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When does winter actually start? Meteorologically - the seasons are based on the Gregorian calendar with the winter season lasting from 1 December to end of February.


Astronomically - winter is defined as the period between the winter solstice (21 December) and the spring equinox (20 March).


‘TIS THE SEASON TO OBSERVE… Astronomers often refer to this time of year as ‘the observing season.’ Dark skies are perfect for stargazing so head to a dark spot away from light pollution preferably before, during and soon after each new Moon when there is little moonlight. The Super new moon falls on 4 December and 2 January 2022 – the perfect time for night sky watching as the Sun and Moon are aligned, the skies are dark and the moon is practically invisible. Stargazing at wembury beach or Beesands car park are favoured local spots. To find out more visit Torbay Astronomical Society & Plymouth Astronmical Society or visit gostargazing.co.uk.


By the light of the moon… The moon is fundamental to Nature


affecting time, tide and light. Full moons traditionally have been named by


different cultures (eg Native Americans) to tie in with the seasons.


FULL MOONS AHEAD 19 December – Cold moon/Oak moon/Moon before Yule - this will be a micro full moon (ie the point in the moon’s orbit when it’s farthest away from earth.) 17 January – Ice /Wolf Moon – named after howling wolves 16 February– Storm/Snow/Hunger Moon – named after the seasonal bad weather and low food stocks.


Moonlit nights are perfect for owl spotting. Tawny owls are the most common owl in the UK and they are at their noisiest in the winter months – often in the middle of the night. The well known ‘twit-twoo’ call is actually a duet combining the female’s ‘keewick’ sound and the male’s hooting ‘towoo’. Well camouflaged in the trees with their tan and dark brown streaked plumage tawny owls are more often heard rather than seen and are recognisable by their wholly brown eyes. (Source: bto.org)


Twit…twoo


Help our local wildlife through the winter


water and provide log piles, nest boxes and leafy shrubs as shelter from the weather.


Feed the birds, make sure there’s always an accessible supply of


Wildlife and Nature events


4 December Beach Clean West Charleton Marsh 2pm. Meet at the bird hide, far end of the marsh. Southhamssociety.org


Wassailing is a traditional event celebrated in orchards and cider-producing areas around the country. Stoke Gabriel has long since held a lively annual festival blessing the apple trees with songs, dancing and cider to encourage a fruitful harvest. It’s a truly community event with much merriment, fun and laughter. (details tbc for January 2022)


28 – 30 January 2022 The Big Garden Bird Watch It’s fun, free and for everyone. Simply count and record the birds you see in your garden, balcony or local park for 1 hour. Check the website to sign up and for more details. Rspb.org.uk


Watch out for the annual star count in February run by the CPRE. cpre.org.uk


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