SO here we are, officially in autumn, the 'season of mists and mellow fruitfulness'.

For some the cooler, sometimes wetter weather is a sign that it is time to make a nest on the sofa, make a warm drink and settle indoors until April. For others life outdoors continues, walks, bird watching, foraging and gardening continue.

Perhaps it's no surprise that the activities of Wayfarers carry on outside, for now at least.

Here are some autumnal wildlife highlights to look out for.

The deer rut underway. In North Somerset the main species to see are roe and fallow. Binoculars and a viewing point at a reasonable distance are recommended.

Goldfinches and linnets are among the most visible seed eating birds that you might spot on teasel bushes.

It is departure and arrival season for some birds. Swallows, swifts, sand and house martins and some of the starlings start their 5000 miles journey to Africa from September. Look out from now until midwinter for murmurations, the giant, shifting clouds of starlings, particularly over the moors.

Avian arrivals include bramblings, redwing and fieldfares which start to arrive in inland areas while the marshes and levels welcome Bewick's and whooper swans, lapwings, dunlin, redshanks and grey plovers amongst others.

If you're after a bird identification guide Birdlife's British Birds, a Pocket Guide is well worth considering.

Upcoming Wayfarers events include a foraging walk with food and another Bushcraft  day for children. www.facebook.com/wayfarersforestschool/events