Looking for some outdoor family activities this half term? Why not visit one of our reserves? We have a range of activities on offer below, or pick up a trail guide and explore our reserves for yourself!
West Sussex:
Festival of Fungi RSPB Pulborough Brooks
Running until Tuesday 31 October, 9.30 am – 5 pm daily
Come along and explore the wooded heath in search of fairy-tale fungi like the red and white-spotted fly agaric and delicate amethyst deceiver toadstools. Pick up a fungi trail leaflet and spotters guide from the visitor centre and follow our self-guided trail. No need to book
Fantastic Fungi RSPB Pulborough Brooks
Wednesday 1 November, 10.30 am – 1 pm
Fascinated by fungi? We’ll be joined by expert Martin Allison who will help us to distinguish the yellow brain from the yellow stag’s-horn, and the parasol from the puffball! This guided walk is designed for adults with a general interest in fungi and does not focus on what is edible or poisonous for potential foragers. Booking essential – please call the Visitor Centre on 01798 875851
Cost: £15 per person (£12 for RSPB members)
Stargazing Party! RSPB Pulborough Brooks
Friday 20 October, Drop in between 7 pm & 8.30 pm
Experience our lovely nature reserve by night at our Stargazing party! Located within the South Downs Dark Skies reserve Pulborough Brooks is a great place to admire the star studded skies and spot constellations and planets. We’ll keep you warmed up with hot chocolate and nibbles and have binoculars and telescopes for you to use. If the weather is unsuitable we may need to cancel the event – we’ll call you on the day before the event takes place to confirm.
Cost: £5 per person (Adults & children) / £4 for RSPB members. Booking essential – please call the Visitor Centre on 01798 875851. Payment will be taken on the night.
Autumn leaves and Halloween lanterns RSPB Pagham Harbour
Tuesday 24 October, 10.30am – 12.30pm
Discover the different shapes and colours of autumn leaves and learn what trees they belong to, before using them to create your own Halloween lantern.
Cost: £3 per child / £2 members
Seashore Safari! RSPB Pagham Harbour
Thursday 26 October, 10.30am -12.30pm
Can you find sharks on our shoreline? In a special beach-combing event we’ll discover who lives in our seas and on the beach. In the event of wet weather, an alternative activity will be run at the Visitor Centre. Meet at Church Norton car park PO20 9DT.
Cost: £3 per child / £2 members Booking essential
Kent
Wild Families - Awesome Autumn - RSPB Dungeness
Tuesday 24 & Thursday 26 October, 11am - 2pm
What do animals do in the autumn? Learn about the importance of this season for wildlife and what we can do to help prepare them for the winter months. Get involved in lots of autumnal activities! Create artwork out of fallen leaves and twigs, pinecones and more. Learn how to make your own bird feeders. Using our very own wildlife as inspiration, this session is all about painting and creating!
Cost: Children £8 (20% discount for Wildlife Explorers) Accompanying adults £1.
Greater London/Essex
Pond Dipping RSPB Rainham Marshes
Grab a net, and investigate what creatures you can find living in our ponds! Don't worry you don't need to bring any equipment, we will have everything you need! Cost: £1.50, just turn up and pay on the day. Pond dipping will be our Marshland Discovery Zone, so leave yourself about 15 minutes to get there! We’ll be here whatever the weather! Tuesday 24th October, 10.30 am-12 noon
Wednesday 25th October, 1.30-3 pm
Thursday 26th October, 10.30 am-12 noon
Woodlouse Safari RSPB Rainham Marshes What creatures are hibernating under the soil? We’ll be searching for mini-beasties in the leaves, and then you can create your own mini monster craft to take home. Cost: £1.50, just turn up and pay on the day. The Woodlouse Safari will be based around the visitor centre. We’ll be here whatever the weather! Tuesday 24th October, 1.30-3 pm
Wednesday 25th October, 10.30 am-12 noon
Thursday 26th October, 1.30-3 pm