Wildlife things to do in winter?

[thunder]

Has anyone any suggestions for things to do in winter involving wildlife, bearing in mind that one doesn't want to spend every trip sitting in a freezing cold hide? Needs to be within striking distance of Peterborough, in my instance, but perhaps others would appreciate suggestions for elsewhere. No long walks!

henrya

[eeyore]

rutland water, good waders and has a hide upstairs in the visitor centre which is heated.

[svenrufus]

As I spend my summers getting paid for counting flowers, I look forward to the winter - although it is a lean time financially - as the season for getting out and doing practical work, going out with the local wildlife trust or conservation volunteers and scrub bashing.

Great exercise and vital work - but best of all, when the spring/summer comes along, I love going past sites I have worked on in previous years, knowing that a little bit of my winter sweat has stayed behind to nurture the wildlife I am enjoying on that day.

You also get to meet great people and quite often this has set up good days out in the countryside later, visiting someone else's favourite spots.

[Wild-Woman]

Well sounds a bit odd but the Natural History Museum is where we are off to next week.We are thinking about booking an archive walk where you have a chance to oggle the pots and jars of thingies that Darwin brought back from his travels.

[Jez]

Originally Posted by svenrufus

As I spend my summers getting paid for counting flowers, I look forward to the winter - although it is a lean time financially - as the season for getting out and doing practical work, going out with the local wildlife trust or conservation volunteers and scrub bashing.

I wouldn't mind becoming a volunteer myself how do i go about it?

[svenrufus]

Originally Posted by Jez

I wouldn't mind becoming a volunteer myself how do i go about it?

I'd say your first step would be to call you local Wildlife Trust. Home
They either run work parties themselves, or will be able to put you in tocuh with other groups that do stuff in your neck of the woods.

There is a group near me that run a programme of activities on sites managed by other organisations, such English Nature, Wildlife Trust, Butterfly Conservation, Council etc. You may have something similar in your area, but that needs local knowledge.

The other thing you could do is look for local 'Friends of....' groups, and help them out.

It's a good laugh whichever way you go. Glad you are keen.
Have fun!

[Ann2]

What about the red/Fallow Deer rut, Bradgate Park, Leicester.

I'm hoping to get to Donna Nook for the seals.

Ann

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by Ann2

I'm hoping to get to Donna Nook for the seals.

Ann

and blakeney point - good boat trips out of moreston quay ( probably a bit closer for henry)

[Ann2]

Yes that's where I went wrong, I should have taken a boat trip to Blakeney Point instead of walking. Remember to take gloves too - I couldn't feel my fingers after a while!

Ann

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by Ann2

Yes that's where I went wrong, I should have taken a boat trip to Blakeney Point instead of walking. Remember to take gloves too - I couldn't feel my fingers after a while!

Ann

much better views by boat too cos you can get right up to the sandbanks - boddie, gill , and i went last october and i would seriously reccomend it

[wildone]

Henrya, have you tried, or thought about Eldernell on the Nene Washes. It is usually full of thousands of wildfowl plus some waders through the winter. Easily reached from Peterborough on the A605 just east of Coates. By the way there is often the chance to see Short-eared Owls, Barn Owls, Marsh and Hen Harriers.

wildone