OCTOBER has given us our first few chilly days. One consequence of this is the low lying land which runs along the district's major river corridors has been shrouded in a deep creepy mist.

Marshes have often had supernatural stories associated with them and when visiting Puxton Marsh last week on a cold morning it was easy to see why.

Once through the entrance gate the reserve lies at the bottom of a steep slope, which marks the boundary of the iver Stour's flood plain.

On this visit, I had to just stop and stare as all I could see of the river valley was filled with a thick white bubbling mass of mist.

It was as if a cloud had tired and lay in the valley for a rest.

It was quite an unnerving feeling walking down the steps into the valley. You felt as if you were slowly sinking into the mist and with each step everything seemed to get colder.

I had to sum up nearly all my courage to continue my descent as I could feel some primeval instinct causing the hairs on the back of my neck to rise.

Once I was fully into the mist things were not so bad, it felt just like walking around on any other misty morning.

Leaving was also quite strange with the mist apparently lifting with each step I took higher.

Some of the animals which inhabit wetlands like Puxton also have various superstitions attached to them.

For example there are serpents like the grass snakes and slow worms which live in the tall marshland vegetation. There are also bats which live in the crevices of the old willow trees, large orb web spiders which spin webs over paths and toads which feast on the wetland gastropods.

If strange mists and a good sprinkling of the horror movies' favourite creatures is not enough, some marshes may even bubble up methane gas This has a thick pungent smell and on rare occasions may burst into flames leading to tales of strange marsh spirits floating across the bogs.

I will always remember my trip to Puxton in the mist for the shiver it sent down my spine.

While every trip to the wilds won't produce such memorable experiences, it is magic moments like this which often help to keep my fascination with the natural world alive.

On the subject of spooky walks, the District Council Ranger Service will be running two events on Halloween.There will be a Slightly Spooky Walk at Habberley Valley and a Spooky Woodland Walk at Hurcott Pool.

For further information and to book a place call 01562 732928 during office hours.