"This elite group of human power tools is banished to the adjoining meadows to dig several three-foot deep holes. A fence is going up, and they are the muscle behind it."

"It never ceases to amaze me how green shoots begin to emerge from the bare earth as we approach warmer, sunnier months. Nature is remarkable in its resilience."

Ecology trainee, Hayley Beck goes searching for signs of Europe's smallest rodent in the dead of winter

"I was asked recently whether I ever get bored with the work in the woods, and the answer is never, not once in 12 years."

"Lichens catch my eye at this time of the year, when there is little colour in the woods."

"Life still goes on in this hostile environment, and rewards are reaped from braving the elements."

The numbers are in - Colin Williams looks back at the highs and lows for wildlife on BBOWT nature reserves in 2024

Vicky Hall, Ecology Trainee, discovers dusk brings new activity to our nature reserves

"With visions of beasts thundering through the undergrowth, the woodland workers saw themselves thrashing through brambles and blackthorn, lassoes in hand."

"When next in the woods, bring sharp eyes and a pair of binoculars and take note of those smaller creatures fluttering around."