Snowdrops

This is one of the only flowers to bloom in the winter. Keep a look out for them in woodland areas.

Height : 7-15cm

Greater Spotted Woodpecker

It is much easier to spot this bird in the winter as there are no leaves to hide it. They make holes to look for food / make nests.

You may hear it before you see it

Frosty Days

Frosty days are a great opportunity to get outside. click on the button to find ideas for frosty activities.

Can you spot an icicle or catch a snowflake?

Purple Crocus

The crocus is a very special flower. It can be found on the highest mountains in the Alps to woodlands in Western China.

The spice saffron comes from this flower.

Frog Spawn

Frogspawn starts to appear at this time of year. Female frogs lay their eggs in shaded areas with lots of plant life around.

DId you know they lay around 1000 eggs!!!!

Long Shadows

How long is your shadow in February? What shapes can you make? Can you find things on your way to school that make long shadows?

How long is a tree's shadow?

Daffodil

One of the symbols of Wales. It isn't really known why the daffodil is now the symbol of Wales, we wear it on St David's Day.

There are many different types of daffodil.

Lambs

At this time of year lambs start appearing in the fields of Wales. Lambs are bouncy and fun loving babies of sheep.

St Fagan's near Cardiff has videos of lambing.

Blooming Nature

Spring has begun! What does Spring look like at your local Nature reserve - Glan-Rhyd Plantation?

Look out for blossoms and new life!

Bluebell

Bluebells appear in late April to May. they appear all over woodland floors. they can be found in the Glan-Rhyd Plantation.

Height : 45cm

Orange Tip Butterfly

This is a common butterfly in Wales. They lay their eggs on specific flowers so that the caterpillars have food. Maybe you could plant garlic mustard to attract them.

Bird Song

There are many different species of bird in our area. From the robin to the Red Kite each one has it's own call. The call can be to warn of danger or to attract a mate.

Yellow Flag Iris

This flower is usually found near waterways. Can you find this plant near the River Tawe?

When exploring near rivers ALWAYS take a grown up!

Bumble Bee

Bees are very important to life on Earth. they are some of the main pollinators of the food we need to survive. Can you make a home for bees in your garden?

Tadpoles and Froglets

Frogs like to stay near water because if their skin dries out they don't survive. Frogs can be hard to spot in the wild. you have to be very quiet and patient to find them.

Red Campion

This is a very common wildflower in Wales. it can be found almost anywhere in nature. Maybe you can spot some on your way to school in a hedgerow?

Wren

A wren is one of the smallest birds in Wales. It weighs the same as a £1 coin. Considering the size, it has a very loud call! It is thought to be the most common bird in the UK.

Longest Day

June is the start of summer. Summer brings with it long hot days and shorter nights. the longest day is also known as the Summer Solstice.

Foxglove

Another name for this tall plant is Digitalis. They have very tall stems that hold lots of flowers. they grow to around 1.5m tall. Don't forget this flower is poisonous! DON'T TOUCH!

Painted Lady

The painted lady is one of the most widely spread butterfly species. It is found on almost every continent! It travels from Africa and Asia to Europe it flies around 9,000 miles.

Bug Hunt

What can you find in your garden? Click on the button to find out more. If you go to Glan-Rhyd Nature reserve, would you find any different species?

Knapweed

This common plant can be found almost anywhere in Wales - from roadsides to grassy woodland. It is a favourite flower of many types of butterfly.

Golden Ringed Dragonfly

This is the UK's longest dragonfly. It is a rare dragonfly and despite its bright yellow colours difficult to spot. You are most likely to see it near a slow river - are there any near you?

Waterfall Hunting

In the Glan-Rhyd Nature Reserve there is a beautiful waterfall. It is part of the Upper Clydach river that leads to the Tawe River. It is accessible by foot.

Devil's Bit Scabious

This plant can be found in the Glan-Rhyd Nature Reserve. It likes to live near riverbanks or damp places. It can grow to 75cm tall. It used to be used to treat itchy skin.

Swallows

Swallows have a forked tail which makes them easier to identify. They arrive in Wales in April, they then migrate to South Africa around September. It's around 6000 miles one way.

Berry food

Autumn has begun, the flowers of summer have gone and the leaves on the trees are falling. This is when berries appear. This is essential food for the wildlife in Wales.

Fennel

Fennel is a type o herb. It prefers drier conditions so you wont find it near water. it is a big plant - it can grow to 2.5m tall. Insects love herbs.

Grey Squirrel

These little critters live in trees, they are very good climbers and jumpers. In September they are looking for enough food to hide to eat during winter.

Leaves Change

Autumn sees a big change for your countryside. the leaves change colour from green to yellows, browns, reds and oranges. It is a great time to get outside and explore!

Teasel

The teasel has a prickly seed head. They are visited by insects when in flower and birds when seeding. They grow almost anywhere and grow to 7ft, that's taller than most people!

Grey Heron

The heron is a solitary bird. It can be found stood in shallow waters waiting patiently for its next meal to swim by. when standing it is around 1m tall. What is it's wingspan?

Chatting Owl's

Autumn evenings when pairs begin courting, ready for nesting as early as February. Found in woodland habitats, but also churchyards, towns and cities with mature trees

Holly Berries

The Holly tree is highly sacred in Celtic mythology and symbolises peace and goodwill. It is associated with the Celtic god of thunder Taranis.

It was planted near dwellings to protect people from lightning strikes.

Robin

Robin's are one of the most easily recognisable in Wales. Their red feathers make them easy to spot. they are small only 13-14 cm from head to foot!

Could you put some food out this month for the birds?

Shortest Day

Better know as the Winter Solstice, the shortest day means that Winter has begun. It is usually on the 21st of December. The sun appears to be lower in the sky

Parts of the world don't have any sunlight at all at this time of year!