When the chill of the UK winter sets in and the busy survey season begins to wind down, it’s natural to wonder; what do ecologists do in winter? For ecological consultants and conservation workers, the season may look quieter, but it is far from inactive. Instead of long days out in the field, winter becomes a time of preparation, analysis, training and some site work behind the scenes.

What do Ecologists do in winter?

Ecologists are busy during the summer taking advantage of the active season for wildlife to carry out surveys. Many of us find ourselves up late and out of bed early with bat surveys for much of the summer. But during winter there are plenty of tasks we can do to keep us busy, while getting a few well-earned early nights! Here’s a few of the things that ecologists do during the winter months.

Catching Up and Desk-Based Work

By the time December arrives, many ecological consultancy firms will have completed their spring and summer fieldwork. So now it’s time to turn our attention to work that can’t be done outside. Ecological consultants will spend time analysing all the survey data collected earlier in the year. We will be writing up key documents such as Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA), Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) reports and mitigation licenses for protected species. This sort of work is crucial and underpins the advice given to clients and planning authorities.  

Another Important Thing Ecologists Do in Winter is Overseeing works

At the same time conservation workers and consultants acting as Ecological Clerks of Works (ECoWs) may join site teams. They will be overseeing vegetation clearance, roof removals or other onsite works that continue despite the colder weather. These roles help ensure that developments remain compliant with ecological and legal obligations and wildlife is less likely to be disturbed. 

Ecologists ensure that any clearance or groundworks are done with proper mitigation in place and the correct method statements followed.  

Winter Surveys and Ongoing Site Activities

Even though many species hibernate or become less active during the colder months, winter still offers opportunities for valuable ecological work. For instance, tree inspections to check for bat roost features and ground-level habitat surveys. We can also carry out winter bird surveys or badger sett assessments. These things are easier to spot with less foliage around.  Internal inspections of buildings and Preliminary Ecological Appraisals can also still take place.

So, in winter fieldwork doesn’t stop altogether. It simply changes shape and scale, adapted to the season and the conditions on site.

Planning the Next Survey Season

Another key component of winter work in ecology is planning for the year ahead. In the UK survey seasons for many species are restricted by season, time and weather. So, winter offers the chance to schedule upcoming surveys, organise equipment and renew licences. If you are an ecological consultant working on developments or conservation projects, you will recognise how important it is to lock in survey dates early. You can map out when each phase must occur helping to avoid overlap or delays when spring arrives. What ecologists do in winter is review client pipelines, identify potential survey blocks and ensure that their team is ready when spring arrives. 

This preparation helps reduce the risk of missing critical survey windows. It also gives you a smoother start when the field season begins. 

What do ecologists do in winter? Reviewing Business Plans and Goals

The winter is also a good time to review the last 12 months and plan ahead. It is a time to set new goals. Tighten up on policies and procedures. Think about marketing, update systems. And review what was good about the last 12 months and what could have been better and so much more. Having this time is very valuable to businesses and teams to consolidate and prepare for the next 12 months.

Training, Professional Development and a Well-Earned Break

Winter is also the perfect time for ecologists and conservation professionals to invest in themselves. With more office time and fewer long nights, many take the opportunity to take training courses. This will help keep their CV up to date, earn CPD points or refresh their skills in new survey methods or software.  At the same time, many offices in the UK will close for part of the Christmas and New Year period or offer generous holiday time so that staff can recharge after a busy season. This rest is not just welcome, but important for sustaining morale and energy for the year ahead.

So, in short, if you’re asking what do ecologists do in winter, part of the answer is that it’s a season of growth, renewal and readiness rather than inactivity.

What Do Ecologists Do Over Winter and Why it Really Matters

It can be tempting to view winter as a quiet lull in ecological work. But, in reality it is a key season for making sure everything that comes next runs smoothly. The core tasks of reporting, planning and supervision ensure that when field conditions allow again, the consultancy or conservation team can hit the ground running. 

Some surveys work best in winter conditions (for example certain bird surveys, winter roost inspections or habitat assessments when leaf-cover is minimal) and ensuring the correct timing and licensing is all part of professional good practice. Working well in winter can determine whether a project meets its ecological and planning milestones or encounters costly delays. For UK ecological consultants and conservation workers, mastering the winter months sets the tone for the whole year.

FAQs – What Do Ecologists Do in Winter?

Do ecologists just stop work in winter?

Not at all. Although the intensive field survey season is reduced, ecologists and conservation workers continue with many vital tasks including report writing, winter surveys, site supervision, forward planning and training. The idea of hibernation does not apply to us.  

Which surveys can still be done in winter?

The winter season is ideal for tasks such as Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, bat roost surveys in trees, winter bird monitoring, badger sett checks, habitat change detection and supervision of site works where clearance or construction is still active. These tasks often benefit from conditions when vegetation is low, or species signs are easier to observe.  So if you’re wondering what ecologists do over winter, surveying is not off the list!

Why is forward planning important for ecologists in winter?

Because many ecological surveys must be conducted in specific windows or seasons and delays can mean missed opportunities or regulatory issues for clients. By planning ahead in winter, ecological consultancies secure survey slots, ensure licences are renewed, update logistics and avoid bottlenecks when the busy months begin. 

Is there any fieldwork done in winter by ecologists?

Yes, although it looks different from summer fieldwork. While there might be fewer nocturnal bat activity surveys, field tasks in winter can include winter bird counts, site inspections, ground level tree surveys, habitat mapping and ecological clerk of works supervision of ongoing site activities.  

Do ecology consultancies give staff time off in winter?

Many do. After a busy field season, many consultancies schedule time off over the Christmas and New Year period. Or they may offer extra leave so staff can rest, recharge and attend training courses. This helps teams come back refreshed and ready for the next season.