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 an evening packed with children's entertainment, games, activities, marshmallow toasting and our spectacular bonfire lighting, with your dog by your side! No bang, no loud noises, no fireworks! Learn more about Brockholes Bonfire Night below.
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 World Migratory Bird Day on the 10th October and 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
Calling all witches and wizards, goblins and ghouls! This Halloween, come along to our woodland school of magic nestled deep in our bewitching woods. Using natural materials, you can design an enchanted cloak, build your very own broomstick from scratch, create magical wild potions and choose a wand to conjure your spells! Are you ready to be spellbound?
Be inspired by nature! Join A.J.Critch Wildlife for a Wildlife Photography Workshop for everyone. Alex’s wildlife photography workshops aims to inspire, showing that it isn’t all about fancy equipment and complicated settings. Learn the basics and put your new skills to the test.
Darwen Moor - Credit: A.J.Critch Wildlife
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
Forests, foliage and fungi, what better time of year to get out and bout to view these sights as woodlands take on their golden hues and fungi appear from amongst the leaf litter?
Here are seven of our favourite autumn walks in our region.
Dave Bennion
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