Though it makes life hard for our wildlife, the snow has made The Lodge look absolutely beautiful! If you feel the need for fresh air or perhaps to walk off all those chocolates and mince pies, why not pay us a visit?

A blackcap has been seen eating crab apples in the gardens. Though they used to only visit from spring to autumn, it's not unusual to see a winter blackcap these days. You might see one at your bird table - they like eating fruit and fat - but they can be quite domineering and chase off other birds!

Somewhere at The Lodge is a blackbird without a tail. The cause? It was grabbed by a hungry kestrel on Monday, but managed to escape with its life. Kestrels normally eat a lot of small mammals like voles and mice, but those must be hard to catch at the moment with snow covering the ground for several days now.

There are other signs of birds adapting to the weather conditions: small flocks of lapwings and golden plovers have been seen flying over the reserve as they move to try to find ice-free soil to feed in.

Times are very hard for small birds at the moment, with snow covering the trees too. If you're a wren, goldcrest or long-tailed tit, finding food must be difficult at the moment. Fortunately, birds are tough, adaptable creatures and you might even see these insect-eaters visiting a bird feeder.

Berries are popular food with thrushes, and especially in weather like this. Mistle and song thrushes, fieldfares, redwings and blackbirds can all be seen gobbling berries from rowan to hawthorn in gardens and hedgerows in this area.

The birds in your garden will really appreciate some extra food and also unfrozen water at the moment - we've got lots of advice and of course you can come and pick up extra supplies from The Lodge shop!