Header image: Children pond dipping. Credit: Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com)
RSPB England's Rich Morris looks at some of the wonderful wildlife spectacles waiting to be enjoyed across the country this summer, and shares details of special events and activities for all ages taking place at our nature reserves...
Summer is a fantastic time to explore the great outdoors and there are so many amazing nature spectacles waiting to be enjoyed.
Migratory birds such as swifts and swallows dart through the air, filling the skies with their songs. Bats and dragonflies are also on the wing – bats using their echolocation to pinpoint prey in the dark, while dragonflies use their nearly 360-degree vision to hunt other insects.
Lizards have their babies at this time of year, so you can keep an eye out for young common lizards, sand lizards, and slow worms. Don’t miss the baby toads, or ‘toadlets’, too – they’re taking their first steps on land.
Our reserves are havens for a huge range of species. Whether you’re a regular visitor, or perhaps have never been to a nature reserve before and want to entertain young ones over the holidays, there’s something for everyone.
Staff and volunteers will also be on hand to let you know about all the amazing species and habitats you’re likely to see, and to make sure you're able to get the most out of your visit.
Pay a visit to one of our reserves over the coming months and you’ll have the chance to get close-up views of some wonderful wildlife, as well as take part in a huge range of special events designed to delight the whole family. Nature-themed activities and fun days out are taking place throughout the holidays – a Big Wild Summer of fun is guaranteed!
Many of our nature reserves will be offering exclusive Big Wild Summer activity packs with self-led trails, animal masks, and themed recipe cards for kids. It's easy to bring the wildlife inspiration home with you too. Take on a Wild Challenge and you can help wildlife, explore nature and enjoy lots of wild, fun family activities outdoors.
Reserves across England are also hosting Big Wild Summer activity trails. Can you help Detective Hoot and Constable Crumbs solve a mystery? Youngsters can become nature detectives by joining the duo to learn all about the different habitats and wildlife at the reserve. Discover what materials they use to build their homes, what time of day they are most active and how they find things they like to eat.
The self-led detective trail is aimed at children aged 3-11 years old, but grown-ups can of course join in the fun too!
Various reserves will also be running activities including pond-dipping and mini bug safaris, with some even holding pyjama parties and Big Wild Sleepouts – an amazing chance to sleep under the stars and learn about night-time wildlife!
Participating nature reserves will be running Big Wild Summer events and activities until the end of August, starting from 22 July in England to coincide with the school holidays.
See below for a list of all the RSPB reserves across England taking part in this year's Big Wild Summer.
You can find more information on all the exciting events and activities, along with prices and booking details, here: events.rspb.org.uk/bigwildsummer
England North
England Central
England South
If you’re looking for more inspiration and ideas on finding fantastic days out across England, be sure to read our guide to taking a staycation in nature this summer. It’s packed with suggestions covering everything from wild city breaks and seaside fun, to tranquil wetland walks and mountain adventures.