Winter is often seen as a quieter time for nature, but across the YACWAG reserves the colder months still bring subtle changes, important conservation work and the occasional surprise encounter. We caught up with Richard Croucher to reflect on the period from November through February and to look ahead to the early signs of spring.
Notable wildlife sightings this winter
While winter sightings can be fewer than during warmer months, there have still been encouraging signs that habitat work across the reserves is paying off.
One particularly positive development has been the appearance of mole activity along the flower bank on the Strawberry Line. This bank was created a couple of years ago and has now had two summers to establish. The presence of moles suggests that the soil is becoming rich in invertebrates – an important indicator that the habitat is developing well below the surface as well as above it.
As Richard explained, this is exactly the kind of response conservation work hopes to achieve. When the area was previously dominated by dense brambles, this kind of underground ecosystem would have been far less likely. The moles are effectively giving the habitat “a thumbs up”.
How the reserves have changed over the winter
This winter has been wetter than average in North Somerset, although not exceptionally so compared with some other parts of the country. The rainfall has led to standing water in several fields across the reserves.
For a wetland landscape like the YACWAG reserves, this is actually welcome.
Water in fields and ditches supports many of the species that naturally belong in this environment. Wet conditions benefit aquatic invertebrates, birds and amphibians that depend on these habitats. At the same time, wetter ground can make land management more challenging.
For example, volunteer hedge-laying days had to be cancelled on a few occasions when the ground became too wet. Some contractor work was also delayed while waiting for conditions that would avoid damaging the land.
Grazing and winter habitat conditions
Grazing across the reserves generally finishes around October. On some fields managed under Countryside Stewardship agreements, animals must be removed by the 1st of November.
Once livestock are taken off the land, the fields are left to rest over winter. This allows vegetation to recover naturally and prevents animals from damaging waterlogged ground. By spring, the fields are ready for the next stage of seasonal management.
Winter land management work
Winter is an important time for practical conservation tasks across the reserves.
Ditch management
One key activity has been ditch clearance work at Congresbury Moor and near the Maslen field area.
Ditches play a crucial role in wetland ecosystems, providing habitat for many aquatic invertebrates and helping maintain water levels. If they are never cleared, they eventually fill with sediment and vegetation, losing their ability to hold water.
However, ditching must be carried out carefully. Many aquatic species spend much of their life cycle in the water, particularly during winter when they are relatively inactive. Clearing ditches too frequently can remove or disturb these organisms.
For that reason, YACWAG clears ditches as rarely as possible – striking a balance between maintaining water flow and protecting wildlife.
Hedge laying and habitat management
The weekly Tuesday volunteer group has also been busy throughout the winter months, running from early November until the end of February.
Work has included:
- Hedge laying at Bramblewood Orchard
- Habitat work near Milepost 31 on the Strawberry Line
- Hedge management at Cobthorn
In addition to traditional hedge laying, volunteers also build “dead hedging”. This involves using cut branches to fill gaps in hedgerows, creating valuable shelter for birds, insects and small mammals.
Preparing bat habitat
At the Maslen site, plans are also being developed to create a potential roosting space for bats in part of the stable block. The aim is to encourage species such as the Lesser horseshoe bat to use the building.
Work on this will take place over the coming months as the project develops.
A surprising winter encounter
Perhaps the most unexpected wildlife moment this winter came on 13 February.
While walking along the Strawberry Line on a damp, overcast day, Richard came across a Grass snake which would normally still be in hibernation at this time of year.
The Grass snake was calm enough for Richard to photograph and record using the iRecord app before it eventually slipped back into the undergrowth.
Seeing this active in mid-February was surprising and may reflect changing winter conditions, with fewer hard frosts allowing some species to emerge earlier than expected.
Early signs of spring
Although it may still feel like winter, the first hints of spring are already appearing.
Visitors walking the Strawberry Line or exploring the reserves may start to notice:
- Increasing birdsong, particularly in the early morning and evening
- The first active bees on warmer days
- Early butterflies beginning to appear when the sun comes out
Even the landscape itself is beginning to shift as grass starts growing again and vegetation slowly responds to longer daylight hours.
How the community can help record wildlife
Everyone can play a role in helping protect local wildlife.
Using the iRecord app allows people to log sightings of plants and animals. If a photo is included, experts often review the record and confirm the identification before it is added to the national database.
These records can become important evidence for protecting habitats and species in the future.
Looking ahead to spring and summer
As the seasons change, attention will turn to several new initiatives across the reserves.
Managing newly acquired fields
Work will begin on three recently purchased fields. Because these are within a protected Site of Special Scientific Interest area and part of a stewardship scheme, permissions are required before certain work can take place.
Plans include:
- Installing fencing to separate the fields from nearby tracks
- Maintaining public access routes
- Adding gates and signage explaining the conservation work
New wildlife monitoring projects
Two exciting monitoring initiatives are also being developed.
1. Bat monitoring
Wardens will begin using static bat detectors across several reserves, working in partnership with the local bat group. This will help gather valuable data about bat activity and species presence.
2. Insect surveys
A new group of volunteers will carry out monthly insect transects. Participants will walk the same route each month, recording butterflies, day-flying moths and eventually dragonflies and damselflies.
No specialist expertise is required – just enthusiasm, the ability to take photos and access to the iRecord app.
Over time, this monitoring will build a clearer picture of insect populations across the area and help guide future conservation work.
Even during the quieter winter months, the reserves remain full of life and activity- both above and below the surface. From mole tunnels to unexpected reptile sightings, each season offers new insights into how local environments are changing and how conservation work continues to support the wildlife that calls them home.
Want to get involved?
If you’d like to volunteer some of your time to help across the reserves, we’d love to hear from you.
Volunteering is a great way to support local nature, spend time outdoors and be part of a friendly community making a real difference. You can get involved in a number of ways – whether that’s helping out with maintenance work across the reserves, the Land Management Committee are looking for some new reserve wardens and it is never too late to join in with the insect surveying.
If you’re interested in lending a hand, please get in touch to find out more about the opportunities available.
