There’s no denying it, winter can be cold and damp at Hudswell Woods, and you often need wellies to get around. But if you make the effort to visit there’s always plenty of nature to enjoy. Flocks of small birds move through the woodlands searching for food, the “weep, weep” call of the nuthatch reminds us that spring is not far away. Roe deer are often visible browsing in the daytime, the white flash of their tail giving away their location. On the grassland you may enjoy a splash of winter sunshine sparkling on the frost etched gorse. And, whatever the temperature, dippers are often busy on the river, swimming and submerging for food before returning to a favourite rock.
Hungry wildlife
As winter takes hold, and food sources dwindle, wildlife becomes more interested in food and less interested in hiding from people. Animals such as roe deer, fox, stoat, rabbit and many woodland and garden birds become a lot easier to see. There is less vegetation and their efforts are focused on feeding and finding food. Birds such as this redwing visit the UK to eat our wild berry crop.