Each month, we’ll share a new guide showcasing the wildlife you can spot in and around the Tamar Valley, from seasonal favourites to some of our Special Species. These guides are designed to spark curiosity, encourage exploration, and help you notice the incredible nature that surrounds us. Whether you’re heading out for a walk or simply want to learn more about the valley’s changing seasons, our monthly guides highlight an easy, enjoyable way to connect with the landscape and discover something new.
Nature Spotter's Guide for January 2026
January in the Tamar Valley has a quiet, understated beauty. The landscape feels still on the surface, yet there’s plenty happening if you know where to look.
Bare trees reveal sweeping views across the valley, winter sunlight catches on the river, and mosses and lichens glow vividly in the damp air. Birdlife is especially active at this time of year. Winter thrushes feed in orchards and hedgerows, while robins, wrens, and great tits stay busy around gardens and woodland edges. Along the river, you might spot a flash of kingfisher blue or hear the call of a Teal duck. Early catkins begin to appear on hazel, hinting at the first signs of spring, and hardy plants such as snowdrops may start pushing through the cold ground.
Nature Spotter's Guide for February 2026
February in the Tamar Valley carries a sense of quiet anticipation for the reawakening of spring.The landscape is still shaped by winter’s damp, unpredictable weather, yet subtle shifts hint at the season beginning to turn.
Along woodland edges and gardens, redwing thrushes, fieldfares, sparrows, blackbirds, and great tits stay active, foraging among hedgerows and mossy branches. A sparrowhawk may circle overhead, while the earliest alder catkins and goat willow begin to soften the bare branches, signalling that spring is edging closer.
On the ground, snowdrops, winter aconites, early primroses, and sweet violets brighten the damp earth; small but vivid markers of February’s awakening. These blooms offer much‑needed nourishment to emerging insects and a splash of colour against the muted winter palette.
In the quieter corners of the valley, mammals leave signs of their presence. Badgers and their cubs, foxes, roe deer, and even the elusive otter move through the landscape, often more easily detected by their tracks. Fungi also add character to the season. Look closely on fallen wood or shaded banks and you may see scarlet elf cups, glowing red against the leaf litter; jelly ear, clinging to old branches; or the pale lilac tones of the wood blewit. Darker winter specialists like black bulgar and the tiered winter polypore thrive in the cool, wet conditions.
Despite February’s grey skies and shifting weather, the Tamar Valley is quietly stirring. Its birds, plants, mammals, and fungi each offer small, hopeful signs that the landscape is preparing for spring’s return.
Advice:
When looking for nature in the winter, it’s important to be safe. Here are some safety suggestions to consider before heading out:
- Dress for the weather with warm layers, waterproofs, gloves, and sturdy footwear to prevent slips on wet or icy ground.
- Check the forecast before heading out and avoid walking in high winds, heavy rain, or poor visibility.
- Stick to marked paths where possible, as winter mud, flooding, and hidden holes can make off‑trail areas unsafe.
- Be mindful of daylight. Winter days are short, so plan your route and allow plenty of time to return before dark.
- Carry a charged phone, a small torch, and a map or navigation app in case conditions change.
- Watch your footing on wet leaves, mossy stones, and frosty surfaces, which can be surprisingly slippery.
- Keep a safe distance from rivers and fast‑flowing water, as winter levels can rise quickly.
- Respect wildlife by observing quietly and avoiding disturbance, especially during harsh weather when animals need extra energy to survive.
- Do not eat any mushrooms or wild plants unless you are fully trained in identification. Many species are toxic and can look very similar to edible ones.
- Let someone know your plans if you’re heading out alone, including your route and expected return time.
- Bring snacks and warm drinks to stay comfortable and maintain energy levels.
- Stay on accessible terrain and turn back if conditions feel unsafe, as winter landscapes can change quickly.
