Winter 2020

We may be in for a chilly winter and who knows what travel restrictions there will be, but we can always rely on the great outdoors and nature to provide sanctuary. If you want to dust off the cobwebs, a hike up Beacon Hill will give you a bird’s eye view of the wonderful natural landscape all around and, talking of birds, make sure you look out for them in your garden OUTDOORS Out&About environment

Beacon Hill, Highclere

I f you can make it to the top of Beacon Hill, it offers spectacular views across West Berkshire and north Hampshire, including Highclere Castle nestled in among the trees. The hill is also an Iron Age fort and

Warning: the climb is very steep with an elevation of around 400ft and in the winter can get very slippery. You need sturdy walking boots and it is not suitable for highchairs or buggies.

when you reach the top you can see why it was such a good vantage point. It is also the burial place of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, who along with Howard Carter, discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun.

Feed the birds...

As the winter temperatures drop it becomes more difficult for our feathered friends to find a natural food supply, and you might notice more of them visiting your garden hoping to pick up some scraps of food. You can help: n put out fresh water for drinking and bathing – on cold mornings check that it hasn’t frozen over and break it up if necessary n provide fatty foods – fat balls are a particular favourite n make sure some parts of your garden are untidy – birds will find shelter in untrimmed hedges and abundantly growing ivy.

Dunnocks, also known as hedge sparrows, are quite elusive birds and, as their alternative name suggests, tend to hide in thick vegetation, but they are nonetheless common garden birds.

What’s not to love about robins? They symbolise winter for many and the common breeding bird is joined during the winter months by European migrants.

You might spot a chaffinch – distinguished by their orange-pink breast, these birds have adapted to urban living and are a common sight in gardens.

The blue tit is a resident breeding bird and will hapilly feed off any seeds and fats you leave out in your garden.

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O&A WINTER 2020