September is a month of change, where summer gently transforms into autumn. It’s a time when nature begins to prepare for the colder months, offering plenty of wildlife activity, harvests, and opportunities to explore the great outdoors. Whether you’re in the countryside, by the coast, visiting a park, or even in your own garden, there’s so much to discover.

Here’s a guide to what’s happening in nature this month in the UK and Europe, plus some fun activities for kids and families.

Seasonal Wildlife Changes

September is packed with fascinating changes in wildlife as the natural world prepares for autumn. Here’s what you can look out for:

Bird Migration

As summer turns to autumn, birds such as swallows, house martins, and swifts begin their long migration to Africa. This is one of the most spectacular wildlife events of the year, with flocks gathering along coastlines and wetlands, getting ready for their incredible journey.

Family Activity: Head to your local nature reserve or even your own garden to spot these birds. Encourage children to keep a migration journal and count how many birds they see each day. You can learn more about bird migration at the RSPB’s website.

Red Deer Rutting

September also signals the start of the red deer rut, a dramatic event where stags battle for dominance and the chance to mate. If you’re near areas like Richmond Park in London, or any other deer habitat, it’s a must-see event. The stags’ loud bellowing and antler clashes are thrilling to witness.

Family Activity: Plan a weekend trip to watch this natural spectacle, but be sure to bring binoculars and keep a safe distance so as not to disturb the animals. You can check out more on this event through The Wildlife Trusts.

Hedgerow Bounty: Blackberries, Elderberries, and Rosehips

September’s hedgerows are brimming with blackberries, elderberries, and rosehips, which provide essential food for wildlife preparing for winter. These berries are not only great for wildlife but also incredibly nutritious for us, they are rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and K, and fibre.

Ideas for Using These Berries:

  • Blackberry Crumble or Pie: Get kids involved in foraging and making a simple blackberry crumble or pie. Blackberry Jam: The process of making jam can be a great science lesson for children, explaining how fruit turns into a preserve. Freezing for Later: If you have an excess of blackberries, freeze them for use later in winter.
  • Elderberries, found on elder trees, are packed with antioxidants and vitamins, particularly vitamin C. However, it’s essential to note that elderberries should not be eaten raw, as they can cause stomach upset. Always cook elderberries before consuming them. Elderberry Syrup: Elderberries are known for their immune-boosting properties, making them perfect for cold and flu season. Elderberry Cordial: You can make a delicious and healthy elderberry cordial that can be added to water or soda for a refreshing drink. The process is simple and fun, with kids enjoying the part where they mix and taste.
  • Rosehip Syrup: Rosehip syrup was traditionally made during WWII as a source of vitamin C when citrus fruits were scarce. It’s still popular today and can be used as a topping for pancakes or stirred into drinks. The process of making syrup is relatively simple and a good way to teach kids about natural remedies. Rosehip Tea: Dry rosehips can be steeped in boiling water to make a nutritious tea. This is a fun project for children, who can help gather the rosehips and assist in the drying process. It’s a lovely way to get them involved in learning about natural health.

Fun Berry-Themed Activities for Kids:

  • Foraging Walk: Take the kids on a foraging adventure to gather berries (just make sure they’re picking safe ones).
  • Crafting with Berries: Blackberries can be used as a natural dye for fabric or paper.
  • Berry-Themed Cooking: Spend a day in the kitchen making jams, jellies, or even smoothies using the berries you’ve picked. These hands-on activities help kids learn about food, foraging, and the importance of eating seasonally.

For more information about how to safely forage and use these wild foods, check out Woodland Trust’s Guide to Foraging.

Butterflies and Moths

While summer may be fading, you can still spot butterflies like the red admiral and small tortoiseshell feeding on late-flowering plants such as buddleia and ivy. Also, moths such as the silver Y are out and about, especially at dusk. Probably the UK’s most common immigrant moth. Each forewing has a conspicuous unbroken metallic silver Y-marking.

Astronomy and Night Sky Events

September’s clear nights offer brilliant stargazing opportunities.

  • Visible Planets: This month, Saturn shines brightly in the night sky, especially after sunset. Jupiter and Venus are also visible, with Venus appearing just before sunrise.
  • Harvest Moon: The full moon closest to the autumn equinox is known as the Harvest Moon, and it will be visible on September 17 this year, offering extra light to enjoy evening walks.

Activity for Kids: Take your kids outside for some stargazing! Use a basic telescope or even binoculars to spot planets. You can even create star maps and track the changes in the night sky throughout the month. For more on stargazing and celestial events, visit EarthSky.

Outdoor Activities for Children

The cooler September weather is perfect for outdoor activities, whether in your garden or a local park.

Bug Hotels

Create or refresh a bug hotel using old wood, sticks, and leaves. Insects like ladybirds and beetles will appreciate the shelter as temperatures drop. Building a bug hotel is easy and fun, and kids will love watching different creatures come and go. For inspiration, check out The Wildlife Trusts’ guide.

Bird Feeders and Nest Boxes

Get ready for winter by setting up bird feeders with sunflower seeds, peanuts, and fat balls. Now is also a good time to clean out nest boxes to prepare for winter roosting. For DIY bird feeders, kids can use recycled materials such as plastic bottles or pinecones covered in peanut butter and birdseed.

Planting for Spring

September is ideal for planting spring bulbs like daffodils and crocuses. Involve the kids in digging and planting, and they’ll have the joy of watching these plants bloom next year. Visit RHS for more gardening tips.

Top Wildlife to Spot in September

Here are some creatures to look out for this month:

  • Hedgehogs: As they prepare for hibernation, hedgehogs will be foraging actively at night. You may even spot a mother hedgehog with her hoglets!
    Tip for Kids: Build a hedgehog home with a pile of leaves and sticks in a quiet corner of your garden.
  • Dragonflies and Damselflies: September is still a great time to see these colourful creatures hunting around ponds and wetlands. Their vivid colours and darting flights make them fascinating to watch.
  • Bats: With earlier dusks, bats are easier to spot this time of year. You can often find them hunting insects near water, building up energy for winter hibernation. For more on bat watching, visit the Bat Conservation Trust.

How to Enjoy September’s Nature Responsibly

While enjoying nature this month, it’s important to help preserve it for future generations:

  • Leave Wild Spaces Untouched: Avoid picking wildflowers and disturbing natural habitats. Leave berries and seeds for wildlife that depend on them.
  • Minimise Waste: Be sure to clean up after yourself and leave no trace when you’re out enjoying nature.
  • Help Local Wildlife: You can help wildlife thrive as temperatures cool by offering food, water, or shelter in your garden.

September is a truly magical month to experience nature in the UK and Europe. From watching migrating birds to stargazing and foraging, there are endless ways to connect with wildlife. These activities are not only fun for families but also help children understand the changing seasons and the importance of protecting the natural world.

Remember to visit other pages on our site for more seasonal updates and nature-related activities to enjoy with your family!

Download our FREE Audiobook Story for all the family.

We’re delighted to share that, for a limited time only, all four parts of Lost on Infinity absolutely FREE on the Apple App Store  and Google Play. It’s the perfect companion for your summer travels, suitable for listeners of all ages. Download them all now and embark on an unforgettable adventure that celebrates the power of nature and the importance of protecting all living things.