AN evening Halloween walk and the chance to see some owls up close are some of the activities taking place at a nature reserve this month.

Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve, near Houghton-le-Spring, has organised a range of activities for families during the Autumn half term holidays.

On Tuesday, October 28, there will be an afternoon workshop where people can find out how creatures survive the winter and create winter homes for insects.

The following day, Wednesday, October 29, families can make bird feeders and see how birds cope with cold weather and during the evening there will be Halloween activities. There will be games and refreshments and a walk where people can find out what really does go bump in the night.

On Thursday, October 30, there will be a demonstration of some birds of prey, including several owls.

All the workshops take place between 1.30pm and 3.30pm and the Halloween celebrations run from 7pm to 9pm.

Booking is essential and children under eight must be accompanied by an adult.

To reserve a place call 0191-584 3112.