We’ll kick off this week’s blog with a sighting in south Derbyshire of one of our elusive mammals, the otter. Young otters start going in the water by the time they are 10 weeks old and can live up to 10 years old. Nearby at our Willington Gravel Pits Reserve you recorded three species of bird. The kingfisher, whose nests are reminiscent of burrows and are situated near waterways where they fish, was spotted. Also seen were two species who are more likely to be heard than seen. The water rail, which is relative of the coot and moorhen and whose call sounds like squealing pig, and a great spotted woodpecker which makes a drumming noise upon the tree trunks during their breeding season.

Many of us have started decorating our homes for Christmas and with winter well and truly here you may also be thinking about how you can help wildlife get through the colder weather, by making a Christmas wreath for the birds you can do both at the same time. By using accessible materials and bit of time you can give your garden visitors a treat and give yourself the chance to see some of our winter residents up close. More details can be found at the link below.

How to make a Christmas wreath for birds: www.wildlifetrusts.org/actions/how-make-christmas-wreath-birds

We are looking forward to reading about your wildlife sightings across Derbyshire. To submit your own sighting and be featured in a future blog go to www.derbyshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/wildlife/record-sighting.

Thank you to Charlie Pfaff and Mark Cleal for submitting their wildlife sightings.