It often seems with Autumn that we're so busy wishing summer wasn't over, and feeling down about impending winter, that we forget to appreciate the beauty of this wonderful season. Well this year it's been different! We've had so many beautiful bright and crisp days with glorious blue skies and warm sun, that we've forgotten to feel sad about the end of the summer months. There seems to be endless different colours of leaf lining all the paths; and with strange and interesting fungi of all types, ducks with luminescent colours out on the lagoons, and hundreds of starlings gathering together to form throbbing murmurations over the reedbeds, it is no wonder many say it is their favourite time of year.
So, to enjoy the unseasonable weather, and take in some of this magnificent scenery, we have been out and about - walking, minibeasting, going on bird safari, and hunting for mammals!
Tomorrow we will be heading off on our Autumn Hike at 11 am which will take us through woodland with myriad leaves of different shapes and sizes, as well as a fair way along the River Lea. To join in give us a shout on 01992 708371, or email debs.allbrook@rspb.org.uk. It's £3 for members, £4 for non members, and price includes a hot drink and some snacks back at the reserve. Remember to bring your packed lunch! [Photo credit: Debs Allbrook]
Tina's been helping her art and craft club to create some Autumn wonders using inspiration from nature, and both Wildlife Explorer's Club and Messy Welly club have been doing similar things. We've even had lots of fun with a leaf fight! [Photo credit: Debs Allbrook]
We've been talking about mammals and animals that need to hibernate over winter with our young visitors, and have taken two groups of people out with us small mammal trapping to see what we can find living on the reserve. Lots of Wood mice and a Pygmy shrew! See if you can find Wally in the second picture ;-) [Photo credit: Helen Jones]
And finally, in our finale of events for the October half term, is our annual Autumn Funday! We've got pumpkins to carve, a swamp to dip, a spooky trail to go on (you can even stay after dark if you dare!), messy feeders to make for your own wildlife, gruesome face painting, and batty and spidery crafts. Do pop along and join in between 11 am and 4 pm on Saturday (31st). You must get in touch to reserve a pumpkin otherwise we can't guarantee they'll be any left.. but everything else you can drop in for. Pumpkins will be judged and the best will win a prize. Stay behind afterwards if you've got your torch and we'll be off roaming out in the night from 5 - 7 pm. We hope to see you there! [Photo credit: Debs Allbrook]