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
In spring, primroses and snowdrops adorn the nature trail margins, with bluebells on the higher slopes of this broadleaved woodland. Buzzards call and woodpeckers drum. Red deer, badgers and even brown hares are frequent visitors. Dormice are resident too.
Summer
Some wonderful displays of bluebells in the higher areas. Ravens are noisy as they feed their young. Nestboxes are busy as tits rear their broods.
Autumn
As the trees change to their autumn finery, the woodland floor is brightened by exotic-looking fungi, such as fly agaric, bracket fungi, earthballs and coral fungi. Flocks of redwings and finches chatter overhead.
Winter
In winter, large flocks of thrushes use the surrounding fields and shelter in the wood. And when the leaves are on the ground it's easier to see the deer and other mammals which also take shelter from the winter weather.