What to see and where over winter
Shorter days and colder temperatures trigger changes - spring and summer migrant birds have flown with their young to warmer climates, mammals go to earth, and insects take shelter to await the…
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Two Little Owl chicks sitting on a branch. Credit: Hilary Chambers
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Too wintery for the winter waders
On Saturday, 21 January, some of our intrepid members braved the minus 4 degrees Celsius chill and ventured out early to Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve for our fully booked 'Winter Wading…
Celebrating wetlands – where land meets water
We may be a ‘wet’ nation, but wetlands – wildlife-rich, carbon-capturing oases – are in shorter supply than you might think. Wetlands have largely been removed from our landscape, and this loss is…
Surviving winter, a water vole’s guide.
From choosing their territory wisely, to building up a food store, find out how water voles prepare for winter - by Emily Marshall
Winter birdwatching: it’s a shore thing
As the seasons change and the days grow colder, damper and darker, there’s still plenty of wildlife at the coast to brighten up a winter wander. In fact, now is a brilliant time to go birdwatching…
Water spider
There are several species of spider that live in our wetlands, but the water spider is the only one that spends its life under the water. In its pond habitats, it looks silvery because of the air…
Water scorpion
The water scorpion is not a true scorpion, but it certainly looks like one! An underwater predator, it uses its front pincer-like legs to catch its prey. Its tail actually acts as a kind of '…
Water shrew
The large, dark grey water shrew lives mostly in wetland habitats. It's a good swimmer that hunts for aquatic insects and burrows into the banks.
Water figwort
Water figwort is a tall plant of riverbanks, pond margins, damp meadows and wet woodlands. Its maroon flowers are pollinated by the Common wasp.
Water dock
As its name suggests, Water dock likes damp places, such as the egdes of canals, ponds and rivers. It is a tall plant with large, greenish flower spikes.
Water avens
Look for Water avens in damp habitats, such as riversides, wet woodlands and wet meadows. It has nodding, purple-and-orange flowers that hang on delicate, purple stems.
Water rail
From grunts and groans, to 'purring' and 'piglet squealing', the water rail is more often heard than it is seen! This shy bird lives in reedbeds and wetlands, hiding among the…