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
Woodpeckers drumming and calling in the trees, songbirds setting up breeding territories, snowdrops and bluebells on the woodland floor and azaleas and rhododendrons in flower in the headquarters' gardens.
Summer
Dragonflies and butterflies around the ponds and heath with hobbies hunting the dragonflies. Newly-fledged birds - blue and great tits in the woodland and green woodpeckers on the heathland. Common lizards and grass snakes on the heath and butterflies and bumblebees on the colourful herbaceous borders.
Autumn
Purple heather blooming on the heath, migrating birds such as swallows and birds of prey over the heath, fungi on the woodland floor, trees bearing nuts and seeds and the wonderful colours of silver birches and oaks before the leaves fall.
Winter
Redwings and other thrushes feeding on berries and flocks of tits and nuthatches on the feeders.