Becky, Head of Fundraising says: “I like to act like a dormouse in January and hibernate. Cosy blankets and comfort are key. But it’s also a perfect time to think about my garden for the next year, so inside my blankets you’ll find me picking new seeds and the best plants for growing this year.” 

Chloe, Senior Land Advisor shares: 

“January always reminds me that I have a telescope and it’s a great time to get out and use it to spot over wintering birds at nature reserves across Somerset.” 

  
For Emma, our HR Specialist, it’s books that inspire her: “I recently read Raising Hare with my book club, it’s such a beautiful true story, capturing the remarkable bond between wildlife and the human instinct to protect. It became a favourite in my book club and made for a wonderfully warm winter read.” 

Vicky, Office Manager, dreams of spring in her garden and getting ready for the growing year ahead: “With the shorter days and colder weather it’s tempting to hunker down inside, and whilst I enjoy being warm and cosy, at this time I’m usually dreaming of spring and the burst of new life that it will bring. Having gotten into gardening earlier this year, I’m looking forward to sowing some seeds indoors ready for planting out when the warmer weather arrives. 

I plan to sow leeks, broccoli, tomatoes and hope to build a raised bed using some pallet wood that’s been in my garage for years! 

Filling raised beds can be expensive with shop bought compost, so earlier in the year I made a composter using pallet crates, and I’ve been collecting cardboard and other materials like branch clippings and leaves to use at the bottom and hopefully reduce the amount of (peat free) compost that I’ll need to buy. I’m lucky enough to have the space in my garden to do this, but as a new gardener I started this year by growing vegetables like carrots and potatoes in eco-friendly grow bags which can be done in smaller spaces. It’s so exciting to plant something so tiny that you can barely see it, then watching it grow to a fully established plant, and finally seeing it on your plate.” 

For Becky, Head of Engagement, it’s being distracted by sparrows that gets her through a busy January day at her desk: “I live on a new build estate and there’s an old hedgerow that runs close to the window of the room I work in. At about 3 in the afternoon the sparrows gather for a very noisy chat, and I love taking a moment to stop and watch them. It’s a great reminder to take a break from my screen.” 
 
We’d love to see your cosy winter moments. Share a photo of your wildlife spotting, indoor gardening, or winter reading with us by emailing hello@somersetwildlife.org or tagging us on social media.