As winter covers the ground in a layer of frost, there is still a plethora of beautiful wildlife to be seen in our region. Despite the chilly temperatures, January offers unique opportunities to witness the incredible resilience of nature. From enchanting birdwatching spots to the wild coastline, there's something for everyone to enjoy! Here, we recommend our favourite things to see and do in January.
Our coastline and wetlands come alive in January with the vibrant activity of countless bird species, such as teal, gadwall, wigeon and pochard. Grab your binoculars and head out to Mere Sands Wood to try and spot flocks of wintering ducks, geese, and swans - over 170 bird species have been seen on the reserve. Listen out for the amusing call of the eider duck (they sound like they have just heard a really juicy piece of gossip) or water rail making a noise that sounds like a squealing pig!
If you're very lucky, you may spot a bittern in the reeds at Brockholes or Lunt Meadows. It is probably still too early in the year to hear their distinctive boom, so come back in the spring to find out why they are Britain's loudest bird!
Did you know? Bitterns were completely wiped out in Britain due to destruction of their reedbed habitats. Regeneration sites like Brockholes and Mere Sands Wood provide the ideal habitat for this rare and well-camouflaged bird.
Eider (Somateria mollissima) adult male in spring plumage on water, Scotland, UK - Mark Hamblin/2020VISION
'Tis the season to give back to nature! It's that time of the year when we bury recycled Christmas trees along the coast to help grow and stabilise the Fylde sand dunes, helping build a vital defence against coastal erosion.
Last year, we received over 2000 trees, and thanks to your generosity, we've seen an impressive 90-metre increase in the width of the Fylde Sand Dune system!
If you're taking your tree down in January and looking for an eco-friendly way to dispose of it, why not donate it to us to help with this year's effort? Or if you're ready to brave the winter weather, book onto one of our sessions in early February below and get stuck in helping us bury more trees!
Tuesday 10th, Wednesday 11th and Thursday 12th February 2026
Christmas Tree Planting 2022 ©Amy Pennington
Once all the leaves have fallen from the trees, it can be tricky to figure out which species is which. Join us for a wintry walk around Lunt Meadows to learn how to identify our native deciduous trees using features such as buds, twigs and bark.
It can often take an extra effort to get out into nature during the shorter days of winter, especially when the weather is gloomy. This, along with the post-festive period slump, can take a toll on our wellbeing. Thankfully, there are still lots of simple, mindful activities you can do from the warmth and comfort of home to help bring you some calm and peace, and help you stay connected with nature this season even if you're not able to get out as often.
Join our Guided Walk Leaders for a fascinating insight into the flora of Brockholes and how it changes over the year.
We will also cover the folklore associated with our wildflowers, trees and fungi.
The coasts and beaches in Lancashire and North Merseyside have a special beauty during winter. Wrap up warm to brave the coastal winds, and you'll be rewarded with peaceful open spaces, colourful rockpools, wading birds, and beautiful sunsets.
Read our blog below for just a few reasons why we should all learn to love the coast in even the bleakest midwinter.
The snowdrop is a familiar spring flower, coming into bloom in January and flowering until March. Despite its long history in the UK, however, it may not actually be native here; it is a native of damp woods and meadows on the continent, but was not recorded as growing wild in the UK until the late 18th century. Nevertheless, it has certainly become naturalised from garden escapees, and white snowdrop 'valleys' can now be seen across the country. Look out for them on your winter walks and you will no doubt spot these nodding little flowerheads.
Did you know? In Yorkshire, it was customary for village maidens to gather bunches of Snowdrops and wear them as a symbol of their purity on February 2nd, which was Candlemas - the feast of the Virgin Mary.
Katrina Martin/2020VISION
Stewart McDonald
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