Whether you want some fun days out with the kids or just need a breather from modern life, autumn is a great time to get out and about. Here's what's on in half term in the world of nature, and how you can make the most of it.
Grow a tree
Holly is a great choice for a small garden. It provides berries and shelter for wildlife and can be grown in a pot. Photo: Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)
You might be putting your garden to bed, but autumn is actually a great time to plant a tree. Choose the best tree for you, Alder is fast growing, if you want a tree quick, while rowan is hardy. For patio gardens, holly will survive in a pot.
Pick up seeds on your commute, out on a walk or in your garden. Species native to the UK are the best choice as they will support a wealth of wildlife. Check they’re fertile by dropping them in a glass of water – good seeds will sink, so discard any that float (unless, like alder, they’ve evolved to do so!)
Plant them in small pots outside and see what comes up. As long as they have drainage, sun and water, they should take care of themselves. You can plant the young trees out next winter.
Have a spooky day out
Go on a twilight trail at RSPB Ynys-hir. Photo: Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)
There are a whole host of fantastic Halloween events going on across our reserves. Join RSPB Newport Wetlands for creepy crafts, head to RSPB Ham Wall for a pumpkin trail or enjoy after dark games and spooky stories at RSPB Saltholme. There's loads going on across the country, find an event near you.
Go foraging
Sweet chestnuts have spinier cases than conkers. Photo: Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)
Gather sweet chestnuts and roast them. You can find sweet chestnut trees in woodlands or a park. The heart-shaped chestnuts differ from horse chestnuts (conkers) by having much pricklier cases. Be aware you can’t eat conkers, so don't get them mixed up. Cut a cross-shape in the shell top to stop them exploding and roast in the oven for 30mins, or over an open fire or barbecue. Peel and eat, or add to cakes, stews, soups or stuffing.
Go goose watching
Pink-footed geese arrive in the UK from Iceland and Greenland. Photo: Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)
Winter is coming, and with it the arrival of thousands of migrating geese. Enjoy the spectacle of huge flocks of pink-footed geese taking to the air at dawn, for early risers, or arriving again to roost at night. You can see pink-footed geese at reserves such as Black Devon Wetlands, Dee Estuary – Burton Mere Wetlands, Berney Marses and Breydon Water, and Marshside. Join RSPB Snettisham for a Wild Goose Chase or take a sunset goose walk at RSPB Loch Lomond. Search our events to find more near you.
Follow the tracks
Head out after rain to see if you can spot tracks, such as these badger tracks. Photo: iStock
In winter, wildlife has to look further afield for food, leaving trails that are easier to spot amongst the sparse vegetation. Look for worn trails through fields, owl pellets under fenceposts and the remains of meals. Check mud on paths and in gateways for footprints. Use our tracks ID guide to help you.
What will you be up to this autumn? Let us know in the comments below.