The Changing Seasons

Most plants change with the seasons. When there is plenty of sun and rain they grow rapidly by putting out new shoots and leaves. As the weather turns cold or dry, plants often look as if they have stopped growing altogether. Wildlife know when winter is approaching. Their behaviour occurs in response to the reduction in the amount of sunlight during the day. In the UK, the length of the day decreases in summer and autumn every year as a result of the Earths' movement around the sun. Animals respond to this; for example heathland birds such as the tree pipit and nightjar will migrate to spend the winter in Africa. Plants also respond to the shorter days. Leaf shedding in deciduous trees is a means of conserving water duri ng the winter months.

What To Look For Throughout The Changing Seasons

Sunny mornings in spring and early summer are an excellent time to look for basking snakes and lizards: the adder is a snake commonly found on several of the Coversands heathlands, as is the common lizard. Look for a sheltered, south-facing slope on warm early spring days. Heathland birds include whitethroat, tree pipit, stonechat and woodlark; all may be seen perched on top of heather or gorse, and sing during spring and early summer. Summer evenings are a good time to watch hobbies catching dragonflies; or listen out for the churring of the nightjar. In boggy areas, search for sundew - a carnivorous plant which increases its nutrient uptake by catching insects. Autumn & winter can be quiet on heathland, but some birds may be more visible due to the lack of cover. Look out for the great grey shrike which is a rare visitor from Scandinavia, and the colourful green woodpecker.

Heathland Weather Watch

What is the weather like today? Is it cold or warm, is it raining or is it sunny? What do the clouds look like, is it early or late in the day, what colours can you see in the sky? Is the wind strong? Which way is the wind coming from? Look for clues to help you find out. What can you see that will help you? What season is it? Do you think this affects what plants you will find? Look at the site, are there plants on the ground or is it bare? Are there many birds or other animals around? What are they? What is the temperature? You will have to use a thermometer to tell you how warm or cold it is. If you hold it in the air for several minutes and then read the number at the top of the line this will tell you what temperature it is.