Woods Mill nature reserve is the perfect place for a spooky wildlife walk this autumn.
Located just outside Henfield, this Sussex Wildlife Trust nature reserve boasts woodland, meadows and a lake.
On your self guided walk, you may be lucky enough to spot bats zig-zagging and flapping over the lake. They will be eating lots of insects before hibernating over the winter. Walking around the lake, watch out for dragons! Dragonflies that is; look out for the blood-red Darters perching on fence posts.
Fungi and mushrooms can be found all around the reserve. Many species have creepy names such as Witches’ Butter, Green Elf Cup or Blackening Brittlegill. Make sure you just look and don’t touch.
Follow the path into the dark woods with its shadowy branches. Look on the ground for fallen leaves; you might also find acorns and hazelnuts too. See if they have any teeth marks that show they have been nibbled by a squirrel. Deeper in the woods you can find the Woods Mill stone ruins and the stone knight, guarding Hoe Wood.
Find out more at sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/woodsmill