It’s that time of year when, as the wheel turns, the nights darken and we head into deepest winter. But not without first relishing in the glorious golden gifts of autumn.

As we step into October the leaves are turning from green to gold, conkers and pine cones litter the ground and we find ourselves searching for long lost gloves, hats and scarves to ward off the chill wind.

Weekends are made for autumn fun so I thought I would share with you a few different ideas for getting the most out of the treasures of autumn.

Make a beautiful light display
For rainy days at home there are some wonderful projects to try such as recycling jam jars. Remove all labels and use craft glue to stick golden leaves around the outside before placing tea lights inside to make a beautiful light display.

Go for a walk and explore your local trees. Enjoy the gorgeous crunch and rustle underfoot before collecting some ‘special’ leaves and some fat brown conkers and full pinecones to take home as decorations. I enjoy cuttings of ivy and berries too for floral arrangements, and can begin planning my natural Christmas decorations at the same time.

Here in Gloucestershire we are lucky enough to have access to pumpkin growers and farmers markets where we can go the whole hog at Halloween, enjoying hay rides and haunted trails as well as purchasing the all-important pumpkin for lanterns on the 31st.

Back at home, there are plenty of ways to get busy at autumn time. Why not build a hedgehog house ready for little mammals to live in over winter, and set up a feeding station for your garden birds.

Watch wildlife all year round
A bird table with hanging feeders for nuts or fat balls is a great way to watch wildlife in your garden all year round, and gives the children inspiration for drawings and paintings on rainy days.

I love to give my children a new journal at Halloween. After decorating the cover, we put pictures and treasures in the pages, write seasonal poems, record events and remember family members on their birthdays. As Halloween is all about remembering those who went before it seems the right time to begin a fresh start and, like our American cousins, to be grateful for all we have. We can notice the blessings we have in life and begin a season of rituals that we can take into winter.

If you can manage it how about a last visit to the beach to enjoy a barbecue and hot chocolate on the rocks, overlooking the ocean, wrapped up in coats and scarves? What a bracing way to celebrate the turning of the year and build yet more memories for your children to treasure.

This truly is my favourite time of year, and whatever you do I hope you find some unique ways to have fun with your family. Remember, when all else fails there is always the pure bliss of watching a favourite film in your pyjamas!