Frogwarts casts a spell over Coombes Valley this Halloween
Harry Otter-themed Halloween trail will run from Saturday 21 to Sunday 29 October.
In the run up to Halloween, RSPB Coombes Valley will play host to a cast of characters lost in its very own forbidden forest, and it needs help to search for these special woodland creatures.
Harry Otter, Ron Weasel, Hermione the Ranger, Vol-dormouse and others have lost their way in the forest, but armed with a set of clues scattered throughout the self-guided trail, visitors can help to reunite this magical gang.
During the October half-term, our visitor centre will be transformed into Frogwarts where visitors begin their mystery adventure. In between the main clues, there will be a series of wildlife-themed, Halloween mini-activities that will actively “connect children to nature”.
Some of these will be under cover including inside our Mongolian yurt, transformed into a Halloween den with craft activities. Children can also collect wild ingredients from our enchanted woodlands to brew their very own magic potion in the mud kitchen.
The trail ends back at Frogwarts, where all that sleuthing will be rewarded with a Halloween chocolate treat. There’s no need to worry if you get a bit stuck, friendly RSPB staff and volunteers will be on site to lend a hand.
The Harry Otter Halloween Trail opens between 9:30 am and 4:30 pm and should take about two hours. However, you can spend as long as you like exploring our beautiful nature reserve so why not bring a picnic and then spend some time at Pooh Sticks bridge or sharing your own woodland tales in our story-telling circle complete with dressing up box? Our canopy walkway through the trees can’t be missed and is suitable for intrepid woodland explorers, big or small. There’s plenty to do for all the family, come rain or shine. Why not join us dressed up as one of your favourite characters?
Murray Brown, RSPB Visitor Experience Officer at Coombes Valley says: “Our Halloween trail was extremely popular last year and with this year’s parody on the Harry Potter series, we’re sure that it’s going to be a roaring success. The Harry Otter Trail this half-term is just one of the many great activities on our play trail that help connect children to the natural world. This is a great opportunity for visiting families to enjoy the magic of Coombes Valley.”
Answer sheets will cost £5 per child (£4 for RSPB members) and car parking is an additional £3 per vehicle but parking is free for RSPB members.
Children must be accompanied by an adult. Sorry, no dogs.
RSPB Coombes Valley is a delightful oak woodland to walk through – especially in spring and early summer when lots of migratory birds come to breed at the reserve. Birds you may see on the steep valley sides include flycatchers, redstarts and wood warblers. There is a wide variety of butterflies to look out for too. In winter, redwings, fieldfares and winter finches are regular visitors. There's a fascinating nature trail here so the reserve is a good place for people of all ages to get closer to nature. Please note that the footpaths are steep in places.
