Discover the dark side of RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands this Halloween

Dusk at Burton Mere  -Dan Trotman

There are spooky goings-on at RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands this half term, with lots of Halloween fun for families to enjoy.

For those who are brave enough to watch darkness descend on the wetlands, there’s a special ‘Who’s afraid of the dark?’ event to be held on Halloween, giving families the chance to explore the spooky world of the nature reserve at dusk.

Dan Trotman, Visitor Development Officer for the RSPB Dee Estuary reserve, said: “Our Halloween event is a fantastic opportunity to show families the dark side of Burton Mere Wetlands – we can’t promise there’ll be witches, but those who are afraid of the dark should be warned, as there’s plenty of activity once the sun starts to set.

“Families can join us on a walk into the Discovery Zone and experience an exciting dusk spectacle which happens on the reserve every day; geese noisily flying in to roost on the water, the little egrets flying in to the colony in their hundreds, jackdaws swooping around the trees and bats emerging to feed. During the summer this happens too late for many of us to see, but in autumn it happens before tea-time, so now is a great time to watch.

“While there may only be a few bats still feeding at this colder time of year, the birds themselves create a really creepy atmosphere as darkness falls on Burton Mere –perfect for some spooky Halloween fun! If we’re really lucky, we might hear the tawny owls hooting to each other as they wake up in the woodland.”

Bat cartoon - A Rule -RSPB

Throughout half-term week, there’s plenty more to keep families busy; a self-led pumpkin quiz trail, Halloween craft activities and the chance to discover the creepy creatures that find a home at Burton Mere Wetlands.

The “Who’s afraid of the dark?” event runs from 4 pm-6 pm on Friday 31 October and costs £3 per child (£2 for RSPB Wildlife Explorer members), which includes a drink and snack. Halloween costumes are encouraged. Accompanying adults go free. Places are limited, with booking and payment in advance essential.

The quiz trail and craft activities will be available from Saturday 25 October to Sunday 2 November and are free to take part (normal reserve entry fees apply for non-members).

For more information on the reserve and its activities, please call the reserve on 0151 353 8478, or check out the website www.rspb.org.uk/deeestuary.