During the shorter days of winter, it's perhaps even more important to head outside, enjoy the greenery and get a dose of vitamin D. But, while nature might feel like it's in hibernation, there are some necessary steps we can take to give the countryside a helping hand during the colder months.
The CPRE, The Countryside Charity have compiled a helpful list of ways we can ensure the protection of wildlife and the countryside in winter, be it sticking to designated paths when walking, topping up our bird feeders, or knowing what to do when we see frozen water.
Follow the below advice to make sure you do your bit for the countryside this winter...
1. Stay on track
The CPRE advise, when walking through woods or countryside this winter, to stay on the footpaths. Our stray footprints can damage the paths' verges, leading to an increased risk of flooding. Walking off footpaths and churning up mud can also damage woodland habitats and farmland.
2. Feed the wildlife
Another important thing to remember during the winter is to be generous with our local wildlife. Animals often lose warmth in winter, caused by a lack of readily available food, which leaves them vulnerable.
Ensure you stock up the bird feeder and leave enough water out for them to drink.
3. Forage within reason
When out foraging, remember the crucial rules: stay safe, only pass on land you have permission to be on, and only take a small amount, leaving plenty for the wildlife in the area. To remind yourself of how to forage responsibly, read the Woodland Trust's helpful guide.
4. Break the ice
Often in winter, ponds and small lakes can freeze. This is dangerous for wildlife under the ice, as they have significantly less oxygen. It also affects the animals on land, as they have less to drink and eat.
If your local pond or small lake freezes over, break holes very gently to create access for the animals. Do this only if it's safe, though, as falling into freezing water is dangerous. Never do it alone and take great care.
5. Clear up litter
It's always a number one rule of country walks to dispose of your litter responsibly. You could always go one step further, though, and take a couple of bags and gloves with you to pick up any other rubbish you see on the way.
During the winter, litter can become buried under snow and ice, or covered by churned mud, so being mindful during this season is even more important.
6. Dine at a local business
Small, independently-owned businesses often see a decline in the winter months, so show them some love when you can (in line, of course, with up-to-date pandemic guidelines). Visit your local butcher or bakery and stop for lunch at a cafe. Treat yourself to some blooms from the florist and don't forget the boutiques.
7. Get to writing
As we spend more time indoors in winter, the CPRE suggest we consider using it to write letters to the local council regarding how to improve things in the community and reduce our carbon footprint.
They say that, to go one step further, you could send photos or drawings of your favourite green areas to show how much you cherish them. They'll love to hear about your enthusiasm for the community, and it will increase the chance of them implementing positive actions.
8. Get arty
The CPRE refer to research from the World Health Organisation which shows that people are more likely to care for and protect their local areas if they feel a sense of ownership over them. Capturing areas of green on camera, or crafting a drawing or painting, allows us to feel a connection to these places, and gives us the extra motivation to care for them.
This winter season, get out there with your camera, sketch pad or phone, and own your local areas with wonderful snapshots or hand-drawn landscapes.
To find out how you can support the CPRE, The Countryside Charity this year and their positive environmental projects, visit their website.
Best wildlife cameras
Wildlife camera features:
- 64MP photo/4K video resolution with sound
- 0.2s trigger speed and 5 continuous shooting
- HD colour screen
- 3 capture modes (photo, video, or both)
- Loop recording and IP66 waterproof
Wildlife camera features:
- 24MP photo/H.264 1296P video resolution with sound
- 0.1s trigger speed
- 2.4โ high-resolution colour screen
- 3 capture modes (photo, video, or both)
- Waterproof
Wildlife camera features:
- 20MP photos/1080P video resolution
- 36pcs IR LEDs
- Night vision motion activated
- IP66 waterproof
Wildlife camera features:
- 40MP photo resolution
- Solar powered - dual power supply
- WiFi/bluetooth
- 120 degree detection angle
- Night vision motion activated
- IP66 waterproof
- U3 32GB Micro SD Card
Wildlife camera features:
- Close focus at 35cm
- Ultra-high-definition
- Large field of view of 100 degrees
- Compact and lightweight
- Night vision
- Reliable app connectivity
Wildlife camera features:
- 64MP photos
- 4K video recording with H.264 compression
- 0.1-second trigger speed
- WiFi connectivity for remote access
- Clear night vision
- 940nm no-glow infrared LEDs
