We hope you find it interesting and stimulating, and hope you will join the Association and swell the numbers of Britain’s Naturalists.

Join the BNA the national body for naturalists, founded in 1905, and extend your interest in the British countryside by taking part in a wide range of activities together with fellow enthusiasts of all ages. With the help of our experts, you will be able to learn more about our native flora and fauna and develop an in-depth understanding of how our natural world develops and changes increasingly important in view of the changes in our climate.

At national level, the BNA organises lectures and exhibitions, publishes Country-Side, British Naturalist, the BNA website and the BNA holds occasional conferences and Field Trips at a different location each year.

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What to look for in December from the BNA

Photos: D. Farrar

A Winter Walk

You don’t have to go very far to experience some beautiful sights in the winter. The cold fresh air is invigorating but if you wrap up warm in woollies and wellies you won’t be disappointed. Everywhere looks prettier with a coating of snow or frost, colours seem more vibrant against the white and snow laden trees are stunning.

Rose hips sparkle in the sunshine like jewels and look especially beautiful when tinged with a little snow. They are an important food source for winter thrushes containing vitamins and antioxidants, rabbits, squirrels and rodents also find them to be a tasty snack!

Seed heads make homes for many insects but they also provide essential food for birds like finches, sparrows, robins and starlings. Goldfinches especially enjoy feeding on teasel seeds which have a high fat content, to help them keep warm at night.

Another beautiful sight you could come across are frosted spider’s webs. The patterns are intricate and are great photo opportunities. Ice makes webs easier to see so have a look round, you might be surprised at how many you can find.

Mute Swans – Cygnus olor. Frozen water doesn’t bother these magnificent birds, they are capable of breaking the ice by pushing their strong chests into the ice and moving forwards. It’s fascinating to watch as they feed underneath where the ice had been.