Sevenoaks Greensand Commons - Winter Walk Challenge

As temperatures drop and darker evenings set in, all creatures great and small are preparing for the arrival of winter. Having spent the autumn munching on earthworms and building precious fat reserves, hedgehogs entering hibernation. Frogs and toads are retreating from our garden ponds in search of a warm log pile or cosy garden pot, and burrowing bumblebees are snuggling into the soft earth to escape the impending frost.

While some species survive by slowing down, many plants and animals take the colder months in their stride. Prickly holly bushes are donning vivid red berries and the leaves of the yew tree fill the otherwise bare canopy with pops of evergreen colour. Foxes are roaming far and wide, on the hunt for a fitting partner for the upcoming mating season in January. Tiny songbirds are working tirelessly to maintain their body fat, which can diminish by a staggering 10% on a single chilly night!

Winter is a challenging time for wildlife and people alike. Having less access to natural light and finding less opportunities to socialise outside can have detrimental effects on our health and well-being. An estimated 2 million people in the UK suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) every year, which causes low moods, increased sleep, and reduced activity. Spending time outside in natural light can alleviate the symptoms of SAD, reducing feelings of stress, enhancing your physical health, and improving your confidence and self-esteem. Although it may be tempting to hibernate indoors this winter, we can combat the winter blues by putting on our warmest coat and heading out into nature.

The Winter Walk Challenge has been introduced by the Sevenoaks Greensand Commons Project, a collaborative project between Kent Wildlife Trust and Sevenoaks District Council. The project aims to restore the landscape, social and natural heritage of the Greensand Commons of Sevenoaks, Westerham and Seal. Eight sites are being carefully managed to maintain the unique habitats of the Commons, which provide a home to a whole host of lesser-seen plants and animals. A team of skilled volunteers meet twice weekly to care for the land. Tasks include the removal of invasive species, clearing of vegetation around precious veteran trees and thinning patches of overgrown woodland to restore pockets of rare British heathland.

Even in the wintertime, the Commons are alive with birdsong and flushed with vibrant colours. Tracks in the mud reveal the trails of nocturnal mammals gallivanting in the night and hardy fungi species adorn fallen deadwood. Project volunteers continue to carry out essential works during this time, ensuring that routes through the Commons are accessible and safe to explore.

The Winter Walk Challenge will provide you with hints and tips on what to see and when and where to see it. Running from late December to early February, the challenge is designed to give residents of Sevenoaks, Westerham and Seal their daily dose of nature. Learn to identify animal tracks, bird calls and plant species! Observe the wild spaces on your doorstep as they transform over winter into early spring! A map of the Commons, parking and public transport details and more will be provided to help you visit an exciting new location every week.  

Your pack can be collected from Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, Bradbourne Vale Road, Sevenoaks TN13 3DH or downloaded via the link below.  For any questions regarding the challenge, the project or volunteering opportunities, please contact Aimee Howe at aimee.howe@kentwildlife.org.uk