Everyone will have lasting memories of the turbulence of 2020 but for many it will be the year that they discovered their natural surroundings. In Maldon we are fortunate that we have a variety of places to walk and explore and if you visit the outdoors enough you will soon find what you are naturally drawn to. Where you feel most uplifted or restored.

Some people discover they like the tranquillity of the ancient woodlands that cover much of Danbury whilst others feel most at home with the huge expanse of skies along the sea wall.

During the warmer months it's easy to wander at a relaxed pace and take it all in, but what happens now that we can't rely on the weather but don't want to give up the daily dose of nature? Good clothing helps, but also the knowledge of what to look for as you move along the trails and paths.

Winter is the perfect time to learn how to identify birds. The bare trees expose them so they are easier to spot and if you choose to feed them in your garden you will quickly start to recognise regular visitors. Wading birds are trickier as they tend to be the same colour palette! However, if you walk the same route regularly just choose one or two birds on each walk and do a simple size guide using your own fist as a template, length of beak, colour of legs. Identifying birds is often a process of elimination so when you start to know what it isn't you will most often discover what it is! Give the birds nicknames to help you remember them. Carrot Nose & Professor Snipe will get you going.

I like to know where I am putting my feet on a muddy path and this can lead to the highlight of your walk. Tracks… It's hard to spot certain animals that we share the district with but just knowing that they are around helps connect us to our environment and in turn want to protect it.

Badger prints in Beeleigh, otter prints at Chigborough and mink at Bradwell are ones that I have spotted in the last week or so. It slows you down but gives you a great excuse to watch where you are putting your feet if the family are striding off without you! The muddier the path the better so this really is one that is best during the winter months.

If we get snow this year keeps your eyes peeled for evidence of birds of prey catching their dinner. Sometimes the wing prints in the snow are perfect and each feather is outlined where the bird has landed with talons forward and wings outstretched. Red Kites are much more common this year.

For those of you who prefer the enclosed comfort of woodlands now is an opportunity to take a closer look at trees. You may have noticed that some deciduous trees hold onto their leaves longer than others. Even when it can be the same species of tree such as an oak or beech tree. The term for this is marcescence and although there are theories on the reason why this happens it is still a bit of a mystery. The reasons why range from protecting the young shoots the following spring to my favourite, which is trees in poor soil locations hold onto the leaves until spring when the dead leaves nutrients are most needed for growth when the fall to the ground. They fall in spring and decompose adding nutrients to the base of the tree just when the tree needs them for growth. There are other theories and its definitely worth an internet search.

The main fungi season is now coming to an end and although it was a bit late in its arrival it was a good one locally. Now the ground foliage is dying back it is possible to see the 'Fairy Rings' a little more clearly. There is something magical about these that never loses its appeal, similar to rainbows. They are always worth stopping and having a look. Mushroom circles form because of tiny threads of hyphe underground growing outwards in a circular pattern. These threads are the main body of the organism and the mushroom are the 'Fruiting body'. They pop up with the purpose of releasing tiny spores. Next time you see one see if you can follow the mushrooms to see if you can complete the circle.

As you walk you may find that you are preparing yourself for winter, we are animals after all! Thoughts of stews, soups, hot drinks (with and without alcohol), different crafts or winter sports mean there is plenty to look forward to during the changing season.