Spend a wonderful day out in nature at WWT this winter

Winter at WWT sites is the perfect time to engage with nature and spot some truly spectacular species. Whether it’s the sights and sounds of scores of swans touching down for their daily feast on a bountiful buffet, or the flurry of waxwings making the most of the season’s berries, there’s so much to see.

Watch and relax

The crisp, bright mornings, along with sensational sunsets, provide the perfect conditions for nature watching. With the backdrop of beautiful light and an expanse of open skies, visitors won’t have to look too far to witness some wonderful winter wildlife.

Being out in nature is known to be an uplifting experience and at this time of year, when things can often feel frenzied, escaping into the wild, even for an hour, can bring both comfort and joy.

A festive sight

Whether you’re a seasoned spotter, or just looking for a day out with a difference, there’s so much to see and do at our sites. Our glorious evergreens give the landscape a truly festive feel, while also providing wildlife with much-needed shelter and sustenance in the colder months. And now that, many deciduous trees have shed their leaves, it means spotting birds and mammals is a little bit easier.

In the bare branches of the wintery skeleton trees, a range of birds can be seen busying about to find their daily food supply. And while binoculars are great addition, visitors will still be able to spot an array of species from tree sparrows and blue tits to winter visitors like fieldfare and redwing, alongside WWT’s beloved waterfowl and waders.

A cacophony of winter nature

It’s not just the sight of birds that can warm the coldest of days. While the glorious dawn chorus doesn’t return until spring, there’s still plenty of noise going on in nature. The sounds of geese and swans are particularly prominent at WWT sites at this time of year – you can listen to their distinct calls here. And of course, the beautiful, evocative song of a robin is never far away.

Identifying bird calls can add something extra special to a day out in nature and apps like Merlin or ChirpOMatic can help beginners learn what bird is making which sound. WWT shops also stock a bounty of books that will help enthusiasts get better acquainted with our feathered friends.

A sky full of delight

And if lucky visitors time a visit right, there’s nothing like witnessing the phenomena of a murmuration, when a shape-shifting flock of birds comes together to form an art installation in the sky, before dropping down into their roost for the night. And although it’s mainly starlings that are known for doing this, geese, corvids, waders, wagtails and even gulls can flock together en masse and put on a spectacular show.

Stay cosy

At this time of the year the everchanging weather can catch people out, so the best advice for a wintery day on a reserve is to prepare for any eventuality. Sturdy boots to keep feet dry, thick socks to stave off cold toes and layers are always the best way to keep warm and dry.

And take a tip from snowmen who know all-too-well that a hat, scarf and gloves are essential accessories in winter. Plus a calorific chocolate bar and a flask of warm drink will never go amiss.

Though if it does get too chilly, WWT hides are the best place to make a hasty retreat to. Not only can visitors shelter from the dropping temperatures, they also offer prime viewing spots.

And for those wanting to spend some time indoors in a cosy environment, our Kingfisher Cafés have a mouth-watering, winter menu.

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