Winter

As the days shorten, the fields and trees look stark but there is still plenty to see - old nesting sites, woodland birds searching for food, such as jays foraging for acorns they have buried.

Flocks of finches, field fares, redwings, lapwings, geese and ducks are left exposed in the winter landscape or in the ponds and rivers.

Foxes, badgers, hares, rabbits and squirrels search for food with a greater sense of purpose as they strive to maintain their bodyweight.

Small birds, such as wrens, goldcrests and tits, work the hedgerows, always in a hurry. Heavy frosts lace the trees, creating a magical landscape, whilst the hedgehogs and dormice sleep. On a cold bright day in winter, a walk can be exhilarating, interesting and rewarding.

At the first fall of snow, you can observe footprints and tracks left by numerous mammals and birds, easily identified by the knowledgeable eye!

As the day draws on, a silvery sky just before dusk gives a gentle light and you may be lucky enough to glimpse a roe deer feeding at the edge of the woodland, or a great spotted or green woodpecker (Yaffle) with its unmistakeable undulating flight.

During a visit to river estuaries, you can see flocks of wading birds, duck, geese or raptors, such as merlin, peregrines, harriers or short-eared owls.

A visit to the high moor can be bleak but beautiful. Listen for the red grouse, black grouse or the haunting call of the curlew.