a certain time of year, but they don’t realise sheep really do follow the rest of the flock when it comes to breeding.

Most farm animals don’t have a regulated breeding season, just like us. Sheep are different – they all get pregnant and give birth at more or less the same time when the weather warms and a good supply of grass is available for the lambs.

Here are some tips of what to watch out for when you and your partner are crossing the fields:

* Sheep ready for lambing are held in a field close to the farm or in sheds on the farm so the farmer can keep a close eye on them

* If you see a ewe leave the flock looking for a quiet place under a bush or near a wall, she’s probably ready to give birth in the next hour or so

* Most sheep easily give birth without the farmer’s help.

* If you see an ewe licking a lamb’s face, she’s probably cleaning him or her just after the birth

* After the first lamb, the second quickly follows – most breeds give birth to two lambs

If you see a ewe pawing the ground, it’s not a sign of anger or upset. She’s probably in labour and a little confused. The pawing is a signal she is looking for her lamb.

Walks are a real winner for lots of reasons:

* Time together – passing the time chatting while walking lets you concentrate on each other instead of all the other things vying for attention at home or work

* Health benefits – Walking is good exercise for the heart, mind and rest of the body. Fresh air clears out the cob webs while a gentle stroll puts muscles you might not have realised you had to work

* Cheap and cheerful – Walking doesn’t cost money, like going down the pub, to the cinema or just about everything else

* Take in the scenery – Walking takes you places where the car doesn’t, opens up new views and brings you closer to nature.

If you live in the country or near the coast, finding walks is not a problem – you just open the door and step out.

Living in a town can make finding an attractive walk more difficult, but most built-up areas have easy access to a country park, canals or riversides that make do during the week.

Waking doesn’t have to be a trek either. Just stepping out for 30 minutes is enough to break up the day.

If you want to find some good walks, then three web sites can really help:

In England, the government’s DEFRA web site offers about 1,800 walks across the country.

For Scotland and Wales, the tourist sites Visit Scotland and Visit Wales provide a similar service.

Never mind about the weather, even in the wind or rain, walking is fun – and it gives that extra chance to huddle together for some warmth.

If you plan your walk right, you can start or end near a handy pub or restaurant.

Just remember if you plan an adventurous walk in the mountains or somewhere remote, let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return and wear the right gear in case the weather changes quickly.