Visit a local nature reserve and spot wildlife.

“Armed with my bird books and binoculars (along with my warm clothes!), I headed for the reserve. The site offers a free car park, with a board detailing the local wildlife and a handy booklet containing a map. The landscape on the trail that I chose began with open heath, which progressed into woodland. A woodpecker was loudly drumming in the distance and I managed to spot my first flash of one as it flew from tree to tree.”

“This small 92-acre reserve was the first place I visited when I discovered my passion for wildlife. Located in the town of Horsham, West Sussex, it has a millpond, woodland, and reedbeds. It has been a vital place for me growing up; I’ve spent countless hours in the hides, gaining knowledge from fellow birders and learning more about nature by having a local patch.”

“For a nature novice like myself, the huge range of bird species inhabiting the varied habitats means that there will usually be a few ID firsts. On my recent visit, I was extremely happy to identify three species that I had never before seen in their natural habitat.”