THIS half-term, Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) has lots of spooky wildlife events to help children get up close with some of the most interesting wildlife found in Dorset this time of year.

From 5pm to 8pm on Friday, October 31 at the Kingcombe Centre, get crafty and join our pumpkin carving competition, or have a go at making a spider web mobile at the ‘Things That Go Bump in the Night’ event.

Explore Kingcombe’s nocturnal wildlife with our bat detector and moth traps. The Café will also be serving up wild boar burgers, vegetarian alternatives and brewing up some non-alcoholic potions.

From 7pm children (and adults!) can gather in our storytelling corner to hear some spinetingling tales from a local storyteller.

Fancy dress is optional and prizes will be given for the scariest, but wrap up warm! £5 per child, food at additional cost.

At the Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre, the half-term ‘Bird Bonanza’ will run from this Saturday, October 25 to Sunday, November 2 from 10am to 4pm.

Find out about garden birds, the best things to feed them and how to get your garden ready for the winter.

There will be fun activities for the kids, such as making fat balls and bird feeders. 50p per item.

Communications officer Sally Welbourn said: “The seasons changing from summer to autumn is a great time to start learning about winter wildlife such as migrating birds, and how we can help to look after them through the colder months.

“DWT’s half-term events are the perfect excuse to get some fresh air and explore the wildlife on your doorstep.”

Lorton Meadows conservation centre will be running their ‘Spooky Bats’ event from 10.30am to 12.30pm on Thursday October 30. Families are invited to discover the secret life of spooky bats and other Halloween creatures and make some bouncing bats to take home! Booking is essential, £2 per child, no unaccompanied children.

If you’d like to get your feet wet, come along to the ‘Exploration Seashore’ event on Tuesday with DWT marine wardens and Bournemouth Borough Council Rangers. Collect a survey pack and head out onto the seashore along Hengistbury Head to see What Lives Beneath The Sea.

Free family activity. Meet at 2pm at the Hengisbury Head Nature Reserve visitors Centre, BH6 4EW. Phone 01202 420909 for more information.

For a full listing of all the DWT events, visit dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/events