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
Migrants such as pied flycatchers, redstarts and wood warblers arrive. If you're lucky, you may see the mating displays of great crested grebes. Common sandpipers, dippers and grey wagtails can often be seen around the pool below the dam.
Summer
Watch the fledglings at our feeding station, including great spotted woodpeckers and siskins. The buzzards should be soaring overhead and golden-ringed dragonflies can be found in the forest clearings.
Autumn
See dabbling ducks such as mallards and teals arrive at the lake, along with little grebes and possibly waders such as oystercatchers.
Winter
Winter migrants like redwings, bramblings and fieldfares arrive and the evenings will often see large roosts of lesser black-backed gulls. On a walk through the conifer forests, you could find a flock of siskins. Ravens may be seen beginning their mating displaying.