Discover woods in winter

See a different side to the woods. Wrap up warm for a walk amongst impressive icicles, frosted landscapes and glorious sunsets. Follow tantalising animal tracks in the snow and cosy up on a bench with a flask of something hot.

Winter is a wonderfully atmospheric time to visit a wood near you.

Credit: Anita Nicholson / WTML

Walk in a winter wonderland

Come rain, shine or snow, a winter walk in the woods is full of atmosphere. Crunch through frost, watch mist settling into valleys and watch the sun set in glorious shades of pink. Foxes and badgers leave tell-tale tracks for you to identify, starling murmurations put on a cinematic show and the woods are at their most peaceful.

Ready to wrap up warm and head outside? Find a wood near you.

Credit: Matthew Maran / naturepl.com

Learn to identify trees in winter

When deciduous trees like oak and beech shed their leaves, it can be hard to tell one apart from the other. Take our winter tree ID quiz to learn more about the cryptic clues you can find on even bare branches and bark.

Spot early signs of spring

In nature, timing is everything, but spring's star events such as budburst and flowering are now happening earlier in the year. If you're out in the woods over winter and spot an early sign of spring, record it for our Nature's Calendar project and help scientists monitor the effects of weather and climate change on wildlife.

Start recording with Nature's Calendar.

Three children exploring a snowy woodland

Credit: iStock.com / Imgorthand

Enjoy quality family time

It might be tempting to keep everyone warm and dry indoors, but why not pull on your winter woollies and get back to nature together instead? Go for a fun family stroll, enjoy a warming winter picnic or forage for natural treasures you can turn into winter decorations at home.

Admire berry-laden trees

Who said winter was dull and dreary? Winter berries add pretty pops of colour, with some lasting longer than others once hungry birds like song thrushes and migratory redwings descend on the bounty. Take a look at our guide to where to find winter berries and see how many different types you can spot.

Credit: John Bridges / WTML

Discover winter wildlife

While some animals hide away and hibernate at this time of year, winter is still an exciting season for wildlife watching. Birds take centre stage, with species including bullfinch and goldcrest much easier to see in the bare trees. You're also more likely to spot owls in winter, and there's a chance to see migratory birds including redwing, brambling and, in some years, waxwing.

Mammals leave tracks behind in the snow and mud, and from January, you can see tiny, hot pink female hazel flowers emerging against the grey winter palette.