What a fabulous sight! A lovely winter sunset over the reed beds at Swaddywell nature reserve.
This photograph – which we have selected as our image of the month – was captured by Brian Lawrence in mid January and illustrates beautifully the marvellous gold evening hue.
Each month we select photographs taken by our members. They might not be technically perfect – but they sum up the events of that month. Here are some other images from January.
This winter Teasel was also photographed by Brian at Swaddywell on the same day.

Snowdrops are a sure sign that winter is waning (hopefully) and that spring is just around the corner. Sue Welch captured this image during a work party at Bainton Heath.

It was during another work party – this time at Etton High Meadow – that this unusual photograph of Pixie Cup lichens was taken by Kathryn Parsons.

There has been plenty of bird life on our reserves during the month. Perhaps the most spectacular images are of the murmurations over Etton Maxey. This one was captured by Steve Lonsdale. There have been many others including this video elsewhere on our website

This Goldeneye image was also captured at Etton Maxey by Nathan Stimpson.

And these reed buntings were on show at Swaddywell. This picture was taken by Duncan Kirkwood.

As usual our work parties have been out and about during the month, despite the cold weather. This month we are featuring two photos that show just what a difference a year (or so) makes.

This is a pond at Castor Hanglands now, having been brought back to life after some hard work clearing out debris and unwanted undergrowth.
It is now in good condition and demonstrates that nature needs a little helping hand from time to time.
Langdyke volunteers can and do make that difference.
The image below shows what a sorry state it was in not so long ago before the clearance work was undertaken.

We are always on the lookout for volunteers. Regular work parties take place at Swaddywell and Etton every week.
If you would like to make a difference and give nature a helping hand please get in touch via editor@langydke.org.uk