Make a wild start to 2026

A COUPLE of weeks ago, I wrote about wonderful wildlife to see, hear and enjoy, but as well as getting out and about to see wildlife, there are many different ways to connect with nature over what remains of the festive season and to ensure a wild start to 2026.

- By ERIN MCDAID Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust

Attenborough Nature Reserve

Whether you are keen to blow the cobwebs away or looking for something wild to do ona rainy day, we've got loads of wild ideas for all the family.

A great way to connect with nature that will repay you for years to come is to create wildlife habitats. Something as simple as a log pile will provide shelter for insects as well as creatures such as frogs - adding interest to your garden year-round.

Another way to provide shelter is by installing bird nest boxes. Installing a nest box in midwinter means that birds will have time to check it out well ahead of the main nesting season getting under way in February - and small birds such as wrens may well use it as shelter on the coldest winter nights.

A blue tit leaving a nest box