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 main spectacle for spring is the spring flowers. From March into April, wood anemones and other spring flowers such as primroses and dog violets, carpet Stour Wood spectacularly. Two to three weeks later, neighbouring Copperas Wood has a stunning display of bluebells.
Spring is also the time to hear the migrant bird species such as nightingales singing throughout the woods. Migrating estuarine birds are still present in small numbers.
Summer
Summer is the best time to come and see butterflies, in particular the white admiral which is on the wing from the end of June to early August in Stour Wood. It's also a great time to see a variety of dragonflies and damselflies zipping around the ponds on the reserve.
Autumn
Autumn sees the estuarine bird numbers on the reserve begin to increase as they return for the winter. Both Stour and Copperas Woods are very attractive as the leaves begin to turn golden brown before they fall from the trees. October is the peak time for sweet chestnut gathering.
Winter
Winter sees peak numbers of waders and waterfowl on the estuary, with internationally important numbers of knots and nationally important numbers of dunlins, redshanks, brent geese, pintails, ringed and grey plovers.