Location: Kings Wood

Date: 12th October 2023

Blog Written by: Gini (Disabled Walk Leader/Founder)

Today's scoot in Kings Wood, was accompanied with a light misting of drizzle. That kind of rain which doesn't actually get you wet. We brought ponchos just in case.

It felt like the beginning of autumn, but most of the leaves were still green. However, subtle signs were there that nature is beginning to prepare for winter. Some Birch leaves were yellowing, and the chestnuts were falling.

So, Support Walker Laura channeled her inner squirrel, and we began a hunt for ripe chestnuts, seeds and nuts for our Nature Table and Seed themed activities at Fort Burgoyne in November. There were many small and unripe chestnuts in their spikey cases, from the Coppiced sweet chestnut trees in the wood. But we managed to nearly fill a donated forage bag (Thanks Hannah!)

We also came across many creatures using the compacted track as their route across, exposing themselves. Black Slugs, Beetles, Caterpillars, Wood Ants and spiders were out and about.

This was our last scoot in Kings Wood for the season. Hopefully, we will return in late springtime. The mud was just beginning to make its presence. Our Wheels slid about on the claggy path. And support Laura came and steered us back on track. (Thanks Laura!). Tis the season of mud, fallen leaves, twigs and seeds... so our Autumn and Winter sessions begin.

We will be at Fort Burgoyne bringing the outdoors inside for our Nature Arts and Craft sessions... (If weather is dry then we can explore the site too). We are there on the 2nd and 4th Thursday morning from November 2023 to March 2024. We will also continue our Warren Adventures on 3rd Thursday mornings.

Keep an eye out for some more wellbeing walks too. We will also continue the Get Out Get Active walks around the Dover District on Wednesday Mornings during Term Times.

Getting outside into nature doesn't stop just because its a little colder and wetter. We offer ponchos, hot water bottles and blankets to keep our participants warm and cosy. And try to avoid the mud. Come and feel the benefits of being outside in nature!

📸 Image Credit: Gini Mitchell