With Halloween coming up it seems an appropriate time to look at some wildlife that many people find scary! Bats and spiders don’t deserve their fearsome reputation, and when you meet them close up and learn more about these fascinating animals you’ll see a totally different side to them.

Come along to see some rescued bats and hear about their habitats and behaviour. And the Bat Conservation Trust will be at the Centre for the weekend with bat masks and hats, bat facepainting, bat games (such as pin the nose on the bat!) and a display of interesting bat facts. 

To counter some of the scarier myths and phobias about spiders, experts Ray and Angela Hale from the British Tarantula Society will be at the Centre with a display of exotic spider species. As well as spiders from around the world, such as tarantulas, they’ll also have a selection of spiders found a little closer to home, so this is a great opportunity to learn more about these shy but amazing creatures. For instance, did you know that crab spiders change colour depending on the flower they are sitting on? Learn all about these shy creatures that you rarely get a chance to see. As well as the spider display there will be a spider talk in our Theatre at 12 noon each day so you can hear about some common British species and learn how to identify them. 

Throughout the October half term, we also have a range of family activities on offer, including Wolf Tales puppet shows, storytelling, and the Yuk! interactive show. 

Most of these activities are free with paid admission to the Centre, and there's no need to book.

Half term activities

Saturday 22 - Sunday 30 October

Self-guided trail: Poo, droppings, spraint, scat

10.30 - 11.00 Storytelling: Listen to a story about Anansi the spider and create your own spider. Tower.

11.15 - 12.15 Nature crafts: Examine a real bird pellet and create your own bird pellet complete with fake bones and fur (£1 charge). Pond zone canopy.

12.30 - 13.00 Pond dipping: Nets at the ready to discover the wonderful life that dwells in our ponds. Pond zone.

14.00 - 14.45 Yuk! An interactive show about the horrid habits of wetland wildlife. AV Theatre.

15.30 - 16.00 Pond dipping: As above. Pond zone.

Wolf Tales puppet shows

Wednesday 26, Thursday 27 and Saturday 29 October

12.30pm - 1pm, 3-3.30pm

A fun and spooky interactive puppet show based on the tales of Red Riding Hood and the Three Little Pigs. AV Theatre.

Find out more about our Halloween Half Term

October 6, 2011