The RSPB has launched its summer Wild Challenges, designed to get families closer to nature, discover ways to help it and earn awards at the same time.
“Wild Challenge is a fantastic way for families to do a whole range of activities to experience and help nature together,” explained Rosalind Allen, RSPB Education and Families Development Officer. “It’s really flexible and you can do many of the activities in your local area or your garden. Great ideas and simple instructions enable families to have fun outside, get closer to nature and make a difference where they live.”
Find out more about Wild Challenge and take part here.
Among the activities are –
Get Dipping
Pond dipping is great fun and reveals all sorts of interesting creatures that live in even the smallest of ponds. What’s lurking in the depths of a pond near you? Maybe a mysterious alien-like dragonfly nymph, or a great diving beetle. Set off on an expedition to your garden pond or visit one of our reserves and take part in an organised pond dip. For full guidance on how to complete our Pond Dipping Wild Challenge, click here.
Pack a towel
Rockpools are home to fascinating and bizarre creatures and getting up close to them is a real treat. As the tide goes out, it leaves behind a world of amazing sea life. You may spot sea anemones, fast-moving shrimp, or feel the prickly texture of barnacles or the slimy squelch of seaweed under your feet and hands. Find out how to complete this Wild Challenge here.
Bug Safari
Can you spot a wolf (spider), dragon (fly) or tiger (moth) in your green patch? You can find invertebrates everywhere – under logs and rocks, beneath pots, on leaves, in the grass and on walls. Just remember, to them you’re a GIANT, so be very gentle to avoid hurting these tiny creatures. Take part in this Wild Challenge here.
If you build it…
Now you’ve discovered these amazing bugs and beasties in your own patch – help them out by making them a special home. Create a hotel full of different natural materials, to provide hidey-holes for creatures galore. The size and construction of your bug hotel is only limited by the materials you have available and your imagination. Just make sure to include some nice rotting bark for your tenants to munch on. For full guidance visit here.
“By completing three Wild Challenge activities to ‘Experience Nature’ and three to ‘Help Nature’ you can progress through a Wild Challenge Award level,” continued Rosalind. “Whether you achieve bronze, silver or gold, the most important thing is to have fun together as a family discovering and helping the incredible nature living around you.”