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UV Exploration: Discover Hidden Nature After Dark – Winter Special
November 27, 2025 @ 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
£16.00
Join Bex for a winter adventure into nature’s hidden world. When darkness falls, certain fungi, plants, lichens, and creatures reveal secrets invisible to the naked eye—they glow under UV light.
What You’ll Learn
Biofluorescence & Bioluminescence
- What these phenomena are and how they differ
- Why certain organisms have evolved these properties
- Which local species are most likely to fluoresce
Species Identification
- How to identify UV-reactive fungi, plants, and lichens
- Ecological roles of the species we encounter
- Seasonal patterns—why winter is ideal for UV exploration
Practical Skills
- Safe UV torch usage in natural environments
- Where and when to look for fluorescent species
- How to continue exploring with your own torch at home
What to Expect
We’ll begin with organic hot chocolate whilst Bex introduces UV exploration and what we’re hoping to find. Once darkness falls, we’ll head into the woodland, UV torches in hand, to search for nature’s hidden fluorescence.
The woodland terrain includes muddy paths, puddles, and some ditches. In darkness, navigation requires care—especially with younger children. We’ll provide hi-vis armbands and move at a steady, manageable pace.
Before finishing, we’ll gather to share discoveries and enjoy organic wild spice biscuits made including some foraged ingredients.
Realistic Expectations: What we find depends on weather, season, and recent conditions. Some evenings reveal spectacular fluorescent fungi; others show us subtle plant reactions. Either way, you’ll learn what to look for and how to explore UV nature independently.
What’s Included
- Guided UV exploration with Bex
- Hot chocolate to start
- Wild spice biscuits (including foraged ingredients)
- Durable, rechargeable UV torch for each child (yours to keep—built to last for years of exploration)
- Introduction to biofluorescence science
- Species identification guidance
- Hi-vis armbands for safety
Who This Is For
Home education families and anyone with curious children who love nature exploration. This event suits families comfortable walking woodland paths after dark and managing their own children’s safety throughout.
Age Guidance: Children of all ages welcome. Each child must be accompanied by an adult. For younger children we strongly recommend one adult per child due to darkness and uneven terrain. Older children comfortable with woodland walking can share adult supervision—use your judgement based on your children’s abilities.
Practical Details
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Location: North Cumbria woodland near Carlisle. Exact meeting point provided upon booking.
Parking: Free parking available (limited spaces—please park considerately)
Terrain: Fairly flat woodland with muddy paths, puddles, and occasional ditches. Manageable in daylight; requires extra care after dark.
What to Bring
- Wellies or waterproof walking boots (paths will be muddy)
- Warm layers (we’ll be outside for 2+ hours in winter darkness)
- Waterproof jacket
- Head torch or regular torch (in addition to UV torch provided)
- Supervision energy for your children
Weather Policy: Events run in all weather except when unsafe. Rain won’t stop us—dress accordingly.
Dogs: Please leave dogs at home. The nature of UV exploration (darkness, excitement, small groups) isn’t suitable for dogs.
Facilities: No toilets at location or car park. Please plan accordingly.
Safety Information
UV Torch Safety: UV light can damage eyesight if directed at eyes. Please discuss this with your children before the event. For very young children, parents should control the torch throughout.
Optional: UV protective goggles are available for purchase online if you’d prefer extra precaution.
Child Supervision: Parents/guardians are responsible for their own children’s safety throughout the event. Bex will guide the group and share knowledge, but cannot monitor individual children in darkness across woodland terrain.
We provide hi-vis armbands to help you keep track of your group. Please consider the challenge of supervising multiple young children in darkness on uneven ground before booking.
Our Commitment: Child safety is our highest priority. We choose safe routes, move at appropriate pace, and provide clear guidance. The limiting factor is always the adult-to-child supervision ratio you bring.
Your Rechargeable UV Torch
Every child attending receives one durable, rechargeable UV torch with metal body construction—built to last for years of exploration. Use it during the event and keep it afterwards to continue discovering UV-reactive nature at home.
You can explore your garden, local woods, or anywhere you’re curious. The torch is a proper tool for ongoing nature discovery.
Pricing & Booking
Child Ticket (ages 5+): £16 per child (early bird) / £22 standard rate
- Includes durable rechargeable UV torch to keep
- Includes hot chocolate and wild spice biscuits (please inform us of any dietary requirements)
Adults:Supervising adults attend free (no ticket required)
Under 5s:Free, but please book a free ticket so we can plan for numbers (hot chocolate and biscuits provided)
Early Bird Pricing: Book early to secure the £16 rate. Price increases to £22 as event approaches.
Why Winter?
Many biofluorescent species are most visible in winter when competing light is minimal and certain fungi are at their peak. The long darkness also gives us ample exploration time.
This is a seasonal event—we only run it when conditions are optimal for UV discoveries.
Questions?
This is a unique event, different from our usual foraging walks. If you’re unsure whether it suits your family, please get in touch and we’ll help you decide.
Perfect for home education families looking for hands-on science learning combined with outdoor adventure.
Got Questions About This Event?
You can reach me at our contact page