2021 has been a busy year. Check out our top social media posts this year with highlights from Henry our Junior Wildlife Ambassador, wildlife sightings, ID guides and updates from across the Trust’s three counties.

Our Junior Wildlife Ambassador

We kicked the year off last year by introducing our new, and first, Junior Wildlife Ambassador. Since then Henry has produced lots of great content, promoting our nature challenges 30 Days Wild and the Big Wild Walk. Check out his YouTube channel Naturetastic with Henry for more - youtube.com/c/NaturetasticWH

Farming for the Future on BBC Countryfile 

Catch-up on our appearance on BBC Countryfile earlier this year, as Tom Heap meets Helena Darragh to talk about our important work creating meadows and restoring wetland habitats - wildlifebcn.org/farming-future

Sticky Buds

Trees might look lifeless as most have now lost their leaves, but in a few months they will be in a rush of activity pushing out new buds. In February we shared this brilliant blog that looked into the different types and how to identify the tree from the bud. microcosmic.info/2016/03/go-buddy-go-go-go.html

Bee spotter guide

Did you search for bees in March? Take a look at this great spotters guide and ‘bee’ ready to identify all the different bees near you in March 2022!

White-tailed Eagle

We were hugely excited to hear of sightings of a majestic White-tailed Eagle at Grafham Water nature reserve, near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire.

Beetle Bucket

Not just a job for the spring, beetle buckets or banks are perfect for beetles and other insects to burrow in to survive the winter. Beetles will go into a period of diapause, a state similar to hibernation, and these buckets are the perfect place for them to hide - wildlifebcn.org/wild-about-gardens

Insect-friendly Garden

Start planning your New Year garden with our handy guide on what to plant to ensure your garden is a safe haven for insects all year round.

Bluebells

Bluebells are a joy to see each year, and we are lucky enough to have nature reserves that are transformed by a carpet of these beautiful flowers. We are looking forward to seeing your photos in 2022, just remember to keep to the paths to avoid damaging the plants- wildlifebcn.org/bluebells

Oyster Catcher Rescue

We are always amazed by wildlife and the wonderful shots that are shared with us. But this one caught us all by surprise. Share your photos with us by sharing on social media and tagging @wildlifebcn

Summer of Wildlife

Summer may be a distant memory for some, as nights have certainly drawn in and the temperature has dropped. But just a few months ago we were busy in the summer sun putting on some fantastic events for all ages. Looking forward to more great events in the New Year - wildlifebcn.org/events

Bog Day

We were thrilled by the response to our call to end the destruction of amazing bogs, fens, swamps and marshes on Bog Day this year. There’s still time to sign the petition, and head to our website to find lots of great advice on how to garden for wildlife - e-activist.com/page/79378/petition/1

The year of the Purple Emperor!

We saw so many of these beautiful butterflies this year, and loved seeing all of your fabulous images. You can share your wildlife photos with us by posting on social media and tagging @wildlifebcn

Odd Bird Behaviour

Staff were left marvelling at this photo of a bullfinch feeding a juvenile goldfinch at Summer Leys nature reserve, Northamptonshire. Have you spotted any strange wildlife behaviour this year? Share your photos and videos with us on social media and by tagging @wildlifebcn.

Caterpillar or Alien

This Elephant Hawkmoth Caterpillar may look like something out of this world, but after hibernating in winter it will emerge as the most beautiful butterfly. Find out more about these mighty moths by visiting our website - wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/invertebrates/moths/elephant-hawk-moth

Know your Slugs

They might not be your favourite species, but it seems people love to ID these slimy molluscs. How well do you know your slugs? Check out our easy ID guide and fun facts below!

Remember, remember, hedgehogs this 5^th November

It’s important every year to think ‘hog’ when you are tidying your garden in autumn, and if you are thinking of burning any garden waste. Check out our simple steps to ensure no hedgehogs are harmed when you celebrate Fireworks Night.

Meet Tilly, Tia, Tallulah and Tatiana

These lovely Highland cows proved very popular on social media, and it’s obvious why. But there’s more to them than just looking nice in a field. Livestock can be a hugely effective way to manage nature reserves. Find out more about how these Highland cows can help, and donate to our appeal to help us purchase them - wildlifebcn.org/appeals/highland-cow-appeal

Count down to Christmas

We are counting down the days to Christmas with an advent calendar filled with highlights from across the Trust from the past year. It’s probably what’s brought you to this page, but if not find out more and join in our festive countdown! - wildlifebcn.org/advent-calendar