Oak tree in autumn © Ben Porter
The nights are darker, a chill is setting in, and nature is about to treat us to some of its most captivating wildlife displays.
We're now well into autumn, waking up to crisp, fresh mornings and watching the trees shed the last of their golden leaves. This time of year is a great time for wildlife lovers to enjoy some of nature’s spectacles.
Birds migrate throughout the year, but spring and autumn bring the biggest transition. Right now, our summer visitors will be leaving for warmer climes and our winter guests will be beginning their arrival.
Hundreds of thousands of fieldfares migrate to the British Isles in autumn © Chris Gomersall/2020VISION
Enjoying a warm drink around a crackling bonfire is all part of the cosy autumnal experience, but remember to consider wildlife before you set yours alight. Hedgehogs see unlit bonfires as cosy hibernation spots, so make sure to check for unexpected guests living in your log pile. Find some tips below to ensure no hedgehogs are harmed during the festivities.
You can report a hedgehog sighting using our hedgehog survey. By asking people to complete the survey we can find out more about where hedgehogs are living, whether numbers are increasing, decreasing or staying the same and how many are dying on our roads.
Hedgehog foraging on lawn at night © Nick Upton
While it’s easy to love the warm autumnal colours from the leaves changing, you may find you want to clear the leaves from your garden. Before you do, spare a thought for what is hiding underneath them… Follow the link below to learn about what could be hiding in your leaf litter.
Helena Dolby, Sheffield Wildlife Trust
Witnessing a starling murmuration is one of the most remarkable natural spectacles in the UK. During the colder months, our starling populations swell with visitors primarily from northern Europe, seeking the relative warmth of our island climate. Their incredible sky dances happen around dusk over sheltered roosting habitats, like reedbeds, woodlands and even human-made structures.
Danny Green/2020VISION
Ever wonder what our eight-legged friends do during the colder months? There are many different methods spiders use to survive the cold weather, from silky insulation to air bubbles.
Spider's web on frosted grasses alongside the River Test at Britford, Hampshire, England, UK © Guy Edwardes/2020VISION
Marvellous mushrooms and brilliant brackets! In this talk with mycophile Ali McKernan, you'll learn about where to find them and how to identify them - and some other interesting bits and bobs along the way.
© Ben Porter
