Watching winter wildlife – a guest blog post from Scottish Wildlife Trust

As the nights draw in, thoughts turn to a warming mug of mulled wine, Christmas food and family gathered round the fire. But if you’re brave enough to venture outside, there is plenty of native wildlife that’s sure to warm the heart.

The red squirrel, contrary to popular belief, doesn’t hibernate. If you live in a part of Scotland with red squirrels, leave some hazelnuts out in a bird feeder and hopefully these beautiful creatures will pay you a visit!

Thanks to the People’s Postcode Lottery, the Scottish Wildlife Trust has been able to fund the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels project. We are trying to protect the native red squirrel from the gruesome squirrel pox and the onward march of their invasive cousin, the grey squirrel.

As well as the red squirrel, there are a range of winter birds to be seen. In most parts of the country you will be able to spot the redwing, the waxwing and the goldfinch. The goldfinch feeds off teasel, a common but beautiful plant with a prickly head and lavender flowers.

The red-breasted robin sitting in a hedgerow is probably the most iconic winter scene there is. We’d love to see your photos of winter wildlife; we’ll publish the best on our website!
Why not take a winter walk and see what wildlife you can see?