Winter 2023
The park is home to all kinds of wildlife from woodland birds to beautiful flowers. It’s a wonderful place to explore in the colder months as much as it is throughout the summer. If you love nature and enjoy crisp winter walks, see how many of the following flowers and wildlife you can spot!
Woodland birds
It’s not uncommon to spy a wealth of woodland birds in the park, including Nuthatches, Robins, a variety of Finches and Tits. If you’re lucky, you may even come across a locally scarce Willow Tit. Head to the bird hide at the rear of the museum for your best chance of sightings.
Goldcrest
We’re lucky to be home to a small population of Goldcrest – the UK’s smallest bird weighing around the same as a 5p coin. Your best chance of seeing these is on the short Red Walk along the top path at the rear of the museum.
Foxes
In around the same area on the Red Walk, you might see foxes lurking around at dusk. They can be quite fast moving, so you have to be eagle-eyed to spot them!
Rabbits and Tawny Owls
If you head towards Quarry Wood and into the depths of the remnant quarry, you could spot an abundance of rabbits and, later into the evening, you’ll possibly hear the screeching of a wild Tawny Owl.
Kingfishers
Moving from the woods to the water, you might see the electric blue flash of a Kingfisher passing over the riverside path and into a branch over the inlet ponds. There are plenty of aquatic creatures in the river as well as around it if you’re careful enough to spot them!
Wetland birds
The River Tees is a vital habitat for wetland birds including our resident swans, ducks and the occasional goosander. You’ll want to wander down by the river or the jetty to spot these feathered friends.
Deer
You may be surprised to learn that we sometimes see wild deer in the park. The best place to see them is on North Field at the far end of the park. We recommend getting there bright and early to increase your chance of sightings.
Squirrels and Jays
This time of year, when the leaves turn brown and fall, is a vital time for squirrels and jays in the park as they cache away nuts for over the winter. You can spot these in woodland areas all around the park.
Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs will be snuggling up for winter and going into hibernation, but keep an eye out for them over the coming weeks! We recommend checking your own garden debris at this time of year before burning or removing it, as you may just find a hedgehog nestled up in there for winter.
New Year Flowers
When we reach the New Year, it’s not unusual to see beautiful snowdrops poking out through the leaf litter. These are shortly followed by crocuses, wild pansies and common dog-violet. If you love flowers, the park has plenty on display throughout the winter months.
If you would like to know more about our lovely park and its inhabitants, speak to our friendly front of house or parks and gardens team on your next visit.
