2 November 2019
We’ve had great fun this half term with our Halloween events at both sites. With craft activities, quiz trails and face painting we’ve really got into the spirit. Or should that be spirits?
But the highlights of our Halloween calendar were our Deadly Dusk Walks for which over 30 children joined us at both sites for ghoulish guided walks after dark.
‘Rotten Richard’ kick things off with some spooky stories in our gruesome grottos where we also held our fancy-dress competition featuring entries from werewolves to witches, dragons to zombies!
Rotton Richard
On the walks, our gruesome guests picked their way through huge cobwebs strung across the paths, braved our graveyard of unfortunate souls and kept an eye out for the creepier things lurking in the shadows as we explored the wildlife that emerges after dark. Bat detectors were used to see if we could hear any distinctive clicking of bats feasting on insects above our heads and at Fairburn, we were treated to a tawny owl hooting from the trees as amazed attendees listened on!
The Devilish Discovery Trail at Fairburn Ings
There was also a more important side to these walks, aimed at getting children engaged with wildlife and using all their senses. Torches were used to illuminate the way ahead but at various points along the route, guests were encouraged to turn them off and listen, putting their senses to use in ways they might not normally, and to increase their chances of experiencing some wicked wildlife.
The spooky Count Gavular, who led the walks at both sites, said “Halloween is a great time of year for engaging with younger visitors and harnessing their imagination. These walks were great fun and allowed us to show people around the sites at a time of day they might never have visited before.”
A huge thanks to all those who attended, as well as our fantastic staff and volunteers who made this event possible!
Staff and volunteers at Fairburn Ings getting in the spirit!
For an idea of other events we have coming up in the Aire Valley, visit our Eventbrite page and see how you can get out and about in nature this winter!
Nicole