The birds are singing and looking for nest material and the catkins are out on the hazel trees. Before you put your boots on, please read the important notes on collecting. They are members of the beetle family Coccinellidae and most species do a valuable job in keeping destructive aphids and mites in check.
Many species hibernate at the same location each winter and often enter sheds or houses to do so.
In the recent milder weather they are becoming more active and easier to find. All insects are fascinating when studied in close-up. You don't need to be an entomologist just to admire the wonderful texture and detail of the shell, legs, spines and colour markings. There is no need to kill the ladybird to study it. They often obligingly 'freeze' on the spot when touched so can be viewed with ease.