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.
Enjoy a foray around Mere Sands Wood as you hunt for marvellous mushrooms! We will have a number of walks taking place throughout the day, led by the fabulous North West Fungus Group, which you can book onto.
Mere Sands Wood is one of the most spectacular locations in Lancashire for finding fungi - how many will you spot?
The fungi of Mere Sands Wood
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 report any sightings via our Hedgehog Hotspots map - now in its sixth year, this survey helps us understand how our region's hogs are faring and where they are thriving.
© Jon Hawkins Surrey Hills Photography
Our Artisan Markets are back! Located on our unique Visitor Village floating on Meadow Lake, businesses from around the North West will be showcasing their products all weekend long.
Open to the public from 10am until 4pm, these markets are a great opportunity to enjoy local businesses, treat yourself or a loved one, and experience a wonderful day out at one of the North West's most loved nature reserves.
It's all go in the bird world! With summer migrants leaving our shores in search of warmer winters, winter migrants arriving 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 a wild adventure this autumn! #BigWildWalk is the Wildlife Trusts' annual challenge where we are all encouraged to get outside, enjoy the great outdoors and raise funds for wildlife.
Challenge yourself to explore the nature on your doorstep, or expand your horizons to discover new places - how far you go is completely up to you!
Set your target distance and get walking from 21st October - 3rd November to protect the wildlife you love.
A family walk during Ramadan before prayer and food at The Greenhouse Project - Andy Mather
This Halloween, come along to our woodland school of magic nestled in the mystical woodlands of Mere Sands Wood and Brockholes. Using natural materials, you can design an enchanted cloak, build your very own broomstick from scratch, create magical wild potions and make a wand to conjure your spells! Are you ready to be spellbound?
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
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 and outdoor 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!
The leaves are beginning to fall at this time of year, but what’s hiding just beneath that crispy, crunchy surface and why is leaf litter so important for wildlife?
Before you get to work clearing away those fallen leaves from your garden, learn all about the range of wildlife that benefits from leaf litter - and why it's a good idea to leave those leaves!
Gemma de Gouveia
If you're looking ahead to the rest of the autumn season and making plans for Bonfire Night, look no further than Brockholes Nature Reserve!
We’ve created an event that’s perfect for little ones who love nature but may not enjoy the usual noisy festivities. No fireworks and no loud rides—just plenty of eco-friendly activities in a peaceful, natural setting. Come along for a gentle, memorable Bonfire Night that celebrates nature and community.
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!
