Header image: Two girls run through woodland. Credit: Stephen Morgan, rspb-images.com
RSPB England's Becca Smith - self confessed "big kid" - takes a look at all the fun that can be had at our nature reserves this summer...
It’s been a long year of lockdown and to celebrate a return to exploring nature with loved ones, the RSPB are inviting you, your family and friends to enjoy a Big Wild Summer this year across a whole host of our reserves.
Throughout the school holidays we’ll be hosting a great range of fun, nature-themed activities and events to help you all discover nature at your local RSPB nature reserve, or whilst escaping the everyday on a staycation.
Image: Children take part in pond dipping guided by an RSPB member of staff. Credit: Phil Barnes, rspb-images.com
From minibeast safaris and pond dipping, to den building, tasty picnics and discovering the world of nocturnal creatures, there’s plenty to help the whole family spend precious time together, reconnect with nature, and make happy memories outdoors once more.
Everyday throughout the school summer holidays, you can all enjoy a Big Wild Summer Activity Pack to help you explore the reserve and the wildlife that calls it home - these include a nature book, trail sheet, pencil and certificate so you are all ready for your adventure. Activity packs cost £3.50
What’s more, many of our nature reserves across the country offer a fantastic range of activities and facilities to help you get closer to nature all year round. For our top tips on how to make the most out of your family’s visit to a reserve near you, click here, and for a guide to the exciting events being held this summer to make your visit even bigger and wilder, see here: events.rspb.org.uk/bigwildsummer
Image: Children investigate insects found on daisies. Credit: Eleanor Bentall, rspb-images.com
Image: A father and daughter explore a nature reserve. Credit: Leila Balin, rspb-images.com
As everyone is keen to get back out into their favourite places in nature or discover new ones on staycation, at the RSPB we’re encouraging everybody to visit nature reserves and the countryside responsibly this summer holidays.
As we all return to the countryside, we’re asking visitors to help ground nesting birds and other wildlife by watching your step. Over half of England’s most threatened breeding birds nest on or near the ground, with RSPB nature reserves up and down the country providing a vital safe haven for many species.
We’re reminding visitors to please follow the Countryside Code and additional guidance at individual sites to Respect, Protect and Enjoy the outdoor spaces you love. Simple acts such as keeping to the paths, keeping dogs on a lead, and taking litter home make a huge difference to protecting wildlife and the experience of other visitors.
If we work together, we can create some wonderful memories in nature and help protect it at the same time.