January. What did the bronte Sisters see when they were walking over the moors?

The cold winter wind had brought with it clouds so sombre, and a rain so penetrating, that further out-door exercise was now out of the question.

Jane Eyre/ Charlotte Bronte

 

January marks the start of the new year, the shortest day has passed and the days are lengthening, will be some time before we see any effect. Cold days with heavy frosts and snow are a feature of the month.

As winter progresses food is scarce for wildlife, any snow on the ground compounds the problem. There are fewer berries such as Holly, Rowan Hawthorn on the branches in the hedgerows. Birds are active after dawn foraging for food and hour before sunset eating in readiness for the long night ahead. This is a good time to feed birds as they will appreciate a meal and you may be rewarded by seeing other species such as Bullfinch as their need for food makes them less timid.

 

Redwing and Fieldfare which migrated from Northern Europe to winter in Britain can be seen. If you are lucky you may also see Waxwings; a winter visitor from Russia and Northern Europe. They are usually spotted where berries such as Rowan are found.

Plants are in their dormant stage, the exception are bulbs such as Snowdrops which have energy stored from the previous growing season, later in the month their new shoots can be seen just poking through the soil. Time-lapse of a snowdrop flowering here...