Explore a Heath for reptiles
One of the rarest environments in Europe, heathlands are a unique Lowland habitat made up of shrubs such as bracken, gorse and heather. A heathland is the best place to discover reptiles as you can find all 6 species known to Britain living here. The best time of the year to see these critters is during spring when the temperature isn't too hot, they will be more likely to be found in the open basking in the sun.
Glimpse a Peregrine Falcon
I've only ever seen a peregrine once, and to me it could have been anything, a simple spec on the horizon. Now I want to get a real sighting, so I can actually point it out myself. Peregrines are large powerful falcons, it mainly feeds on birds, which it catches in flight. The best time to see these amazing birds of prey is during March/April when they are nesting.
Watch badgers at night
Most people can say they have seen this gorgeous black and white mammal, a quick flash of its bum as it disappears into the undergrowth, but how many of us have actually sat and observed it at night? Joining a local group can be a good way to start (www.badgertrust.org.uk)! Or finding a sett during the day and then waiting nearby for it to emerge at night.
Witness the spectacle of glow worms
To spot the eerie glow of this unusual invertebrate would be a unique experience. The females show off their glow in their rear to attract males for breeding. When she has laid her eggs her light will go out and she will die. Take a walk on a warm July evening to spot these glowing spectacles.
Watch a red squirrel foraging
The red squirrel is now elusive in Britain, with it's distinct red colour and tufted ears, it has been pushed to just a few areas where coniferous forests remain. Due to the robust nature of the grey squirrel, which can survive in a larger variety of habitats, the future of the reds will remain uncertain as the greys slowly out compete it. Now is the time to see one, before they are gone for good.
Observe a floodlit swan feed
Watching swans feed may sound ordinary, but watching a huge gathering of swans lit up at night is something else. The WWT often carry out these magical feeds during winter when bewicks swan becomes a resident in Britain.
See Scotland's finest
Some of Britains most stunning scenery can be found in Scotland, and one of these places is the Cairngorms. With beautiful mountains and forest a whole variety of wildlife can be found here, golden eagles, osprey, hen harriers, wild cat, pine marten, mountain hare and Britains only herd of reindeer. Visiting the Cairngorms is a must.
Listen to bats
This may seem like a hopeless venture, in the darkness of night trying to listen to this silent mammal, but grab a bat detector and their world comes to life. AS your eyes adjust you may spot their figure in the night sky, or even the rush pf air as they fly over yout head. Find local bat walks here.
Search for wild otters
Spotting a wild otter has always been a dream of mine, but I have yet to do it! Such a curious creature, and to be able to see them foraging and playing in the wild would be a simply breathtaking moment!
Get close to the sea
Did you know we has so much wildlife in our own waters? From playful seals, to elegant dolphins, huge basking sharks, the unusual sunfish and possibly even the rare puffin! All these gorgeous animals can be spotted off the coast of Cornwall on a wildlife boat tour.
Use wildlife as inspiration
A leaping fox, or a crooked tree, use nature as an inspiration for artwork. Whether its learning to paint a masterpiece, or a simple sketch, I hope to start brushing up on my artistic skills and learn more about wildlife by using their elegant forms as works of art.
Brush up on bird identification
My bird identifications skills are extremely poor.... no.... absolutely rubbish! The beauty of a graceful owl as it glides through the night, or that of a tiny garden bird as it sings in the morning light.... but what was it? Time to get the binoculars and books out and get closer to our feather friends.
Garden beauty
Time to get more out of the nature in the garden... whether its encouraging birds with a feeder or nest box, frogs and toads with a beautiful garden pond, insects with an array of bright flowers, or even hedgehogs with a little hideaway home. Making the most of what my garden can offer is a must!
Search for wild otters
Spotting a wild otter has always been a dream of mine, but I have yet to do it! Such a curious creature, and to be able to see them foraging and playing in the wild would be a simply breathtaking moment!
Get close to the sea
Did you know we has so much wildlife in our own waters? From playful seals, to elegant dolphins, huge basking sharks, the unusual sunfish and possibly even the rare puffin! All these gorgeous animals can be spotted off the coast of Cornwall on a wildlife boat tour.
Use wildlife as inspiration
A leaping fox, or a crooked tree, use nature as an inspiration for artwork. Whether its learning to paint a masterpiece, or a simple sketch, I hope to start brushing up on my artistic skills and learn more about wildlife by using their elegant forms as works of art.
Brush up on bird identification
My bird identifications skills are extremely poor.... no.... absolutely rubbish! The beauty of a graceful owl as it glides through the night, or that of a tiny garden bird as it sings in the morning light.... but what was it? Time to get the binoculars and books out and get closer to our feather friends.
Garden beauty
Time to get more out of the nature in the garden... whether its encouraging birds with a feeder or nest box, frogs and toads with a beautiful garden pond, insects with an array of bright flowers, or even hedgehogs with a little hideaway home. Making the most of what my garden can offer is a must!
