With the summer holidays here, the RSPB is challenging families to get outside and go on a wild adventure this summer by taking part in the Wild Challenge.
As the amount of time children and families are spending outside in nature continues to decline, the RSPB launched the Wild Challenge online awards scheme to encourage families to get closer to the natural world. By completing fun wildlife related activities, children are able to learn about nature and earn awards.
Anton Boari, RSPB South West Education, Families and Youth Manager, said, “As a parent of three children, we are always a very active family, but sometimes it can be difficult to think of activities that allow our little ones to get the most out of nature. The RSPB Wild Challenge is perfect, as it makes things easy. These challenges offer a broad range of activities to cater for all ages, skills, and covering a cross section of wildlife.
“My children are really excited about completing the challenges over the summer holidays and are keen to press onto a silver award this summer. The Wild Challenge is a fantastic tool for people that are looking for something fun and exciting to engage the whole family. Families are really starting to get excited about nature across Wiltshire and the amazing thing about it is that nature is not only fun – it’s also free.”
Every family who achieves a bronze, silver or gold award during Wild Challenge Week (30 July to 5 August) will receive a Wild Challenge kit to help them continue on their own outside adventure. The kit includes a selection of wildlife goodies, including a minibeast viewer and a bee attractor pack.
Martyn Foster, RSPB Head of Education, Family and Youth, added, “We’re challenging families across the UK to go on an adventure – get together, get wild and discover the amazing wildlife on their own doorstep.
“Getting outside and discovering nature is important whether your motivation is happy healthy children, memorable family time or to see our towns and countryside richer in nature. The opportunity to connect with nature should be a part of every child’s life and the RSPB’s Wild Challenge is here to help every family go on their own wild adventure.”
To kick off the summer Wild Challenge activities, and for those who really want a wild time, the RSPB Big Wild Sleepout returns this August for its sixth instalment. Night time provides an exciting wild world to explore and children and their families can sleep out in their garden or local green space any time during August. Bats, moths and marvellous mammals are just some of the amazing wildlife campers can keep an eye out for.
The RSPB is also organising Big Wild Sleepout events across the UK for those who want a wilder time in some truly inspiring locations. With special night time activities from food and stories around the camp fire to a night time stroll and star gazing, this is the ultimate summer Sleepout experience. All events are different and a full list is available on the RSPB website.
There are 30 Wild Challenge activities to choose from that will take you from your own back garden to exploring towns, cities, woodlands and even the coast. There is something to do at all times of the year, no matter what the weather. Each activity comes with helpful ideas and resources to help families on their wild adventure. Families can log their achievements on to the RSPB Wild Challenge website and collect bronze, silver and gold awards.
To start your own Wild Challenge adventure go to: www.rspb.org.uk/wildchallenge
To find a Big Wild Sleepout event near you go to: www.rspb.org.uk/sleepout