Autumn has definitely arrived! There’s a chill in the air and the nights are drawing in, but it’s still a fantastic time to get outdoors and explore nature on your doorstep. Alongside the changing season, there are changing colours, sights and sounds to immerse yourself in. The leaves at this time of year are like autumn's flowers, so many different colours. We're also welcoming back our winter migrants such as redwings and fieldfares, and you can keep an eye out for deer tracks in the mud.
Autumn leaves by Rachel Coyle
On top of the amazing wildlife you can discover at Coombes Valley, we’ve got plenty to occupy the kids over the October half term with some ‘spook’tacular events and activities. From Saturday 26th October to Sunday 3rd November, we’ll be running one of our mystical adventure trails for families to solve. Kids can lead the family on a self-guided trail to discover what magical creatures inhabit the woodlands. They could encounter fairies, pixies and some of the more mischievous characters like trolls and goblins! Just turn up and ask inside the visitor centre to get involved.
This year we’re also holding a special Halloween party, and what better place to celebrate than in these magical woodlands. On Thursday 31st October from 2-6pm, you can join us to take part in lots of fun activities; have a go at pumpkin carving, make creepy crafts, test yourself with our spooky wildlife quiz and enjoy toasted marshmallows around the campfire. As daylight fades, we’ll be venturing out for a walk through the reserve. We’ll be keeping our eyes and ears peeled to see what nocturnal wildlife we can discover that lives in the woodlands. It’s likely we’ll hear the distinct call of the tawny owl and perhaps spot one sitting on a favourite perch where it hunts.
Tawny Owl by Lizzie Ingram
We’ve also got our DIY for Nature quiz trail for kids to have a go at. Just pop into the visitor centre to pick up one of our quiz sheets and have a go at finding out where each animal lives. To book onto our Halloween Party or for more information call 01538 384017 or email coombes.valley@rspb.org.uk
All our events are listed on our webpage http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/c/coombeschurnet/