Frosty fields in the twilight and the peak of a rosy dawn changing to clear blue skies are as much loved in winter as snow-laden fields, and a needed balm to colder, wetter and overcast days.
Crisp clear days are the best time to get out and about – the views are often made sharper, the ground is harder, and there is an ethereal quality to the light that makes winter walks just that little bit more special.
Wildlife can be easier to spot too. Finches and winter thrushes often form flocks at this time to look for and improve their chances of finding food. Look up as you wander through woodland to catch a better glimpse of blue, great, coal and long-tailed tits, goldcrests, wrens or chaffinches – or a classic winter flock of siskins, lesser redpolls and goldfinches.
Roe deer and brown hares roam our woodlands, otters and water voles take to the waterways, birds of prey wheel in our skies – and seal pups born on our coastline in the early winter begin to strike out on their own.
In Yorkshire we are incredibly lucky to have a veritable wealth of wild experiences waiting on our doorsteps – too many to choose from! If you’re looking for a way to make the best of the watery winter sunlight or walk an appetite up for a big Sunday lunch – or even a post-Boxing day feast – try something little different this year and visit a Yorkshire Wildlife Trust nature reserve?
We’ve put together a list of just some of our favourite reserve walks, with something for everyone to enjoy. Please take care, plan and prepare to enjoy the shorter days and outdoors responsibly, as winter weather can quickly change and the temperature can plummet at dusk.
