Woolbeding Countryside
Experience a landscape shaped by traditional rural life
Which places are open and what you need to know before you visit
We're reopening the places you love, gradually, safely and in step with government advice. Our houses, gardens and parklands remain closed for now, in line with the rules about ticketed venues. But we're opening some of our coast and countryside car parks in England, so you can get out into green spaces. You'll need to book for some of them. Some coast and countryside car parks in Northern Ireland will start to reopen from 27 May. For now, all car parks in Wales have to remain closed on government advice. Read this article to find out what's open, how you can visit, and what to expect from your visit.
Woolbeding in May
Stonechat
The name comes from its call which sounds just like two small stones being hit together. It is a little smaller than a robin and can often be spotted sitting on the top of gorse bushes, flicking its wings and calling.
Adders
The adder is easily recognised by a dark 'zig-zag' stripe along its back. It hunts lizards, small mammals & ground-nesting birds. It prefers woodland, heathland and moorland habitats.
Yellowhammer
Spot this bright yellow bird singing from the top of a bush or fence, or in a mixed-species flock in winter. Listen for it's cahractersitic 'little bit of bread and cheeeeeese' song
Cuckoo
This dove-sized blue grey bird has a characteristic call that heralds spring. This so called 'nest parasite' lays its eggs in the nests of other birds leaving them to raise its young.
Basking lizards
The common lizard is unusual among reptiles as it incubates its eggs inside its body and 'gives birth' to live young rather than laying eggs. Watch out for one basking in the sun from April.
Bullfinch
The male is unmistakable with a bright red breast and cheeks, grey back, black cap and tail, and bright white rump. They feed voraciously on tree buds in spring and were once a 'pest' of fruit crops.
Bell heather
In summer this acid-loving plant carpets our heaths, woods and coasts with a purple-pink flowers that attract all kinds of nectar-loving insects.
Snakes in the grass
The green and yellow grass snake is our longest snake and can be found across many habitats. During the summer they can be spotted basking in the sun near water.
