It might be tempting to keep cosy indoors during the colder months, but those who do venture out on the Park will be rewarded with lots to see. Alongside the beautiful changing colours of the plants and trees, autumn and winter bring with them special wildlife to discover in all corners of the Park! How many will you spot during your next visit? 

North of the Park
This autumn brought an unusual and rare moth to the Park – we had our first record of a Blue Underwing (Clifden nonpareil) by the Timber Lodge. With a wingspan of almost 10cm, it should be easy to see!

South of the Park
Many of the Park’s residents hibernate through the winter, including newts and bats, saving their energy whilst food is in short supply. The pond in the Great British Garden is home to a good number of smooth newts.

Woodlands and wetlands
Look out for a number of interesting birds amongst the woodlands and wetlands. This includes goldcrests (the UK’s smallest bird!), as well as redwing and fieldfare – two birds which spend the summer in Scandinavia and head to the UK when temperatures start to fall.

Around the river
The River Lee is an important habitat for birds during the winter. Species to look out for include: common snipe, water rail, gadwall, grey heron, kingfisher and cetti’s warbler.

Meadows and flowerbeds
Some of the Park’s more unusual insects need dead seed heads during their life cycle – for example the rare picture winged fly (Acinia corniculata) lays its eggs on dead knapweed flowers.

We leave many of the meadows to grow through the winter months – the long grass provides shelter for insects and other wildlife, and is a great source of seeds for birds such as linnets and reed buntings.

Click here for more wildlife and nature trails, free to download!