Experience a night-time wildlife adventure

This after-dark event is a special opportunity to encounter wildlife you might not normally see. At night, the woods belong to badgers, bats, foxes, deer and more. Enter their world and discover their secret nocturnal lives!

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As day turns to dusk, you’ll walk through the serene woodlands of Brown Robin Nature Reserve with our knowledgeable Reserve Officer, taking in the sights and sounds of the season. In spring, it’s swathed with bluebells and wild garlic, while autumn brings a peppering of colourful waxcap fungi. Look to the horizon for views of Morecambe Bay glittering in the distance. 

Your destination for the evening is an under-canvas hide, carefully positioned on the edge of the woods to overlook a badger sett – the den where they slumber during the day. Take a seat and settle in for some wildlife-spotting. 

We’ll have binoculars for you to use, as well as night-vision equipment so that you can get a really good look at the badgers foraging, playing and exploring. We’ll also use bat detectors to capture the sounds of bat calls – normally too high-pitched for humans to hear – allowing us to ID the different species swooping overhead. Keep your eyes peeled for deer and foxes roaming through the undergrowth. 

Making our way back through the woods under the cover of darkness, spying more nocturnal wildlife as we go, we’ll head to the Woodland Workshop. Gather around the open fire for a bowl of something warming and delicious – think steaming soup, plus marshmallows toasted over the fire until gooey and perhaps a mug of hot chocolate. 

Expect to spend around 3.5 hours with us, which may vary slightly depending on which wildlife we see and when!  

Families are welcome, though children should be old enough to focus for a longer period of time and understand the need to be quiet in order to see the wildlife emerge.

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Income from our Wildlife Experiences supports our work, so by joining us for an experience, you're helping to protect wildlife in Cumbria.
 
Inclusions
What's Included
🍴 Food - A warming bowl of soup is provided when we arrive back at the woodland workshop, followed by marshmallow toasting over the open fire!
🥤 Drink - Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and cordial are available.
🧰 Equipment - We'll have binoculars, night-vision equipment and bat detectors ready to use at the hide. You can bring your own binoculars if you prefer.
 
What you'll need
🧤 Warm Clothing - You’ll be outside the whole time, so dress appropriately for the season and be prepared for changeable weather. Bring layers, plus a hat and gloves. Sturdy boots are a must for walking through the woodland – please note that the ground may be muddy.
☂️ Waterproofs - Bring a waterproof jacket, even if the weather is fine – it's best to avoid getting caught short! You could also bring waterproof trousers as an extra layer for your legs.
📋 Other - During warmer months, you might also want to bring insect repellent.