Main content

British plants, animals and landscapes through the four seasons

Plant and animals show differing behaviour during the year, in tune with the seasons and the seasonal weather. Plants and animals also time their lifecycles to coincide with each other. Birds set up territories in the early spring, followed by courtship and the laying of eggs. Chicks are born when there is an abundance of insects and plants to feed them with. The good weather of summer and early autumn bring more ripening food for the animals, which they use to fatten themselves up or store for winter.

In the winter, those that have not migrated or hibernated continue to search out food amongst the snow. Some develop white camouflage to avoid predators, such as the mountain hare and ptarmigan. Throughout the year humans enjoy seasonal leisure activities such as sunbathing, rambling or going on holiday, giving little thought to the growing or harvesting of food.

Release date:

Duration:

3 minutes