Connect with nature throughout the year
Every month will have a different theme and we will be promoting resources and activities on this page as well as publicising related projects and events.
Spending quality time with nature can reduce anxiety, balance your mood and help you feel more positive. Take a moment to notice nature in your daily life. You might be surprised by what you see on your daily walk or in your garden.
December’s theme: Festive Fauna and Flora
Spotting plants (flora) and animals (fauna) in winter is fun and festive but days are short so you’ll have to make the most of when you’re awake.
The short days can be hard for wildlife – for many creatures finding enough food to survive takes up almost every hour of daylight. Visit discoverwildlife to find out how you can help wildlife this winter.
And if you're looking for some festive activity inspiration, there are lots of resources on offer, from seasonal nature spotting sheets to fun craft ideas that you can do at home.
Why not become a festive wildlife detective or make a Christmas wreath for birds. Wildlifewatch have some great ideas.
November's theme - Be Kind
Kindness Day UK in November fits well with nature’s calendar and the need for all of us to be kind and help nature thrive during the winter months.
It’s very important to check your bonfires thoroughly before lighting them as hedgehogs (and other wildlife) may be using them for hibernation, or as a place of refuge from the elements. If you'd like to make a home for hedgehogs in your garden, check out the local wildlife trust (BBOWT) guide to building a cosy hog home. Also the food we provide is most important to birds during winter, when natural food sources are few and far between. All of your regular garden visitors will flock in to feast, so make sure you keep your feeders clean and full. Keep an eye out for hibernating ladybirds. They like wedging themselves in windowsills so take care when cleaning. Also, be careful not to disturb any dormant butterflies that could be lurking in a quiet corner of the house.
As the nights draw in, it’s time to dig those thick coats out of the cupboard. November provides us with some amazing wildlife to discover – and there’s plenty to see right on your doorstep!
Crisp autumn days are full of colour as the leaves turn red and gold. Toadstools pop up from the floor like fairy-tale towers and animals fatten up eating brightly-coloured berries.
Discover fun wildlife spotter sheets, guides to help you be kind to birds and hedgehogs and the top five things to look for when you’re out and about.
Take action for wildlife at home
The Berks, Bucks and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT)
BBOWT tells you how to help wildlife in your garden including providing a regular supply of water.
RSPB
The RSPB bird identifier lists 405 species of birds found in the UK, including some rare overseas visitors. You can also Identify a bird with the RSPB bird song identifier
The RSPB gives you ideas for activities and will help you to plan simple tasks ‘perfect for your patch’ whether it is a window box, outdoor space or garden.
Woodland Trust
The Woodland Trust has gathered some ideas to help you and your family enjoy a summer visit to a wood near you. Woodland Trust woods in Cherwell include:
Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre
You can also share your wildlife sightings with staff at the Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre (TVERC) who will add them to their database and make sure your records are used in local-decision making.
Oxfordshire Mammal Group
Find out about a variety of mammals in the County including the hedgehog. In Oxfordshire, hedgehogs (listed as European hedgehog) are widespread but declining and known records can be seen on this County map.
Kirtlington Hedgehog Street
Kirtlington Hedgehog Street is connecting gardens in the village to give hedgehogs enough space to breed and to help keep them off the roads. Why don’t you create a hedgehog street in your local area?
More about hedgehogs
More information about hedgehogs is available from the British Hedgehog Preservation Society
Habitat Heroes
With natural nesting sites in decline, adding a nestbox to your garden can make all the difference to your local birds - see how to build a bird box. Always get an adult to help with tools!
Make your garden hedgehog friendly and watch out for visitors. Why not talk to your neighbours about creating a hedgehog hole in your garden fence or build a hedgehog home? Why not create a hedgehog highway like Kidlington?