"Just because it's autumn, there's no need to hang up the walking boots and binoculars. It's actually a great time to see a wide variety of wildlife, including some winter migrant birds. Fieldfares and redwing will be with us throughout the winter, taking advantage of the abundance of berries and the mild weather. On estuaries, hundreds of thousands of waders and wildfowl gather to feed, some moving south again to avoid the harsh arctic winters. Mushrooms and toadstools are at their best in the autumn, but be careful if you're thinking of eating a few as some are very poisonous. Amazingly, bats will appear on mild days to feed on insects, many of whom gather around the flowers of ivy, a very important winter plant which provides food and shelter for a myriad of wildlife. If you do venture out, remember to take waterproof clothing and a warm fleece in a small rucksack as the weather can change quickly, especially on high ground. I used to take a chocolate bar or two as emergency food but they were usually eaten before I'd left the car!"

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