With the weather getting colder and the nights drawing in, many people are now looking towards the festive period and maybe even the new year. 

But before we get ahead of ourselves, winter is the perfect time to stop and notice the nature on our doorstep. From bright breasted robins to spectacular displays from starlings at dusk nature is spectacular and ready to be explored. 

Visit a nature reserve

Suffolk is full of places with big skies and spectacular winter wildlife. 

On the southern fringe of the Broads National Park, Carlton Marshes is a vast wetland teeming with winter wildlife. Flocks of wigeon, snipe, and teal gather across the marshes, while marsh harriers glide silently overhead. 

Lackford Lakes' network of hides is the perfect location for bird watchers. The reserve is a winter haven for wildfowl and a well known location for Suffolk’s most mesmerising natural events: starling murmurations. This year, our staff based at the reserve have begun to notice an increase in numbers and expect the spectacle to begin from late November. We recommend getting to the reserve around 2pm for a walk, before heading to the cafe to warm up with a hot drink. The show can begin any time from 3pm!                                            

Exploring woodlands in the winter can be exciting, at Bradfield Woods the the bare trees give you an peek into the dense coppice blocks where dormice sleep. Along the trails listen out for a range of bird species calling through the trees and keep an eye out for old coppice stumps cloaked in delicate mosses and lichens. 

What to spot

In the winter Suffolk is home to a spectacular range of bird species. Keep an eye out for redwings, a beautiful bird in the thrush family, and if we are lucky, waxwings may also be seen littering berry laden bushes. 

Flocks of lapwing (flocks/groups of lapwing are called a deceit) settle on open fields, farmland, and along the scrapes at our nature reserves. 

Our largest deer species, the red deer, accent the countryside throughout the winter. Whilst present all year round, they can be easier to spot when the leaves on hedgerows and in woodlands have dropped. Did you know? There are only two native deer species in the UK, roe deer and red deer. 

From January pops of yellow will begin to appear on hazel. These catkins are the male flowers of the tree. Look closer on the branches to spot the female flowers, small but bright red blooms. This pop of colour is always welcomed in the depths of winter as we look towards the hopes of spring. 

What to do

Winter and the festive season go hand in hand. And it's the perfect reason, get outdoors, feel close to nature, learn new skills, and celebrate. Join us at our events for all of the above. 

Choose your own Christmas Tree at Foxburrow

Head down to our Foxburrow nature reserve and pick out your own Christmas tree for the festive season! 

Throughout the second week of December, head down to Foxburrow nature reserve to choose your Christmas tree. These trees have been sustainably sourced as part of our conservation work on local reserves. 

Learn a new skill 

Carve decorations with us by the fireside, weaving a willow tree or learn how to make a wooden reindeer, these are just some of the options we have coming up this festive season. 

Christmas Grottos 

Festive magic is transforming our Lackford Lakes, Carlton Marshes and Foxburrow nature reserves into grottos for Father Christmas, each unique in their own ways. This classic festive experience is perfect for families. 

After your chat with Father Christmas why not explore the reserves and see what wildlife you can spot on our trails, or stop at our Visitor Centres (at Carlton Marshes & Lackford Lakes) for a hot chocolate. 

Explore our Christmas events

How you can help nature this winter

We know you know the value of nature and wildlife in Suffolk. It enriches our lives, protects our homes from severe weather and benefits our physical and mental health.

But nature is in crisis, we have less than five years to turn the tide and stop nature's decline. Your support can make all the difference to nature and wildlife in Suffolk. 

From your monthly membership donations which can support our Wardens to create and manage habitat for at-risk species, to your cosy jumper that could help fund engagement sessions which inspire the next generation of conservationists, however you can support our charity's mission for a wilder Suffolk - thank you.