As the weather grows colder, it’s easy to heed the call of the sofa cushions. But if you do venture out, our local chalk streams are lovely places for a stroll. Even in the wintertime, these habitats are brimming with life and colour. For those places that have a winterbourne, the stream may be only just returning to the landscape after months of hiding below the ground.

Visit in the early morning, and you might be treated to the sight of mist rising gently from the water’s surface. This magical effect occurs because our chalk streams, which are fed by water from an underground aquifer, emerge on the surface at around 11°C all year round. This means that they can actually be warmer than the air on chilly days, and a veil of mist forms as a result.

If the ground is wet or frosty, study it for signs of animals passing through. You might be surprised by what you find, from the cloven-hooved tracks of deer to the star-shaped prints of water voles. The number of toes, length of stride, and pattern of movement are all key - fox tracks, for instance, look similar to those of dogs but tend to be in a straighter line. With some detective work, you'll soon know.

Winter is also the perfect season to spot brown trout and Atlantic salmon engaging in their courtship rituals. If you’re lucky, you could witness males getting into tiffs over potential partners. No fish in sight? Look for patches of paler gravel on the stream bed; these might be freshly made nests, or ‘redds’. These nests are easily disturbed, so if you have a dog, it's best to skip them having a paddle.

Along the water’s edge, you may see clumps of watercress and water crowfoot. While they flower in the springtime, these plants give shelter to small fish during the colder months. Up on the stream banks, the ground may have gained a smattering of snowdrops. Native to mainland Europe, these delicate blooms were introduced in the 16^th century and now thrive along our waterways.

Though past their best for beauty, the dry remains of umbellifers like hogweed and cow parsley are also hugely valuable. The hollow stems make great hibernation spaces for spiders, ladybirds, and lacewings - a massive boost for birds when food is scarce. With the season's scant foliage, these plants also offer shelter for small mammals and amphibians that are braving the cold weather.

Raise your gaze higher still, to find clues to the identity of bankside trees. While leaves and flowers are in short supply, the size of buds, texture of bark, and presence of sap can all aid your quest. For example: alders and weeping willows both love damp ground (alder wood is actually more durable when wet) so are often found near water. But the willow’s catkins are golden, while the alder’s are tinged purple.

While brushing up your tree ID skills, take note of which birds perch in the branches. As the hunt for food takes centre stage, many species become less territorial and gather in larger numbers. Look for not only chalk stream icons like the kingfisher, but also jays, wrens, goldcrests, and woodpeckers. Shy species like the Cetti's warbler are more often heard than seen, so remember to listen carefully.

If you'd like to learn more about our chalk streams, you can explore the Watercress and Winterbournes scheme. These amazing waterways are incredible havens for wildlife, but are facing a range of pressures. Get to know some our rarest habitats - you'll never see them the same way again!