Wild England: what to see and where to see it this December

Nature isn’t just for enjoying when the sun is shining, there’s a whole wintery world out there waiting to be discovered this month too. Join RSPB England’s Becca Smith in stepping outside this festive season – just be sure to wrap up warm or grab a takeaway hot drink during your visit!

Experience wild winter walks

A breath of cold winters air, crisp crunchy leaves and frost hanging on to the last of the winter foliage. Winter might not feel like the best season to step out into nature, but there is still plenty to enjoy.

There is nothing quite like a winter walk to blow away the cobwebs. Step outside for a chance to be inspired by sweeping mists and icy puddles or watch fluffed up birds as they flit between the trees. Shake off the feeling of being “cooped up” and unfurl yourselves from that cosy blanket on the sofa, because nature is just as beautiful during the colder months.

Photo: A frosty December scene at RSPB The Lodge

Did you know that here in England, the RSPB has over 110 reserves for you to explore? Perhaps there’s one right on your doorstep waiting to be discovered.

Our reserves are great for wildlife and they make great days out too; whether you’re a fun fuelled family or seeking some quiet time in nature. Some of our facilities currently remain closed (see the latest updates on what’s open on our dedicated coronavirus page here) but a selection of our reserves are still serving takeaway refreshments (like a toasty warm hot chocolate!) or have playgrounds to help keep the family entertained with.

So, what are you waiting for? Don your favourite wellies, wrap up warm with that snuggly scarf, and come and see what nature has to offer at your local reserves! For a map of all our open reserves, click here.

Photo: A man walks through woodland in Winter. Credit: Ben Andrew

Stay put on your doorstep

Waste not, want not

While the festive period is wonderful, it can create tonnes of unnecessary waste a year. Wondering what you can do to help reduce your waste or looking to find a new use for those items that would usually end up in the bin? Check out our ideas here:

Photo: Presents lay wrapped in eco-friendly wrapping paper

  • Get crafty: If you’re looking to upcycle your sweet wrappers, cardboard tubes or bottle tops while keeping the kids entertained, take a look at our dedicated wild challenge activity for creative ideas for your waste here.
  • Feed the birds: Winter is the perfect time to be feeding your garden birds. You don’t need a fancy feeder – check out our handy video guide to making a window feeder from a recycled milk bottle here. You can also find out what’s best to feed the birds in winter, using our handy seasonal feeding guide here.
  • Go eco: There are plenty of simple switches you can make to reduce the amount of plastic and other rubbish that ends up in landfill. Why not start with our range of beautifully designed homeware with nature in mind here?

Shop for nature

Stuck for what to buy your nature-loving friend or family member as a gift? Christmas is a time for giving, and how better to get involved than buying from the RSPB. With many of our shops on reserves now reopened, there’s a great range of wildlife inspired items to browse, and don’t forget, the income raised helps fund our conservation work too.

Photo: A birdwatcher uses binoculars to spot birds in the wood. Credit: Ben Andrew

What better a gift than a new pair of binoculars or a telescope? We’ve a fantastic range suitable not just for wildlife experts, but beginners too. Whether it’s a pair of binoculars for the family to spot nature in your own garden, a telescope to use out birding, or compacts that make seeing wildlife on your summer hikes that little bit extra special, we’ve got something for everyone. With friendly experts on hand at a range of the RSPB’s Covid secure stores, find your nearest treasure trove of gifts here.