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
Geltsdale comes alive with breeding wading birds - curlew, lapwing, redshank and snipe - and summer visitors arrive in the new woodlands of the Bruthwaite Trail.
Summer
Flowers and butterflies are at their best, and young birds - meadow pipits, swallows stonechats - flock. Barn owls and short-eared owls hunt in the evening.
Autumn
Winter thrush flocks arrive and black grouse become more visible around the reserve trails, and wildfowl arrive on the Tarn.
Winter
Crisp days are ideal for walking - often quiet, but smews are regular on the tarn, and hunting birds of prey a possibility. You could see a buzzard and there's a chance of a hen harrier. From February, flocks of waders begin to return to the reserve on mild days.