As Halloween approaches, creatures are hunkering down and hibernating, but across RSPB nature reserves, in the depths of enchanted forests, mystical marshes, frightening fens, and haunted heathlands there remain many beasts that go bump in the night.
You don’t have to go far to experience the #wildthings. This October half-term we'll be on hand to showcase beasts that creep, crawl, flap and slither, in a range of #wildthing-themed events.
Whether you’re a wild child or a big kid at heart; whether you choose to wear fear-inspiring fancy dress, your weirdest wellies, or just turn up as yourself, let your inner wild thing roam.
We've selected our kookiest and spookiest events across the region for you and your family to enjoy this October half-term.
#WildThings events:
Halloween for Children at RSPB The Lodge, Bedfordshire
An event of spooky activities awaits you!
Come along and carve a pumpkin, bob an apple, bowl a witch and scare us in your ghoulish Halloween outfits. Make a small birch broom to fly home on with birch sticks from the reserve and finish with a spooky story. Will the wicked witch of Sandy be with us again?
When: Sunday 29 October, 2 pm - 3.30 pm, Booking essential, call 01767 693333
Price: Adults free, non-member children £10, RSPB Wildlife Explorers £8 (costs include story-telling, a small birch broom and pumpkin to take home). Car park and entry charges apply to non-RSPB members.
Den building and hibernation challenge at RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire
Come along and work in teams to build an amazing den, suitable for you to hibernate in. Who will win the challenge? Find out all about hedgehogs as they begin their hibernation and finish off making your very own clay and twig hedgehog to take home!
When: Wednesday 25 October, 10.30am - 12pm, Booking essential, call 01992 708384
Price: Members £4, non-members £5 per child.
Trick or Treat Treasure Trail at RSPB Frampton Marsh, Lincolnshire
Come learn the legends of local wildlife! You will take a gentle stroll around the surfaced paths, finding out some spooky stories about our furred and feathered friends. Answer the questions and you can win a tasty treat. But watch out for the Shuck, our local ghost dog!
Suitable for ages 4 and above, sorry no dogs. No need to book. Please allow 1 hour to do the trail.
When: Saturday 21 October to Monday 30 October, 10 am - 3 pm
Price: £2.75 per child (RSPB members 20% off)
Spooktacular Halloween Trail at RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk
Fun for all the family on our self-guided Halloween Trail. Find the hidden pumpkins, discover the secrets of our more spooky wildlife whilst completing 'Wild Challenges' to earn a 'Trick or Treat' prize. Are you brave enough to explore 'Where the wild things are'? This is a drop in event, no need to book, just turn up on the day.
When: Saturday 21 October to Sunday 29 October, 10am - 4pm.
Price: Normal reserve prices apply – RSPB members free, Adults £3.50, children (5-17 years) £1.50. One child per family goes free. Plus £2 per trail sheet
Wild Things Halloween Adventure at RSPB Titchwell Marsh, Norfolk
Escape to the land of the Wild Things this Halloween and have an epic adventure at Titchwell Marsh reserve. Grab a treasure map from the Visitor Centre and find your way through shadowy woods, enchanted reedbeds and spooky trails. Solve all the clues to break the spell that binds your Halloween prize.
When: Monday 23 October to Sunday 29 October, 10 am - 4 pm
Price: £2 per child
#wildthings in autumn at RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk
Discover the wild things that live at Minsmere with our autumn quiz trail, make a wild autumn collage and woodland crafts.
When: Monday 23 October to Friday 27 October, 10am - 4pm
Price: £2 per child plus reserve entry fees
Flatford Autumn Activities at RSPB Flatford Wildlife Garden, Suffolk
We've got some great FREE nature activities planned for half-term! Come and plant a crocus bulb to take home to support the bees in the spring, make a bird feeder, follow a nature trail, play a game of conkers.
When: Monday 23 October to Friday 27 October, 10.30am - 3.45pm
Price: All activities are free but small donations of around £3.00 will help us to continue our vital Giving Nature a Home work. Parking at the National Trust car park costs £4 per day, or is free for National Trust members.