February 2026

Feels like there are real signs of Spring almost being here. After literally months of there being no activity at the pond at Mount Wood (not a bird, not a rodent, not even a grey squirrel…), we now have a mix of both predators and prey…

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/67a1f2_0dc540b3253c4475a63929dbdeca3545/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

These three ducks (two male, one female) arrived mid-February and, based on the hundreds of videos we have captured, are intending to stay. Fingers crossed, we will have plenty of duckings shortly

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/67a1f2_dcb48f7b87104858ab680cfca5b16868/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

Of course, I am not the only one looking forward to seeing duckings. This sparrowhawk visits regularly (and note that the ducks disappear the moment it arrives), and is looking for some easy lunch.

There has been copious badger activity across two different setts on site (with two different families).

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/67a1f2_e36f7cfe07c647028138fbaa9bc1a78b/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

Watch this video to the end as a second badger appears. I love how the badger squeezes herself into the sett. I am pretty certain (from the size of her) that she is pregnant. She has definitely gotten bigger as the month has progressed.  

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/67a1f2_eaa116f13ac84dbe9e3685e6a44d118f/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

Here is some lovely nesting activity. This badger diligently gathered leaves over a long period of time that night, dragging them into the sett to create a cosy burrow

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/67a1f2_81a1321bebe949fdbf11f2f9df0ae289/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

You don’t see badgers in the daytime often. You can hear the roar of the planes from Gatwick flying 150m overhead.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/67a1f2_64436365684443348dbe5ccf91335c3d/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

Here are two badgers having a bit of a bustle together; it’s all just friendly play fighting. A bit of family bonding.

Over a year ago, I set up a log across the stream, mainly because I wanted to catch a video of a Kingfisher. So far, I have been unsuccessful in that goal, but the log is now regularly used as a bridge by other animals.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/67a1f2_e787256eff5f4854817d03f9628a41c7/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

Here is a big male fox making use of the bridge

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/67a1f2_23e8510aef984d6284c83ca0e6d69beb/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

And here is a Rat going the other way.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/67a1f2_24e1170892fc4aa8b2c819345fe2fe74/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

You can see here why the Rat prefers the bridge.  Swimming can be hard work!

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/67a1f2_e1ee68010da04f7c9d89091e1a392d12/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

The camera was activated by the fox, but my question to you is: What is that noise? Fox? Owl?  If anyone recognises it, please let me know.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/67a1f2_b29cc451424c4406b73d504c36522b55/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

Here is a family of deer, starting with the majestic male with his fine antlers, head held high, striding through the wood, it’s clearly HIS wood! After a few seconds, his companion females join him.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/67a1f2_3965bf7be3a64b4496131eb6720c5cc6/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

And here is a young male deer. When he bends down to feed, you can see the stubs of his antlers just beginning to form. Compare his stance to the mature male in the previous video. The former stood tall and proud; this young male is much more timid and unsure.

Finally, here is a photo of my new favourite animal. It is just a Common Toad.

Once you see beyond the warts (which can secrete a vile-tasting substance as a means of scaring off predators), they really are incredibly beautiful.

I am hoping we will see some toad spawn (unlike frog spawn, which comes in clumps, toad spawn comes in long strings), although I have a horrible feeling our invasive crayfish will feast on it before it can hatch. Fingers crossed some will survive.

Hope you enjoyed this February update. See you next month!

Love what you’re reading? Follow Aspect Nature Reserve on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to see more wildlife moments, conservation updates, and ways to get involved.

Follow us on: 

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn