October is here! Wrap up warm and explore colourful woodlands, get spooky this half term, or go in search of autumnal wildlife sights at our nature reserves and beyond - here are just a few of our recommendations for your calendar this month.
Join us at the Learning Centre at Lunt Meadows for an exciting talk about barn owls, featuring a meet and greet with a captive-bred owl.
Our passionate barn owl expert will teach you all about barn owls, their abilities and behaviour, plus answer any questions you have about these wonderful birds. You will have an opportunity to hold the owl (on a glove) and watch them fly around the classroom.
Molly Toal
Autumn is a crucial time of year for hedgehogs, as they will be on the hunt for food to build up their fat stores ready for winter hibernation. Our gardens can be a real lifeline for this much-loved but threatened species - download your free Help a Hog guide to learn simple ways you can help hedgehogs at home.
Whilst you're giving a helping hand to hedgehogs this month, please also report any sightings via our Hedgehog Hotspots map. Now in its seventh year, this survey helps us understand how our region's hogs are faring and where they are thriving.
© Jon Hawkins Surrey Hills Photography
It's all go in the bird world! With summer migrants heading south in search of warmer winters, winter migrants arriving on our shores taking refuge from colder weather in places like Scandinavia, and passage migrants stopping off in the UK to rest and refuel on larger journeys - there are so many wonderful species to see.
Learn more about which migrant birds you're likely to see at this time of year, and where to see them, below.
Redwing by Jon Hawkins - Surrey Hills Photography
Join us at Brockholes for a fun-filled pumpkin carving event! Pick your pumpkin from our pretend patch on the floating Visitor Village, then get creative at our indoor carving stations whilst you enjoy a delicious cookie and drinks. Get ready to carve out some fun with us — pumpkins, hot drinks, and cosy autumn vibes await!
Laura Cronin
This half term we have a range of wonderful sessions taking place at Lunt Meadows where the whole family can learn and get closer to nature.
Bat Walk, Tuesday 28 October - a fascinating talk about bats followed by a walk out on the reserve using detecting equipment to see if they can be spotted.
Foraged Pudding Club, Thursday 30 October - a kid-friendly session learning how to make recipes using wild ingredients, including a short walk to forage for these ingredients on the reserve.
Owl Pellet Workshop, Friday 31 October - put your detective skills to the test at our hands-on workshop all about owl pellets, where you'll learn how to identify what the owls have been eating.
Let your little ones imaginations run wild at our story time & crafting session at Brockholes Nature Reserve!
Join Laura’s Imagination Station for a magical wildlife-inspired story, then watch the adventure come to life as children create their very own craft to take home.
Come along to Brockholes and discover the beauty of nature through your lens at our Wildlife Wonders Photography Class. Led by wildlife enthusiast and professional photographer Ilse Bogerd, you'll be shown a short presentation before heading out on the reserve with Ilse giving plenty of tips and guidance to help you capture the wildlife that you spot. No experience or specific equipment needed - just bring yourself and a camera or phone!
Egret by Ilse's Imagery
The UK is full of weird and wonderful wildlife - in the spirit of the season, here are some fascinating facts about a few of our spookiest species! Will you be taking inspiration for any of these for your Halloween fancy dress?
Tom Marshall
The leaves are beginning to fall at this time of year, but what’s hiding beneath that crispy, crunchy surface? A whole range of wildlife!
Before you get to work clearing away any fallen leaves from your garden, learn more about the various species that benefit from leaf litter - and why it's a good idea to leave those leaves.
Gemma de Gouveia
October's photo competition theme is forests, foliage and fungi - and what better time of year to get out and photograph these sights as woodlands take on their golden hues and fungi appear from amongst the leaf litter?
As some inspiration for where you could go for your next stroll, here are seven of our favourite autumn walks in our region.
Dave Bennion
Sign up to our Nature Notes newsletter to stay up to date with what's happening at our reserves, including upcoming events, seasonal wildlife to look out for, ways to get involved with our work, and much more!
