![Common beech woodland in autumn, the Wildlife Trusts](/sites/default/files/styles/spotlight_default/public/2018-04/wildlifetrusts_40580708887.jpg?h=59f9d53c&itok=saGDGtMn)
© Mark Hamblin/2020VISION
Where to see wildlife in the autumn
Autumn highlights
For many plants, insects and some mammals, autumn is a time of slowing down, of shutting down. It’s all about changing where and how you live in preparation for the great annual emergency: winter. For many birds it’s about arrivals and departures, some flying south in pursuit of food and warmth, while others arrive from the Arctic for a mellower winter. The red deer decide that this is the moment to get dramatic about breeding, while all around them summer's lush greens become browns and oranges, punctuated with pops of red and purple berries.
![Woodland in autumn with the path covered in fallen red leaves, the Wildlife Trusts](/sites/default/files/styles/spotlight_default/public/2018-04/wildlifetrusts_40329953201.jpg?h=7685ba0d&itok=c3an75fW)
© Zsuzsanna Bird
Autumn woodlands
Experience![Pink footed geese The Wildlife Trusts](/sites/default/files/styles/spotlight_default/public/2018-03/wildlifetrusts_40558390311.jpg?h=2c6daad3&itok=8_zjQBCJ)
David Tipling/2020VISION
Pink footed geese
Experience![Heather](/sites/default/files/styles/spotlight_default/public/2018-03/wildlifetrusts_40580609404.jpg?h=e9b495e0&itok=A5SBOk0G)
©Mark Hamblin/2020VISION
Heather
Experience![Atlantic Salmon](/sites/default/files/styles/spotlight_default/public/2018-01/RJO_10_20111021_617.jpg?h=10f4b8f5&itok=cCkYGVm5)
Atlantic Salmon leaping ©Rob Jordan/2020VISION
Salmon
Experience![Elderberries held in hands over a grassy lawn, The Wildlife Trusts](/sites/default/files/styles/spotlight_default/public/2018-04/wildlifetrusts_40329860200.jpg?h=e07a1f15&itok=vw2ycFqo)
© Alan Price/Gatehouse Studio
Go foraging
Experience![Lapwing flock](/sites/default/files/styles/spotlight_default/public/2018-01/DTi04_01032012_1610.jpg?h=0c246492&itok=k3_KxoG0)
©David Tipling/2020VISION
Bird migration
Experience©David Parkyn
Beavers
Experience![mushroom](/sites/default/files/styles/spotlight_default/public/2018-01/wildlifetrusts_40660838589.jpg?h=0a0ee8f0&itok=uuTEHLcT)
Ross Hoddinott/2020VISION
Fungi
Experience![Red Squirrel (c) Mike Snelle](/sites/default/files/styles/spotlight_default/public/2018-03/Red%20Squirrel%20%28c%29%20Mike%20Snelle.jpg?h=dbfb23f9&itok=8quRnOyX)
Mike Snelle
Red squirrels
Experience![Red deer hinds in mist at sunrise, The Wildlife Trusts](/sites/default/files/styles/spotlight_default/public/2018-04/wildlifetrusts_40677980242.jpg?h=bfa41935&itok=MeY5sTH6)
© Terry Whittaker/2020VISION
Red deer
Experience![Pied wagtail perched on a washing line as snow falls, The Wildlife Trusts](/sites/default/files/styles/spotlight_default/public/2018-04/wildlifetrusts_40332784809.jpg?h=bc82f06b&itok=GpYyAn6R)
© Bob Coyle
Winter wildlife
Experience![Meathop Moss nature reserve, Cumbria Wildlife Trust](/sites/default/files/styles/spotlight_default/public/2017-12/Meathop%20Moss%20Nature%20Reserve%202.jpg?h=0d27ee61&itok=4X0L8O6t)
Meathop Moss nature reserve, Cumbria Wildlife Trust