Go Wild in the Dark!

ON the evening of Saturday, October 24, the beech woods of Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve, near Stokenchurch will become a magical lantern-lit wonderland as hundreds of candles and fairy lights will light the route for a family lantern walk and activity evening, organised by the Chilterns Conservation Board and Natural England.

Along the route, you will find out about the wildlife of the reserve, including bats and owls. If the sky is clear, you can have a go at star gazing, and you’ll have a chance to listen to a story about creatures of the night. Round the evening off with a hot drink supplied by the Chiltern Gateway Project.

The self-led walk costs £3 for adults and £2 for children and will last about an hour. Participants should wear warm clothing, stout footwear and bring a torch or lantern.

Spaces are limited so booking is essential on 01844 355 506 or crose@chilternsaonb.org . Book early to avoid disappointment. Arrive between 6.30 and 7.00pm and park at the Natural England car park, which is sign-posted from the A40 near Stokenchurch. The nearest postcode for satnav is HP14 3YL.

“This popular event has been running for nine years and is a firm favourite in the autumn calendar,” said Cathy Rose from the Chilterns Conservation Board. “While aimed at families, you don’t need to have children to join in the fun. An atmospheric walk in the dark can be enjoyed by everyone!”

Along the walk you can enjoy the Aston Rowant Talking Trail, made up of six unique sculptures with built in audio players, each with six channels revealing the wildlife and human history of the reserve, through stories, songs and narration. The installations were all designed, recorded and built by local schools and community groups, working with professional artists.