Print pageSeasonal highlights
Each season brings a different experience at our nature reserves. In spring, the air is filled with birdsong as they compete to establish territories and attract a mate. In summer, look out for young birds making their first venture into the outside world. Autumn brings large movements of migrating birds - some heading south to a warmer climate, others seeking refuge in the UK from the cold Arctic winter. In winter, look out for large flocks of birds gathering to feed, or flying at dusk to form large roosts to keep warm.
Spring
Red kites and buzzards and other woodland birds, notably pied flycatchers, redstarts and wood warblers from mid-April. Beautiful spring woodland foliage from early May with accompanying bird chorus.
Summer
Birds of prey and colourful moorland heathers and gorse from July. This is the best time for finding wildflowers, butterflies, dragonflies and a host of other invertebrates.
Autumn
Woodlands and moorland become quiet places as winter approaches. Birds of prey are always present and including red kites, buzzards and peregrines. Ravens, too, are easily seen. Winter thrushes, redwings and fieldfares, feast among the berried rowan trees, sometimes with ring ouzels. Carpets of mosses and lichens are at their best at this time and enhance the mystical feeling one experiences in the ancient woodlands.
Winter
Stunning winter scenery makes up for the apparent scarcity of birds at this time. Red kites are easily found but it takes skill to find the mostly silent nuthatches, treecreepers and woodpeckers that are always there somewhere. Frost and snow pick out the textures of the landscape and its varied habitats.