Pictures by Darin Smith courtesy of the

Forget curling up beside a roaring log fire this December. According to Dennis Garratt of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, the chilly winter months are some of the best in the year for getting back to nature and enjoying British wildlife.

In fact the countryside and coastal vistas of Hampshire take on an enchanting new character during wintertime.

"With us having such a big coastline the best bird watching time of the year is the winter," says Dennis.

"It's a chance to see tens of thousands of winter wildfowl and wading birds descend on our wetland habitats."

Eagle eyed nature lovers should also look out for thrushes and huge flocks of wood pigeons arriving here from Europe in the coming weeks.

Those who opt to take a woodland stroll this winter are also likely to spot a deer or two, especially, says Dennis, at the Trust's Roydon Woods reserve in the New Forest.

"Because so much of the Forest is disturbed now, they are taking shelter at Roydon Woods and you are likely to see them there at any part of the day during the wintertime."

And it's not only the animals braving the cold.

Every year, hundreds of Wildlife Trust volunteers brace themselves against the elements to carry out vital conservation work.

The bulk of the work at this time of year involves clearing scrub and trimming back woodland, explains Dennis.

"Scrub spreads quite rapidly on our chalk land areas and we try to maintain it for the wonderful variety of flowers and butterflies Hampshire is known for. We're literally holding back the woodland."

The lack of nesting birds also makes winter an ideal time for cutting back trees.

"Leaving scrub and woodland to take over the land would result in a dense mass of trees and foliage which would literally take over. All the trees would grow to the same size and density and there would be no room for much of the flora and fauna that usually grows here. Maintaining Hampshire's bio-diversity is very important."

Members of the public can do their bit for winter wildlife, reminds Dennis, by putting out some water for the birds on frosty mornings. For more information about winter wildlife watching visit www.hwt.org.uk

12:18pm Thursday 13th December 2007

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