Winter gives you the chance to see some of nature’s most amazing sights and incredible wildlife, so we’ve found some not-to-miss spectacles this chilly, but special season has to offer throughout the UK.
Bitterns
source: friendsofsherwoodisland.org
River Lee Country Park, which spans 1000 acres across Essex and Hertfordshire, is the perfect place to catch a glimpse of bitterns out in the open. These camouflaged herons are normally hidden away amongst the reeds, but daily before dusk some of these wonderful birds fly in to roost in the small reedbed in front of the hide.
Starling displays
source: dailymail.co.uk
These wonderful acrobatic performances can be seen from Brighton Pier in Sussex and Royal Pier in Aberystwyth if you manage to time your visit well. The magnificent displays by the Sterling flocks really are some of nature’s wonders of the world.
Native ponies
source: pets4homes.co.uk
The historic herds of Britain’s native pony breeds can be found roaming throughout the New Forest with over 5,000 of the species thought to be in the area. You may also be able to spot stonechats and fallow and red and roe deer.
Red squirrels
source: telegraph.co.uk
Yes, that’s right – our red squirrels are finally making a comeback against the eastern grey squirrels. Well, at the Kielder Forest in Northumberland anyway. And if you go in February, it’s mating season so you may hear a lot of chattering amongst the trees!
Berwick’s swan
source: surfbirds.com
The smallest of Britain’s three swans migrates from Arctic Russia after breeding and can be spotted in Welney from November until April. They feed in fields on leftover potatoes and grain.