Winter Watch: Discover, protect and celebrate nature

When we think of winter, it’s easy to picture bare trees, grey skies, and frosty fields, a landscape in hibernation. But look a little closer, and you’ll find that nature is still very much alive.

Berries: Nature’s winter jewels

As leaves fall and flowers fade, berries take centre stage. Hedgerows and woodlands across Wales come alive with bursts of red, orange, and purple:

• Holly berries gleam like rubies against glossy green leaves, a classic festive symbol and vital food source for birds like blackbirds and thrushes.

• Rowan and hawthorn trees hang heavy with scarlet fruit, attracting flocks of winter visitors such as redwings and fieldfares.

• Ivy berries, ripening later in the season, provide a crucial lifeline for birds when other food is scarce.

Lichens and mosses: The hidden greens and golds

In the damp, clean air of Welsh hills and woodlands, lichens and mosses thrive.

These often-overlooked organisms paint rocks, tree trunks, and stone walls in shades of lime green, silver-grey, mustard yellow, and even turquoise.

• Oakmoss and reindeer lichen create soft, frosted textures on bark and branches.

• Golden shield lichen adds a splash of sunshine to otherwise muted landscapes.

Their presence is not only beautiful but also a sign of healthy air quality.

Fungi: Winter’s earthy artworks

While many fungi appear in autumn, some persist into winter or even emerge in the cold:

• Velvet shank mushrooms glow orange on tree stumps, often dusted with frost.

• Jelly ear fungus, with its curious shape and soft texture, clings to elder trees.

• Turkey tail fungi fan out in layers of blue, brown, and cream, like natural mandalas on fallen logs.

These decomposers play a vital role in woodland ecosystems, recycling nutrients and supporting biodiversity.

Sunsets and skies: Fire in the frost

Winter skies in Wales can be breathtaking. With the sun lower in the sky, sunrises and sunsets stretch longer and glow deeper:

• Expect fiery oranges, pinks, and purples over coastal cliffs, mountain ridges, and frosty fields.

• On clear nights, the dark skies of Eryri, Bannau Brycheiniog, and the Elan Valley reveal breathtaking views of stars, planets, and even the Milky Way.

• Eryri and Bannau Brycheiniog are designated International Dark Sky Reserves, while the Elan Valley holds the status of an International Dark Sky Park, each recognised for their exceptional night sky quality and strong commitment to reducing light pollution.

• Pair a winter walk with a sunset or stargazing session for a truly magical experience.

Celebrate winter and help protect it

This winter, we invite you to slow down and appreciate the season’s quiet beauty - from frosty hedgerows and golden lichens to the soft light of a sunset over the hills. It’s a time to reflect on the nature that surrounds us and consider how we can help protect it.

Across Wales, communities are already taking action to support biodiversity through the colder months. You can get involved too - every small step makes a difference.

Community actions you can join or start

• Hedgerow planting and restoration - Join local events with Coed Cadw (The Woodland Trust in Wales) to restore vital wildlife corridors.

• Litter picks and beach cleans - Help protect habitats by joining a Keep Wales Tidy group or organising your own clean-up.

• Citizen science projects - Take part in winter wildlife surveys like the Big Garden Birdwatch or Nature’s Calendar.

• Community gardens and orchards - Volunteer in shared green spaces to plant pollinator-friendly species and care for winter habitats.

• Wildlife-friendly gardening - Leave seed heads, log piles, and leaf litter in your garden to support birds, insects, and small mammals. Plenty of ideas can be found here.

For more stories, head to our biodiversity and nature section.