Winter in the UK may be crisp and cold, but it also brings some great opportunities to catch a glimpse of wildlife in its stunning natural habitat.
As the season transforms the landscape with frosty mornings and quiet, misty evenings, animals adapt to the colder temperatures, offering a unique window into their behaviour.
Here are five of the best places around the UK and Ireland to experience the wonders of winter wildlife and immerse yourself in nature’s beauty during the colder season…
1. Loch Garten Nature Reserve, Scotland
Loch Garten Nature Reserve, renowned as the ancestral home of the UK’s ospreys, transforms into a magnificent winter wonderland teeming with wildlife in the colder months.
The freshwater loch, situated near Boat of Garten in the northern part of Scotland’s expansive Cairngorms National Park, is surrounded by the towering pine trees of Abernethy Forest, much of which is designated as a Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) nature reserve.
Two marked trails can be found here: the Big Pine and the Two Lochs trails. The Big Pine is a half-mile route, taking about 15 minutes, which leads from the Nature Centre car park to the Loch Mallachie car park. This trail takes you through the woodland’s highlights, including the impressive ‘Granny’ Scots pines.
The Two Lochs is a circular 1.7-mile trail that takes around an hour to walk. It leads through the forest, where visitors are encouraged to look out for red squirrels climbing trees, and continues to the picturesque shores of Loch Garten and Loch Mallachie, where goldeneye ducks nest.
Non-RSPB members have to pay an entrance fee (£5 for adults and £2.50 for children) to visit the reserve’s informative nature centre, which is open between March 1 to October 31. However, the car park and trails are free and accessible throughout the year.
2. Glenveagh National Park, Ireland
Untouched habitats, safeguarded wildlife and trails that pass by the breathtaking Victorian castle and gardens makes Glenveagh National Park in Ireland the ideal day out for nature enthusiasts.
Located in the heart of County Donegal, nestled within the wild and rugged terrain of the Derryveagh Mountains, the park is home to an array of fascinating animals – including red deer, badgers and the elusive Irish hare.
At the heart of the park lies Lough Veagh, a sparkling lake that is the crown jewel of this natural paradise. Spanning two-and-a-half miles and encircled by towering mountains, its calm waters mirror the magnificence of the landscape. The Lough Veagh Trail, a moderate four-mile loop, provides fantastic views of both the lake and surrounding peaks.
Visitors are encouraged to bring binoculars to get a closer view of the park’s diverse birdlife, including the majestic white-tailed eagles and golden eagles, to allow them to fully appreciate their beauty.
Glenveagh National Park is open throughout the year, and entry is free of charge.
3. Kielder Water and Forest Park, England
Wrap up warm and head to Kielder Water and Forest Park in Northumberland to enjoy some crisp air, wildlife and stunning scenery this winter.
A haven for wildlife, Kielder is home to the largest red squirrel population in England and the biggest man-made lake in Northern Europe.
As you stroll through the large forest, keep your eyes peeled for badgers, roe deer, otters, shrews, bats and a variety of woodland birds.
Kielder offers a plethora of different walking routes for visitors, but there are five short trails suitable for young families which are all accessible via the ViewRanger app.
Parking costs £5 per vehicle, and an annual membership is £40.
4. Richmond Park, England
Richmond Park is not only London’s largest Site of Special Scientific Interest but it is also a National Nature Reserve, and it’s easy to understand why.
This popular 2,500-acre park is buzzing with a variety of creatures, from historic deer herds to birds and rare beetles.
The gorgeous does and bucks are often sighted in the meadow next to the Isabella Plantation car park during the winter months.
Encircling the park is the Tamsin Trail, a scenic route of just over seven miles, which is a firm favourite among local runners and walkers.
There are seven free car parks around the park – including Pembroke Lodge, Kingston Gate and Broomfield Hill – and there is no charge to enter the park on foot.
5. Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), Wales
With a light dusting of snow and peaceful trails, Eryri National Park (formerly known as Snowdonia) becomes a wintry paradise in the colder months, offering an excellent opportunity to embrace solitude and the beauty of nature.
It is home to a unique population of wildlife, including the Welsh mountain goat, Carneddau ponies and the rare Rainbow leaf beetle.
Many birds of prey are found high up on the mountains, including buzzards, peregrines, and merlins.
It is free for all hikers, so what are you waiting for? Adventure is calling…
