The New Year weather has been awful, is there anything worth looking out for in the countryside

A.� Most definitely. Just because the rain, gales and cold weather seem inhospitable to us, don't be fooled: nature makes the most of winter weather. Even the most leafless of trees can provide a�bit of drama.

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Q.��So storms can actually benefit wildlife

A.� The floodwater sweeps up decomposing vegetation as it flows downstream. This debris often becomes entangled in the roots of riverbank trees, forming a perfect, much needed feeding ground, as well as shelter, for birds like wrens.

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Q.� Are there any other birds to look out for at the moment

A.� It's more a question of listening out for them, as the warbling courtship songs of hedge sparrows, or dunnocks, can now be heard.

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The long wet periods or covering of snow force owls to do their hunting at dawn or dusk, or even full daylight, rather than the night time, and so this is a good time to look out for these birds of prey.

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Q.� Anything else

A.� Why not take a close look�at those trees - particularly�dead ash trees - for King Alfred's Cakes or cramp balls (Daldinia concentrica, a shiny black fungus). This fungus has a very dramatic way of spreading its spores. Rather than merely drop them, and hope for a passing gust of wind, this fungus fires them into the air.��

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Q.� But what about insects

A.� If you're prepared to get on your knees in the snow with a magnifying glass, then snow fleas, Boreus hyemalis, are well worth the effort. These flightless insects, which are related to the scorpion fly, normally live in mosses, but once a blanket of snow has fallen, like to jump around.

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They have stumpy remnants of wings and a downward pointing snout.

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Q.� Are most animals hibernating

A.� No, although you may not see many animals, they're still out and about, even in January. One tell tale sign that rabbits and hares have been in the area is the exposed sapwood of young saplings. This sapwood, which is found just beneath the bark, is one of the best forms of high energy food around at this time of year.

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Have you got a question about winter wildlife Click here to quiz The AnswerBank.

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by Lisa Cardy