What to see and do in November
This time of year treats us to some of our favourite nature spectacles - keep an eye out for winter migrant birds, stunning starling murmurations and woodlands continuing to transform through their vibrant autumn colours.
The festive season is also just round the corner, and we're ready to celebrate! Wrap up warm and enjoy a wildlife-friendly Bonfire Night celebration, get your Christmas lists ready, go shopping for gifts at our Artisan Markets, and much more...
Celebrate Bonfire Night with a difference
Join us for a unique and magical wildlife-friendly Bonfire Night celebration at our nature reserves!
Taking place at Brockholes on 1st & 5th November, and Lunt Meadows on 5th November, our Bonfire Night events are specially designed for families with young children, those with sensory sensitivities and anyone who loves nature but may not enjoy the usual noisy festivities. Your ticket includes free parking and access to a range of fun activities throughout the evening. No fireworks and no loud rides; just plenty of eco-friendly activities and a cosy bonfire in peaceful, natural settings.
The Brockholes team
Keep reporting your hedgehog sightings
Have you seen a hedgehog recently? We are continuing to collect sightings for our Hedgehog Hotspots map this month, which will help us build a picture of how these much-loved but vulnerable creatures are faring in our region this year compared to previous years. Please keep an eye out for hedgehogs in your local area and add your sightings to our map by Friday 7th November!
Peter Risley
Get hands-on and make a difference for wildlife
Come and join us for a fun afternoon making a difference at Lunt Meadows. We will be cutting down and removing willow from our wet grasslands to create more space for wetland birds and waders. This is a great opportunity to learn some new skills, ideal for anyone who wants to gain some experience in conservation or would like to give back or try out volunteering but cannot commit to more frequent sessions.
Phil Shelley
Spot the signs of autumn on our guided walk
Join our guided walk leaders for a fascinating tour of Brockholes looking for signs of autumn. This free and informative walk will be taken at a gentle pace, with lots of stopping to look at points of interest and watch the wildlife around the reserve. Booking is essential!
Gregory S Phillipson
Look out for starling murmurations
Around this time of the year, we often tend to see truly amazing starling murmurations at Brockholes, and we are keeping our fingers crossed for the same again this year! The sight of thousands of starlings swirling acrobatically overhead is not easily forgotten, and makes for one of our region's most beautiful wildlife spectacles. Learn more about how and where to see starling murmurations below.
A spectacular starling murmuration at Brockholes
Photograph the changing seasons
Whilst out spotting those autumnal sights, whether on our guided walk above or on your next visit to one of our reserves, why not capture some of the sights you come across? November's theme in our monthly photo competition is 'Seasonal transformations', and we'd love to see your interpretations. Think golden woodlands, the first frosts, or carpets of fallen leaves!
Dave Bennion
Come to our Wildlife Wonders Photography Class
If you're thinking of taking part in our photo competition, or just looking to practise your skills, come along to our Wildlife Wonders Photography Class! Under the guidance of professional photographer Ilse Bogerd, you'll be able to explore the reserve and capture the wild sights Brockholes has to offer. No experience or fancy equipment required—just bring yourself and a mobile phone with a camera! If you do have a DLSR camera or similar equipment, feel free to bring this along too.
Egret by Ilse's Imagery
Get your Christmas lists ready
We're getting into the festive spirit at our nature reserves this month! Come along to Brockholes, Mere Sands Wood and Moss Bank Park where you can head out on a self-led, family-friendly nature trail and post your letter to the North Pole with 'Santa's Post Box'. Once you’ve posted your letter, don't forget to collect your warming hot chocolate and cookie from our Visitor Village. Santa will reply to your letter, too - we've checked!
Get prepping your garden for winter
As we head into the colder months, there are plenty of creatures who could benefit from a helping hand at this time of year. If you're ticking off gardening tasks this month like planting spring bulbs, trimming things back or restocking your bird feeders, take a look at our blog below where we've rounded up easy ways to provide much-needed support for wildlife over the leaner months when food and shelter are harder to come by.
Mark Hamblin/2020VISION
Visit our Artisan Markets
Get a head start on your festive shopping with our wonderful Artisan Markets at Brockholes. Taking place every weekend in the run up to Christmas, our first markets will be held on 29th and 30th November from 10am-4pm. These markets take place on our floating Visitor Village and are a great place to browse unique gifts from independent local businesses, and treat yourself or a loved one!
Artisan Markets at Brockholes, Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 November
WildNet - Jon Hawkins - Surrey Hills Photography
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