There's no doubt woods can be spooky places at night.
But accompanied by a troop of fearless young ghostbusters, Courtown Woodland Alliance launched its first community conservation event this weekend with a Spooktacular Halloween Hike through Courtown Woods.
Led by Good Witch Lorraindo and armed with torches and broomsticks, we braved the dark and gnarly forest trails to uncover Courtown’s historical horrors and spine-chilling legends.
Dozens of brave kids in full costume battled their way through cobwebs under the thinning autumn canopy, and dodged the terrifying assortment of Ghouls, Vampires, Banshees and even a bloodthirsty Zombie Pirate who lay in wait for them.
And despite biblical downpours on the night and much playful shrieking and screaming, scary fun was had by all.
“ Cracking twigs, real swooping bats, creeping tendrils of mist, bramble catching at your ankles, cackling witches and hair-raising tales of ghostly terror - the Walk was a thrilling, fresh-air opportunity for local families to re-acquaint themselves with the rare beauty of our woodland and help our kids appreciate the healthy delight of a woodland walk in any season.” Deirdre Robinson CWA Volunteer
Moonlighting Woodland Sprite Linda Sinnott (Courtown Community Council) welcomed the new Alliance and praised its particular focus on community engagement and education as part of its conservation mission:
"Over the past year it’s become clear just how much we all need fresh air, open space and beauty - especially our kids - it’s therefore all the more vital that we look after our special places for everyone’s benefit now and in the future. Our connection to nature can start early and be fun.”
A massive thanks goes out to the magical Lorraine at Gallivanting Tours, the fantastic staff and interns at Seal Rescue Ireland, the ever supportive Courtown Community Council and all the enthusiastic CWA volunteers who put so much effort and ingenuity into ensuring a spooktacular time was had by all.
Have you other ideas in mind for activities you and your family would enjoy in the woods? Get in touch and tell us about them.