Beginner Nature reserve in February - Worth it or ?

KIPAX

KIPAX

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KIPAX Lancashire UK
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Very much a beginner in nature photogrpahy.. But now I have retired :)

Thinking of going to Brockholes nature reserve near preston in a couple of weeks.. Would I find anyhting worth photogrpahing as it's still winter ? I ahve googled and March to May looks better .. Its only half an hr away for me but don't want to waste my time if it's going to be uninhabited :) Looking for anything that moves really
 
Well according to this........looks like some nice sightings, especially the Tree creeper!

Latest Wildlife Sightings - January 2026 | The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire Manchester and North Merseyside

January can feel like a long month, where Christmas is as distant a memory as spring. Some wildlife shows itself best during this time though, as the trees are bare and animals are busy collecting food to keep them going through the cold temperatures and adverse weather. We have had a few early...
www.lancswt.org.uk www.lancswt.org.uk

Photographing the Treecreeper on the other hand has it's challenges........small jerky movements as they 'work' the tree(s)

Whatever you do enjoy your time (at any) reserve.

PS as I don't live up your way, I do find the likes of the local Wildlife Trusts a good resource.
 
Yes it is worth it, The start of breeding season / Nest building , Go for it , wrap up warm.
 
I would say it is worth it, much better than high summer. You could phone them, they will have a much better idea.
 
Even if it turns out to be a recce trip, it's never wasted.
 
From personal experience, Leighton moss and Martin mere are both good options, helpful staff will point you in the right direction (very handy for rare visitors like us) there's always something to see and even a recce visit means less sensory overload when you are looking for "that" particular bird (or whatever)
 
Definately worth it, any time of year really with wildife, although obviously, there is more activity, with birds especially in the breeding seasons, as they are more active, feeding their young. If there are hides at your mentioned reserve, you increase your chances of images, as the birds (and other wildlife) should be used to the hides and the comings and goings of them.

With wildlife though, expect to go out and come back empty handed a lot of the time, it's part of the game. My mindset now is that it's time out with the camera, if I get images, that's a bonus. Above all, enjoy being out in nature. (y)
 
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Never been to brockholes but there’s plenty of places other than that to go , have you thought about joining the RSPB a small monthly payment gives access and free parking to all there sites . U.k wide
The one at Southport is very nice , I would also suggest easing into things a trip to the coast armed with a loaf of bread will get you tons of seagull shots to practice b.i.f shooting .not to everyone taste but it does work , you can also search for winter waders on the coast ..
Local to you as well there’s formby point N T which is/was good for red squirrels , and there’s also Lunt meadows near Crosby good for owls and lots of other stuff .
Further afield ? Not knowing your exact location there’s also the Wirral ,I roam around there several times a week if you ever fancy a meet up ..
And finally have you considered a bird feeder in the garden if placed near a bush or tree the birds will perch there first.
 
The key points are you are retired so you presumably have more time to waste than most! :D If you want to maximise your chances then aim to go in on an early morning, when there’s sunshine. My rule is even if I don’t get any nice photos at least I had some exercise and there’s no crystal ball with nature.
 
Mintchocs said:
The key points are you are retired so you presumably have more time to waste than most! :D If you want to maximise your chances then aim to go in on an early morning, when there’s sunshine. My rule is even if I don’t get any nice photos at least I had some exercise and there’s no crystal ball with nature.
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When there’s sunshine thats a larf ,, weather forecast oop norf for February is rain every day
 
the black fox said:
Never been to brockholes but there’s plenty of places other than that to go , have you thought about joining the RSPB a small monthly payment gives access and free parking to all there sites . U.k wide
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At the moment its a one off to see what its like :)
the black fox said:
Local to you as well there’s formby point N T which is/was good for red squirrels , and there’s also Lunt meadows near Crosby good for owls and lots of other stuff .
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formby crosby are only an hr away.. Like the idea of owls :)
 
Where abouts do you actually reside , might be able to give more in depth ideas . Just the town / area will do
 
the black fox said:
When there’s sunshine thats a larf ,, weather forecast oop norf for February is rain every day
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That's optimistic, sunshine in March. I would think there might be one or two sunny days in May or June, perhaps for safety's sake July. If we get a scorcher.
 
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