"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."

“The foxglove is a magical plant associated with many folklore tales of fairies, and thus it is not a surprise to find a thriving population in Finemere Wood...”

"The scythes swish rhythmically, and the tall grass tumbles. It is hushed as the volunteers are lulled into a meditative state by mindful activity and gentle melodies of bird song."

Chloe Bradford chats to Ralph Giles about what he gained from his time as a BBOWT trainee