Spooky Wildlife to Spot on Noson Calan Gaeaf

On October 31^st throughout Wales there has long been a tradition of rituals and customs for Noson Calan Gaeaf – the thinning of the veil between our world and the Annwn (the underworld). It was believed that on these long dark nights, departed souls and ghostly beasts could wander on our mortal plane… but that’s not the only spooky sighting you might find in Wales this Autumn!

Our temperate Celtic Rainforests in Wales are home to all kinds of wonderfully wicked finds, due to the lush conditions creating the perfect habitat for scarily scarce and wildlife. Why not go out and visit a rainforest this Calan Gaeaf season to find these spooky species below…

Lesser Horseshoe Bat Learn more here

One of the stars of the show for Halloween and Noson Calan Gaeaf alike! If you look up between the trees at dusk, you might see one of our tiniest UK bats – the Lesser Horseshoe Bat! Silently flitting around the rainforest in search of insects to eat using it’s specially adapted nose called a noseleaf, the Lesser Horseshoe Bat hangs with its wings wrapped around its body just like Dracula himself!

Photo by Dafydd Roberts

Candlesnuff Fungus Learn more here

Have tiny woodland spirits been leaving their candles on? If you get close to the forest floor, you might just spot a Candlesnuff Fungus. Looking like a ghostly snuffed out candle, this fungi relies on dead and rotting wood to survive.

Eurasian Jay Learn more here

If you heard a blood-curdling scream whilst out in one of our Oakwoods, you might have just heard a Sgrech y Coed, which translates to Screech of the Woods! The Jay might sound like a vengeful spirit, but is a sign of a healthy Oak population, due to its taste for delicious acorns.

Tree Lungwort Learn more here

Looking like the gruesome tissue inside found inside human lungs, this organ-mimicking lichen is one of the rarest plants you’ll find in a rainforest. Formed from a Frankenstein combination of fungus and algae, the Tree Lungwort requires a damp environment to survive, and you’ll find it clinging onto the branches of our ancient trees.

Rowan Learn more here

During these long dark evenings you’ll want to make sure your home and livestock are protected from any wandering witches passing through the night! In Wales there has long been a tradition of planting Rowan in churchyards, a tree you might just stumble upon in one of our Celtic Rainforests, to ward off unruly spirits and witches. It’s bright red berries ripening during this ghoulish season just in time to protect your home from evil.

If you’re brave enough to explore our Welsh temperate Celtic Rainforests this autumn, find locations of your nearest woodlands here… if you dare! Forest Locations | Celtic Rainforests Wales