Aside from buying a treat from our shop (which supports Suffolk’s wildlife!) we don’t believe that you have to spend a small fortune to show your love. Just spend some time together in the glorious outdoors, where nature is free for everyone to enjoy. 

Our top 5 ideas for a wild valentine’s day 

1. Watch the sunrise together 

There is probably nothing more grounding than watching the sunrise. We are blessed with a fabulous east-facing coastline here in Suffolk, so we can witness the majesty of the sun rising over the sea. At this time of year, you don’t even have to get up that early. Why not take an early morning trip to the coast and watch the beauty unfold. It will set you both up for a great day ahead. 

2. Go out for night-time walk and watch the stars 

Sometimes it can be hard to see the stars due to light-pollution and overly enthusiastic security lights, but head out to the countryside and take a walk somewhere you know you’re not going to disappear into a ditch, or stumble over some fencing wire (not a good look when you’re trying to be all romantic). Taking a walk in a familiar place in the dark is a totally different experience. Listen out for night-time sounds of owls and foxes and, if it’s a clear night, the wonder of billions and billions of stars. Another great way to press the reset-button and a great experience to share. 

3. Spring is springing – it's in the air! 

National nest-box week starts on Valentine’s day – it's around this time that our garden birds are pairing up and getting ready for the breeding season ahead. Recently, we’ve been watching buzzards whirling, calling and displaying here at our HQ in Ashbocking. As our winter migrant birds depart, our UK breeding birds are finding their voices and preparing themselves for the coming few months. Grab your binoculars and watch the excitement begin. 

4. Share a flask of tea or coffee on the beach 

While you’re there, it makes sense to bring a warm drink, or even better, breakfast! Watch the sun rise from the comfort of a travel rug, and keep warm and well-fed. Take a walk, do a spot of beach-combing, look out for seals and harbour porpoises and have a relaxing morning. 

5. Seek an amorous Army 

Did you know that the collective noun for a group of frogs is called an Army? With climate change already impacting on species behaviour, look out for signs of frogspawn in ponds. The mild weather we’ve been having recently may encourage our frogs to lay their spawn now (frogspawn can be spotted as early as November!). Take a walk around our reserves and see if you can spot any. 

We’d love you to share your passion for nature with us all year. Don’t forget to share your stories and pictures featuring Suffolk’s wildlife on our social media channels, or send us an email: info@suffolkwildlifetrust.org.