Craic, ceol agus caomhnú (fun, music and conservation)
On Saturday 8 August, we, along with 170 other people, pitched our tents for the most westerly Big Wild Sleepout in the UK.
The setting for this magical night was the Ulster American Folk Park, where the journey of Irish emigrants from Ireland to America is brought to life. Campers were given exclusive access to the museum after hours to pitch up and enjoy a night under the stars with the RSPB.
From a 3D space show with the NI Space Centre to a batastic night time bat walk with the Northern Ireland Bat Group there was something there for everyone! We hunted for minibeasts, went on a nature trail with Omagh and Strabane Council, made popcorn over the campfire with Cotswold Outdoors, and learned all about where our food comes from with White’s Oats (while trying some tasty samples as well). Phew!
Campers also had the chance to enjoy a yummy BBQ with hotdogs, burgers and soft drinks, while enjoying the sounds from a traditional Irish fiddler and accordion player from the All-Ireland winning Knockmore Ceile band.
As the sun set, we gathered round the campfire and toasted our marshmallows, before some very tired campers headed off to their tents for a good night’s sleep (in some spectacular tents!).
The event was the third Big Wild Sleepout event held here in Northern Ireland – two weeks earlier we had pitched up at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum for even more fun!
We’re very grateful to our partners – Cotswold Outdoors, National Museums Northern Ireland, and White’s Oats, as well as our team of fantastic volunteers (which included some incredible Girl Guides!) for helping us make this event happen, but the biggest thanks go to all our campers who by supporting the event, are helping to give nature a home here in Northern Ireland.
See you all again next year!