Best methods for investigating haunted sites during the autumn/winter dark nights?

Right lads, I'm planning a serious investigation of Pendle Hill in Lancashire over the next few months - the dark nights are ideal for proper ghost hunting, but they also mean earlier sunsets and harsher conditions. I want to know what techniques actually work when you've only got a few hours of darkness to work with.

I've done basic stuff before (thermal imaging, EVP recordings with my old Dictaphone) but I'm after advice on:

1) Best times to investigate - is it worth going out at dusk or should we wait until proper darkness? 2) Dealing with equipment failures - batteries die faster in cold. What brands hold up? 3) Audio recording - background noise in winter weather (wind on moors is mental) - how do you filter it in post-production?

Also interested in whether the autumn/winter equinox periods show more activity. I've read conflicting stuff about this online.

Autumn equinox (around Sept 21) and winter solstice (Dec 21) ARE documented hotspots for paranormal activity. Something about the thinning veil. Go full darkness, 10pm onwards. Dusk is rubbish - twilight is confusing for cameras and spirits apparently prefer proper night.

Use Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries - they're expensive (£15 for 4 AAs) but they genuinely perform better in cold. I've used them on investigations in Scotland and they'll last 8+ hours even in freezing conditions. Standard alkaline batteries die at like 5 degrees below zero.

how do you filter it in post-production?

Pendle Hill is absolutely rammed with activity. The witch trials energy is intense there. Pro tip: the really good stuff happens between 2-4am. That's when the veil is genuinely thinnest. Also bring a Faraday cage for your mobile - EMF interference from networks can confuse your readings and corrupt data.

This is all nonsense. There's no scientific evidence that autumn equinox affects paranormal activity because paranormal activity doesn't exist. You'll record wind and your brain will pattern-match it to EVP. Confirmation bias is a hell of a drug. But hey, at least you'll get fresh air on Pendle Hill I suppose.