Where do all the wild things go?
What does our wildlife really get up to in the winter months?
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Wildlife to see January 2020
Whilst we are in mid winter, there is always plenty to see in the natural world, and soon the longer days will make it easier to get out to enjoy the countryside. Many birds will sing on the…
Wildlife to see in March 2020
Following another mild winter here in the South West, spring is already very much under way. Chris Chappell tells us what to look out for.
Wildlife to see in December 2019
The first frosts of winter have encouraged trees to shed their last leaves, and deciduous species are now bare. Chris Chappell explains the wildlife we should be looking out for this month...
Wildlife to see in November 2019
The change of season brings stunning autumn colours, the Somerset countryside transformed into yellows, orange and brown. Our summer visiting birds have now gone, and winter species are arriving…
Wildlife to see in February 2020
When the sun shines, there is a hint of spring in the air. Many birds will start to sing. Chris Chappell shares what wildlife we should be looking out for in February.
Wildlife to see in October 2019
The change of season accelerates in October, with shorter days, leaves starting to fall and fungi sprouting in the woods. Chris Chappell advises the wildlife to watch out for as the season changes…
Levels & moors
The Somerset Levels and Moors are one of Somerset's most protected landscapes for biodiversity: breeding wader populations; wintering waterfowl and waders; flower-rich wet grasslands; and rich invertebrate assemblages in rivers, ditches and rhynes.
Water spider
There are several species of spider that live in our wetlands, but the water spider is the only one that spends its life under the water. In its pond habitats, it looks silvery because of the air…
Water scorpion
The water scorpion is not a true scorpion, but it certainly looks like one! An underwater predator, it uses its front pincer-like legs to catch its prey. Its tail actually acts as a kind of '…
Water shrew
The large, dark grey water shrew lives mostly in wetland habitats. It's a good swimmer that hunts for aquatic insects and burrows into the banks.
Water figwort
Water figwort is a tall plant of riverbanks, pond margins, damp meadows and wet woodlands. Its maroon flowers are pollinated by the Common wasp.