News — british wildlife

As we move further away from the winter solstice and towards the spring equinox, the days during February continue to lengthen until by the end of the month we have gained around two hours of extra daylight. All sorts of things in nature are beginning to respond to this extra light, so if you can bear the cold, often stormy weather this month can bring, a nature walk in February is always worth it to witness those very first signs that spring is just around the corner. Here are a few of my favourite things to look out for in...

'If Candlemas day be fair and bright, winter will take another flight. If Candlemas day be foul and rain, winter is gone and won't come again.' The Christian festival of Candlemas on the 2nd February and the pagan festival of Imbolc (pronounced imulk) on the 1st February are both closely associated with the snowdrop which is reaching its height around now. Both are festivals of light and hope to mark the end of winter and the very beginnings of spring stirrings.  Its Latin name, Galanthus Nivalis means 'milk flower of the snow' and some of its common names include Candlemas Bell, Snow Lily...

Although it may seem tempting to stay indoors during January, snuggled under a blanket in close proximity to the kettle, it's actually one of my favourite months to go walking, especially on clear frosty days. I thought I would write a little blog of some of my favourite things to look for in nature during January. Number one: Sunrise and sunset At this point in the calendar year in the Northern hemisphere we are tilted the furthest away from the sun. This means that the rays of light have more layers of atmosphere to pass through resulting in the vibrant pinks...

  I had the privilege of watching this nuthatch again for a couple of hours last time I was at the bird hide, the inspiration behind some of my Christmas collection this year.Nuthatches rarely travel far from the wood they were born in so this could well be one from the same pair I photographed in June. It was these pictures I worked my initial sketches from which became two bauble designs and also my nuthatch Christmas card and gift tag.        I added some elderberries in to the card design as I liked the colour combination of the wine berries...