What is Wild Challenge?
Wild Challenge is a brilliant opportunity for families to connect with the natural world in exciting new ways – to reach out and touch it and meet it head-on, up-close and personal.
Our free online Wild Challenge activities are divided into two sections – helping and experiencing nature. There are a range of fun challenges to choose from and bronze, silver and gold awards to achieve depending on how many you complete.
Wild Challenge is run in partnership with Aldi, who have donated over £2 million from the sale of their single-use carrier bags in the first two years of the partnership alone!
Activity in focus: Amazing Moths!
One of the wild activities that you can take part in is ‘Amazing Moths’. Moths are incredible creatures every stage of their lives – from bright, beautiful caterpillars to the understated little creatures that you can find at any time of day or night, pretty much anywhere you look! They're a diverse, fascinating and easy-to-see part of our wild world and with over 2,500 moth species recorded in the UK, you’re sure to discover something different each time you explore!
Moth spotting is a really simple and exciting way to get closer to nature. All you’ll need is our printable moth guide, a camera, binoculars and a moth lure or 'trap'. Starting with the moths in your bathroom or around outside lights is a really simple way to begin, or you could even follow our online instructions and make a moth lure for a really great evening activity! No matter how you do it, you’ll certainly have fun exploring the amazing world of moths – it’s full of variety, colour and beautiful patterns!
Want some help from the experts?
If you want some expert help to get started on this activity or just want to discover some new species you don't have at home, then why not book a place on one of our reserve Big Wild Sleepout events? You'll be able to tick off several Wild Challenges all at the same time then too!
Our Big Wild Sleepout moth hunts are the perfect opportunity to find more unusual species, and over 500 species have been recorded at our Pulborough Brooks reserve!
Can you find a colourful elephant hawkmoth at RSPB Pulborough Brooks, or a cleverly camouflaged buff tip moth at RSPB Pagham Harbour?
How about a poplar (and always popular!) hawkmoth at RSPB Rainham Marshes and RSPB Farnham Heath, or a rare Sussex emerald moth at RSPB Dungeness?
Our Big Wild Sleepout events are once-a-year opportunity to camp out with us under the stars and take part in a whole host of wild activities that can all count towards your Wild Challenge award! Other activities include bug safaris, pond dipping and mammal tracking. Booking is essential, and for full details of each South East reserve event you can read our Big Wild Sleepout blog or click on the reserve name above!
This guest blog was written by Libby Morris, a content writer volunteer. To find out more about volunteering visit http://bit.ly/volrspb