What better way to reinvigorate the festive season than to wrap up warm and take a walk in the great British countryside in the company of a local wildlife expert? The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has an excellent range of guided walks and wildlife spotting sessions year-round, most of which are free, but they're popular so prior booking is advisable – you'll find the details of all RSBP events here.
But don't go thinking that you'll be stuck out in the country miles from anywhere, as the RSPB's events take place in nature reserves, urban parks and every kind of habitat in between. What's certain is that you'll see some real beauty, work off some of that Christmas pudding, and get to ask an expert any questions you'd like... excellent!
To give you a taster, here's a couple of events that are taking place today and over the next week:
Saturday 29th December: Half-day Walk Around Dell Quay, West Sussex
This family-orientated wildlife walk starts will see Roger Morris revealing the wildfowl and seabirds on the scenic mudflats and harbour shoreline of Dell Quay, which is situated on the Chichester Channel. Expect swans, egrets and more...
Tuesday 1st January 2013: New Year's Day Walk, RSPB Conwy Reserve
From 1:30-3:30pm, friendly and knowledgeable reserve warden Sarah Money will give insight into the birds and animals of the reserve, and the work that the RSPB be doing in 2013 to improve it for people and wildlife alike. See the amazing shape-shifting flocks of starlings at dusk, and ducks fresh over from snowy Siberia!
Friday 4th January: New Year Winter Wildlife Walk, Sandy Reserve, Bedfordshire
Between 2-4pm, you can take a stroll around the magical Sandy nature reserve, watching thrushes and finches, and looking for the tracks of deer, badgers and foxes, before huddling round a warming bonfire with a glass of mulled wine!
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