Mysteries of the WINTER WOODLAND
BBC Countryfile Magazine|January 2022
Head into the trees this January, where strange natural marvels await the sharp-eyed explorer, urges countryman John Wright
John Wright
Mysteries of the WINTER WOODLAND

Winter woodlands are peaceful places. The bustle of bee and bird is in abeyance and things are resting, giving us time, space and inclination to ponder and examine what is there. There is also a beauty and a clarity intrinsic to a winter woodland that is obscured in the vibrant displays of other seasons. The structure of the trees and their arrangement, be it natural or imposed by man, become clear, and small constructions such as bird’s nests, witch’s brooms and wasp nests are revealed.

While the woodland scene is a joy to encounter, considerably more can be gained from taking things slowly and looking closely. While I occasionally adopt a vigorous pace, my daughter warns prospective walking companions that I am repeatedly distracted by one treasure or other and that the only sensible time to go for a walk with me is in the dark when little is visible that might slow our progress to a crawl. Perhaps you could ease yourself into this mode of walking by stopping every now and then for a cup of something warming and look around you. Standing or sitting silently, examine the nearest rotting log, the branches above you, the leaf-litter at your feet or, perhaps, a nearby and oddly shaped hole in the ground for which no purpose will readily come to mind.

Apart from wrapping-up warm, my advice is to take a loupe (a sort of folding magnifying glass for your pocket) so you can get close to things – the closer you get, the more interesting plants, fungi and invertebrates can become.

This story is from the January 2022 edition of BBC Countryfile Magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the January 2022 edition of BBC Countryfile Magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BBC COUNTRYFILE MAGAZINEView All
FARMERS ARE THE ORIGINAL FIRST RESPONDERS
BBC Countryfile Magazine

FARMERS ARE THE ORIGINAL FIRST RESPONDERS

Across the country, a secret army is at work, coming to the rescue at times of crisis and springing into action when their communities are in danger.

time-read
2 mins  |
March 2024
Nicola Chester
BBC Countryfile Magazine

Nicola Chester

Building more affordable homes is vital for the survival of rural communities

time-read
2 mins  |
March 2024
Hush... it's spring!
BBC Countryfile Magazine

Hush... it's spring!

The colours and scents of spring are exhilarating after a long, gloomy winter, but to fully appreciate the power of the season, shut your eyes and listen, urges Ajay Tegala

time-read
2 mins  |
March 2024
In hope of a bright future for our national parks
BBC Countryfile Magazine

In hope of a bright future for our national parks

At experts came the height of the Second World War, a group of remarkable together for the first time.

time-read
2 mins  |
March 2024
Wild London walks
BBC Countryfile Magazine

Wild London walks

From vast parks and ancient woods to overgrown graveyards and flower-banked canals, England's capital is filled with green surprises. Discover them on foot with six sensational London walks

time-read
2 mins  |
March 2024
The truth about dogs
BBC Countryfile Magazine

The truth about dogs

As arookie dog owner, Cotswolds writer James Fair was overwhelmed with advice and dire warnings about how to care for his puppy. But how many of the often-repeated truths about canines are really myths?

time-read
6 mins  |
March 2024
TOP 10 ROMANTIC RUINS
BBC Countryfile Magazine

TOP 10 ROMANTIC RUINS

For a thrilling encounter with history, fall in love with a crumbling castle or tumbledown church this spring, swoons Dixe Wills

time-read
9 mins  |
March 2024
THE GREAT SOLAR DEBATE
BBC Countryfile Magazine

THE GREAT SOLAR DEBATE

If developers have their way, miles of Oxfordshire farmland will soon be covered with solar panels. Many local people are opposed but how vital is this sustainable energy for our countryside? Andrew Griffiths investigates

time-read
6 mins  |
March 2024
DISCOVER 100 miles of heaven
BBC Countryfile Magazine

DISCOVER 100 miles of heaven

Looking for an adventure? An intoxicating mix of rolling downland, sleepy hamlets and wave-hewn cliffs makes the South Downs Way one of Britain's loveliest walks. Dixe Wills reveals the highlights of six days on the trail

time-read
8 mins  |
March 2024
THE COMEBACK KITE
BBC Countryfile Magazine

THE COMEBACK KITE

Once virtually extinct in Britain, a magnificent bird of prey now thrives in British skies. What went so right? Nicola Chester profiles the red kite

time-read
6 mins  |
March 2024