Winter is coming, revealing the bones of the landscape. Wrapped by ribbons of soft mist or with edges sharp and clean in crystalline air, the trees rest. Norfolk’s trees are a vital part of our landscape and play a vital role in sustaining and protecting wildlife throughout the cold, dark months. Getting outside is an uplifting way to embrace the season and learn more about the natural world we all depend upon.

Chosen as a filming location for BBC’s Springwatch, Pensthorpe’s staggering 700-acre site includes imaginative gardens and a species-rich nature reserve of wetlands and hedgerows, woodland and riverbanks where the chalky River Wensum, flows through. It’s a lot to take in, so pull on some warm wellies and join a stunning winter walk in the company of an expert warden. It’s rather satisfying to prepare for the walk by tucking into a fortifying meal at the Courtyard Café, built on the site of an early medieval church. Then head out and discover diverse native trees like oak and birch, which provide wildlife corridors linking woodland habitats even when their leaves have fallen in autumn. One of winter’s many joys is seeing the wonderful wildlife chasing warmth and food, migrating to Norfolk from countries much icier than ours.

Don’t forget to visit the fabulous shop full of unique gifts for nature lovers and artisanal food and drink to take home for tea. And there’s a bus stop at the entrance, so if you can, go car free.