Winter
From wild herds to festive favourites: All you need to know about reindeer and how they became a key part of Christmas
Reindeer may now be famed for their Christmas associations, but their history with humans goes back thousands of years
BBC Winterwatch will be returning in 2026 – but with a new location next to the largest sea lough in the British Isles
Everything you need to know about BBC Winterwatch, including when it's on and how to watch
How do squirrels find their nuts?
Squirrels spend autumn stashing nuts away for winter, but how do they find them again? Sense of smell, memory and chance all play a part.
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The UK's most spectacular winter bird flocks
Millions of starlings, tens of thousands of waders, hundreds of pied wagtails - the UK is home to some incredible winter flocks, and we've got everything you need to know to track them down.
How to grow an oak tree from an acorn
Autumn is the perfect time to try growing an oak tree, here's how
Garden wildlife to spot throughout the year: what's likely to be living in - and visiting - your garden?
What wildlife could you see in your garden throughout the year - if you're lucky? We take a look....
Wild garlic guide: how to identify, when and how to forage, and recipe ideas
In the forager's calendar, spring is one of the best times – when wild garlic grows in shaded woodlands, filling the air with a light garlicky scent.
Winter gnats: all you need to know
Flies aren’t just harbingers of doom or individuals of dubious personal habits, argues Dr Erica McAlister, but instead some of the most ecological important, diverse and attractive species of animal on the planet. Here she explains all you need to know winter gnats
Why do female reindeer grow antlers?
Both male and female reindeer grow antlers, but that makes them unique in the deer world. Why are reindeer different? Biologist Craig Roberts has the answers.
Bohemian waxwing guide: when and why they visit the UK, how to identify and what an irruption is
Discover fascinating facts about these beautiful winter visitors to the UK in this expert guide by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO).
6 ways reindeer are adapted for extreme cold
Discover how reindeer can withstand severe weather and cold
17 wildlife and nature-themed advent calendars for Christmas 2022
Looking forward to the festive season and the countdown to Christmas Day? Combine your love of nature with celebrating Christmas with these wildlife-themed Advent calendars, with ideas for both children and adults.
Elder guide: how to identify, when and how to forage for elderflowers and elderberries, and recipe ideas
Elder has made the slow journey from protective mother-spirit to often being deemed as a hedgerow and garden weed, fit only to be sawn down.
British wildlife in January
If your New Year’s resolution involves making more time to enjoy nature, what are you waiting for?
10 of the best Boxing Day walks around the UK
Bundle up warm and see if you can spot any wildlife as you stretch your legs and enjoy the glorious outdoors over Christmas
Holly guide: why it has leaves in winter, and which plants have berries
Learn how to tell the difference between male and female plants, plus which birds are protective of holly trees.
Mistletoe guide: how it survives on other plants, and folklore associated with it
Mistletoe is an iconic plant of the festive season, associated with a number of folklore stories and traditions, and you may be surprised by this fascinating species.
5 ways you can help wildlife this winter
The RSPCA shares its top tips on how to care for the creatures that visit your garden during winter.
British wildlife in December
Whether out and about or hidden away in a sheltered spot, there’s plenty of winter wildlife to track down.
How to identify ferns
We have illustrated 12 fern species that dominate the winter landscape when most plants have died back.
Roosting birds to spot this winter and how to identify them
Short winter days may restrict your birdwatching time, but if you’re canny you can just wait for the birds to come to you. Use this guide to improve your roosting bird ID skills.
How to identify a tree by its bark
Use our handy tree bark identification guide to tell the difference between 12 common UK trees.
7 garden birds to spot this winter
Here are some of the birds to look out for in your garden this winter and the best food stuff to attract them.
Best UK winter wildlife experiences
We’ve picked seven amazing wintry wildlife experiences to warm your cockles.