The summer holidays are in full swing, with long balmy evenings ahead, so it’s the perfect time to take part in the Big Wild Sleepout. Join the Wild Challenge with your family this summer and camp out to discover wildlife after dark, it’s easier than you think.

1. Build a base

You can head down to one of our reserves for the full Sleepout experience – enjoy an evening meal and breakfast at RSPB Leighton Moss, take part in bush craft activities at RSPB Rye Meads, and set insect traps at RSPB Titchwell Marsh – or enjoy nocturnal wildlife from the comfort of your own garden. Pitch a tent or throw a blanket over a suspended rope or washing line to make a cosy den, then all you need is a barbecue or a fire pit to complete your base. If you haven’t got a garden, don’t worry. Grab a sleeping bag and camp out on your patio or balcony, you never know what you might spot!

2. Cook up a storm


Try the campfire recipes from our July-August 2018 issue of Wild Explorer. (Photo: Steve Malyon)

Any good Sleepout needs a whole range of delicious snacks. You can make an easy campfire dinner by wrapping baking potatoes in foil and putting them in the fire, or roll up pizza dough topped with tomato puree, cheese and veggies and cook in the fire for a tasty pizza log. Get the kids involved in the cooking by wrapping a basic bread dough around a stick and cooking over the fire, and keep everybody warm with a flask of hot chocolate. Try these fun kids picnic ideas or, if you fancy more of a gourmet picnic, check out our recipes from chef Sybil Kapooor.

3. Get watching

Of course sleeping out is all about experiencing wildlife, and there’s loads on offer for you to see, and hear. Seek out a badger sett at dusk, and stay well downwind to see one of our most impressive mammals. Stand out in your garden and listen for bats and owls just as the sun starts to go down. Head to the coast for the eerie sound of waders calling in the dark, or hunt in your garden, local park or woodland for majestic stag beetles. Check out Mark’s top 10 after dark experiences for more ideas.

4. Lure nature in

Even if you’re not lucky enough to spot some bigger mammals or birds on your Sleepout, you should be able to see an impressive array of bugs. Dip a piece of string in wine or sugary water and hang it up, or suspend a white sheet from a washing line and shine a torch light on it. Both of these lures will attract moths, and with around 2,500 species of moth on the UK list, there are plenty for you to see! Get help with identification here.

5. Use your senses

You're more likely to hear owls than see them. (Photo: Ben Andrews rspb-images.com)

You might be surprised how much you discover in the dark. When our sense of sight is inhibited, our other senses kick in, so use your Big Wild Sleepout as an opportunity to really smell, hear and touch nature. Can you hear a far off owl or smell the sweet fragrance of the honeysuckle? Get the kids to make a note of what they experience for their Wild Challenge.

6. Spread the word

Who doesn’t love a good late night chat around the campfire with old friends? Take some friends along with you and introduce them to the wonders of nocturnal wildlife. Grab a couple of family-sized packets of marshmallows, and a few extra blankets, and have a Sleepout party at home, or make a group trip to a reserve event. The good news is, this is a Wild Challenge too, so upload some photos and get your family a step closer to the coveted Wild Challenge Gold Award.

7. Go for a night walk

If you’d rather not camp out, why not try one of our many late night events? There’s plenty to see and do. Peer into night vision cameras at RSPB Mereshead or discover marvellous moths at RSPB Strumpshaw Fen. You can even take a guided bat walk at Newport Wetlands. You can do this under your own steam, too. Wrap up warm and grab a torch and take a walk in your favourite nature spot, or just walk around your local park. You'll be amazed how different a place can feel after dark.

Have you done the Big Wild Sleepout? Let us know in the comments below.