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
The spring carpets of wood anemone and bluebell can be stunning, and will be dotted with early purple orchids. The woodland will be full of the common woodland birds, including nuthatches, great spotted woodpeckers, treecreepers and tits. Listen for the migrant chiffchaffs in the tall oaks.
Summer
Fore Wood has good populations of silver-washed fritillary and white admiral butterflies. Early summer, the beautiful demoiselle dragonflies will be flying - watch for their brilliant blue colour and almost black wings. Later on, they are joined by impressive southern hawkers.
Autumn
The woodland colours will be fantastic, whilst the ground will be dotted with many different fungi, including the well-known red and white fly agaric. Mixed flocks of tits and other woodland birds will be evident.
Winter
Look out for large flocks of rooks, fieldfares and redwings, the latter often feeding on the forest floor. With luck you will also encounter good numbers of chaffinches, with possibly a brambling or two amongst them.