Incredible Things to Do This Autumn In The Outdoors

Autumn is here, leaving behind a summer of heatwaves (hopefully, right?). Firstly, it's worth explaining that technically autumn starts twice (stay with me). Meteorologically, it begins on the 1st of September; astrologically, it begins on the autumn equinox, which this year falls on the 23rd of September. Either way, autumn is one of the very best seasons for exploring nature and the outdoors, offering some of the most unique experiences an outdoor lover can have. From seeing stunning animals to viewing the sky and forests at their most beautiful, this guide will help you with ideas for what you and the family could get up to this autumn. So without further ado, let's get into it. 

Visit an otter

Photo by Andy Willis via Unsplash

The lovable water creatures are well worth a safe visit over the autumn. The otter is part of the Mustelidae family, otherwise known as the weasel family. They are often confused with fellow freshwater inhabitants, notorious builders - the beaver. An otter is a carnivore that eats fish, with a long, sleek body, while a beaver is a herbivore with a stocky body who builds dams with underwater entrances. Thank you, David Attenborough, but where can I see them? 

The otter is an absolute conservation success story, having recovered from hunting and habitat destruction. Hockenhull Platts and Ditchford Lakes and Meadows are amongst the locations where you can see otters. 

You can find an extensive list of where to see this beautiful animal on The Wild Trust website. (1)

Visit a seal (and pup) along the British coastline

Who doesn’t want to see a seal? Well, you’re in luck, because what’s cuter than a seal? A seal pup. Autumn is a fantastic time to see seals across British coastlines because autumn is the mating and birthing season. If you’re in luck, you may see a fluffy, white newborn pup resting on the shore.

Photo by Semyon Borisov via Unsplash

Popular destinations to get a peek at the lovable (and loud) creatures include Horsey Gap or Blakeney Point in Norfolk, Donna Nook in Lincolnshire and the Farne Islands area in Northumberland, amongst many.

If you are visiting Horsey Gap, (2) or any other of these beaches, please follow official advice -

• Keep a distance of at least 10 metres between you and the animals
• Don’t come between a pup and mother
• Keep dogs on a close lead
• Don’t chase seals into the water
• Don’t take selfies and keep your distance

Take a look at the Harvest Moon 

A Harvest Moon is the full moon closest to the autumn equinox (it’s not literally a harvest of the moon, don’t worry). (3) Also, the name of an independent Nintendo Switch farming simulator, if anyone cares (no, me either).

This year, the full Harvest Moon in the UK will rise on Sat 26^th September. The moon often appears bright orange because you see it close to the horizon, through the thickness of Earth’s atmosphere. (The universe didn’t spread Wotsits dust over it, I am told.)

The best place to see the Harvest  Moon in the UK is away from the light pollution of major cities, and in dark sky reserves and National Parks such as the South Downs National Park.

Mushroom and Fungi displays 

A niche one here, so we won't linger. September to November is named the 'golden window' for mushroom and fungi growth, for both volume and variety. From puffballs to Amethyst deceivers and fly agaric, there's a surprising amount of visual variety to find. 

However, I wouldn't recommend eating or consuming any of these displays unless you're an Italian plumber fighting massive dinosaurs (or whatever they are). 

Take the kids to a corn maze this Halloween

Photo by Hannah McBride via Unsplash

One of my favourite memories as a kid was being taken to places that had a corn maze, especially around Halloween when there were tons of activities. Many of these events take place on a farm and offer opportunities for the kids to see the farm animals. Test your skills and make sure not to embarrass yourself by getting lost in front of the kids! 

Take a woodland walk 

The woodlands are particularly beautiful in autumn as the leaves darken into red, orange and gold, scattering the paths with a delightful underfoot crunch. Britain is blessed with countless forests and woodlands to take a walk in; whether you choose Epping Forest, Galloway Forest Park, or Tollymore, it's a wonderful opportunity to get you, the kids and the dog outside this autumn. 

Dark Sky Stargazing 

Autumn brings earlier nights, and while many find that slightly demoralising, it also creates an excellent opportunity to take in the beauty of the heavens (when it's not raining). Now don't freak out, you don't have to be like Ptlomey to be to look up and admire the stars. The key is to find low-pollution areas for a good view. My recommendation for a stunning spot to gaze at the stars is the Northumberland National Park, an accredited Gold Tier dark sky area. (4)

Spoilt for choice? Well, how lucky for you. We have a full guide on the best Stargazing spots to help you on your way! 

Starling murmuration

Okay, what on earth is a murmuration? Well, it's the phenomenon where thousands of starlings fly together in a shape-shifting, synchronised aerial dance (it's likely Strictly for birds, without the judges, or the dance floor, or the audience, or the studio, never mind you get it).

Photo by James Wainscoat via Unsplash

It's a truly mesmerising sight; the sheer number of birds blots out the sky, truly remarkable at either dawn or dusk, giving the sky three distinct levels. The displays tend to start around mid-October. RSPB Leighton Moss, RSPB Ham Wall, and the Royal Pier, Aberystwyth are all fantastic options to see this spectacular sight. (5)

What should I wear for autumn adventure?

The autumn weather can be volatile; some days it may be mild, almost summer-like, whereas other days can be chilly, wet and windy. A lot of the time it is all of those things rolled into one. Here's a quick checklist of everything you should pack when you're on your way to autumn fun - 

☐ Waterproof Jacket

☐ Fleeces/Baselayers

☐ Walking Boots/Shoes

☐ Hydration

☐ Rucksacks

☐ For night time adventure: Torches/Headtorches

So, there we have it. Just because the summer is over doesn't mean that the outdoors doesn't offer plenty of opportunities for adventure. In fact, Autumn offers the chance to experience unique moments that you, your family and friends will be able to remember for years to come. It's time you kit up and get yourself outside; ignore the rain and the cooler conditions; it's time to explore. 

References

1. https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/where_to_see_otters

2. https://www.horseygap.co.uk/seals

3. https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/articles/cgq4w78gzwqo

4. https://www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/northumberland-dark-skies-festival/

5. https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/news/starlings-murmurations