Winter wildlife to spot

It might be cold outside, but winter is still a great time to get out and spot wildlife. Rare red squirrels, shy deer and other creatures are easier to spot when the trees have shed their leaves. There's also something extra-special about seeing the best of nature against a frosty winter backdrop.

While there are some winter wildlife highlights that only appear in certain areas (like snowy-white mountain hares or coastal migrant birds), you might be surprised by how much nature there is on your doorstep at this time of year. Take a look below to discover some of our top picks and locations for winter wildlife watching, as well as tips to lend nature a hand during the colder months.

Latest visiting update 

Our gardens, parks, cafés, shops and countryside locations are open. Many houses are also open to visit. Advance booking for visits helps us keep everyone safe and socially distanced. At quieter times such as weekdays, booking shouldn't be necessary, but to guarantee entry we recommend booking in advance, especially at weekends and bank holidays. Please check the property webpage before you visit and follow government guidance.

More information on what’s open

Where to spot winter wildlife near you

Sheep on Cheddar Gorge

Winter wildlife in the South West

Despite the cold, you can still discover wildlife all across the South West over the winter. Whether you're in search of the region's top twitching spots or the chance to see hardy mammals weathering the chill, these are some of the top spots to explore.

Redwing in parkland at Charlecote in winter

Winter wildlife in the Midlands 

Winter has arrived, but there's still plenty of wildlife to be seen if you know where to look. Keep an eye out for squirrels and other mammals searching for food, flocks of winter thrushes over from Scandinavia, and colourful finches hiding among the branches.

Wicken Fen - Konik ponies and horses in frost

Winter wildlife in the East of England 

It might seem like there's no wildlife around during the colder months, but there are actually plenty of creatures to spot if you look carefully. From rare hen harriers at Wicken Fen to seals and over-wintering geese on the Norfolk coast – what will you discover this winter?

Pine martens can be spotted at Crom in Fermanagh
Walking trail 

Winter wildlife in Northern Ireland

From pine martens to deer and swooping birds of prey, there's no shortage of wildlife to spot in Northern Ireland during the winter months. Whether you’re keeping an eye out for Irish hares on the trails of Divis Mountain, or spotting harbour seals on the shores of Strangford Lough, there are plenty of reasons to wrap up warm and head outside.

Look out for wildlife

Winter wildlife in the South East

Watlington Hill in winter

Watlington Hill, Oxfordshire 

Watlington Hill is famous for both red kites and far-reaching views over the Oxfordshire countryside. The red kite was hunted to extinction in England, but was reintroduced in 1989. There are now over a thousand breeding pairs in the area.

A red squirrel peeps out on a tree in Borthwood Copse on the Isle of Wight

Borthwood Copse, Isle of Wight 

Tucked away in a secluded corner of the island, Borthwood Cops is home to an Isle of Wight special attraction: the red squirrel. Winter is a great time to spot them as they come down from the tree canopy to forage for food.

Sheep on Cheddar Gorge

Winter wildlife in the South West

Despite the cold, you can still discover wildlife all across the South West over the winter. Whether you're in search of the region's top twitching spots or the chance to see hardy mammals weathering the chill, these are some of the top spots to explore.

Winter wildlife to look out for

A starling murmuration over Sudbury lake
Sleepy tawny owl camouflaged in tree at Charlecote Park, Warwickshire
A red squirrel in trees.

Starlings

Starling murmurations are a sight to behold in autumn and winter. Watch at twilight as flocks gather together in their thousands to create nature's very own ballet in the sky.

Owls

Winter is a great time for owl-spotting. Listen out for the ‘twit-twoo’ of tawny owls claiming their territory, or watch for barn owls hunting in fields and along hedgerows.

Red squirrels

Winter’s bare tree branches make it much easier to spot these shy creatures. They can also be tempted by peanuts, so if you have a population nearby you might find them on your bird feeders.

Immerse yourself in nature

With fewer hours of daylight, not to mention the rain and cold, it’s no wonder that so many of us can find winter difficult. In many cases spending even just a few minutes in nature can be a real help – giving us time and space to recharge away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Whether you’re out hiking the hills or strolling around your local park, take a few moments to really tune in to your surroundings. Wildlife spotting can be a helpful way to get started, as you’ll be actively noticing the sights, sounds and sensations all around you – right down to the texture of bark as you investigate a tree, or the feeling of brushing through long grass.

Help wildlife on your doorstep

If you don’t have quite enough time to head out in search of wildlife, why not encourage them to come to you? Try some of our top tips for turning your outdoor space into a wildlife haven. You'll not only help nature to thrive in your back garden, but you'll also be able to easily practice your wildlife spotting skills.

Tea cup bird feeder

Craft a recycled bird feeder 

Winter is the time of year when birds most need your help, as food can be scarce. Make one of these recycled bird feeders and you’ll be using up materials you already have at home, as well as giving your feathered friends a hand.

Pallets and pipes stacked up to create bug hotel

Make a home for wildlife 

All sorts of animals need homes and most choose to build very different ones. If you're going to build one for an animal you'll have to think about what they need and want from a home and why.

Gardener potting-on young seedlings while the resident cat keeps a close watch at Llanerchaeron, Wales

Garden for nature 

Winter is a great time to make plans for your garden over the coming year. Whether you’re reducing your food miles by growing your own veg, or learning which plants will attract wildlife to your plot, these top tips will help you get gardening for nature.

The Diner Bird Feeder hanging outside, full with food and a blue tit sat on the top

Short on time? 

Looking for an easy way to encourage your feathered friends, nature neighbours and wandering mini-beasts to make a pit stop in your garden? Explore our unique selection of habitats, feeders, bird baths and more, including our new range made for the love of nature in collaboration with leading wildlife specialists CJ Wildlife.

Browse our wildlife range