It was great to see the big wild sleep out events back across UK RSPB reserves and we were thrilled that we could have one here at RSPB Arne! Being a lover of all things outdoors-y, I was super excited to help organise and run this year’s sleep out, enthusing others spend the night sleeping outside, whilst raising essential funds and support for nature conservation.
On arrival, visitors were welcomed and made their way down to Coombe Fields, an area not always open to the public and used exclusively for events. Their luggage was ferried down for them on our off-road vehicle (not sure Granville the dinosaur enjoyed his ride very much…)
After building their tents (a first for some!), everyone could take part in a number of drop-in activities, including bug hunting, natural art, maintaining our iron age roundhouse and discovering the creatures that dwell in Coombe ponds. The natural art pieces that were created were particularly amazing! Who knew that a few twigs, pinecones and bracken leaves could be made into a labyrinth maze or a cockapoo sculpture?!
Once exhausted from all the activities, our catering team arrived just in time to serve up a delicious homemade meal, which was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. Even after filling up on chilli, veggie casserole or cheesy pasta, pretty much everyone still found room for a Purbeck ice cream…being outside is hungry work it seems!
As dusk started to fall, there was the option to go on a night walk, lead by some of our expert volunteers. Nightjars were seen and heard, bats were detected and seeing the reserve at night was a rare opportunity not to be missed.
Arriving back to base in the pitch dark, many opted to head straight for their sleeping bag, but most stayed out to enjoy the rest of the night sat around our ‘fairy lights’ campfire (too dry unfortunately for a real one) with a hot chocolate and maybe a marshmallow or two. As the ‘campfire’ area emptied, I set up my sleeping quarters, which was to sleep outside quite literally under the stars, probably one of the most magical things I have ever done and would recommend that everyone tries at least once in their lifetime!
For the early morning risers, the churring call of the nightjar was our natural alarm clock. Morning activities included watching out for ospreys or discovering the dawn chorus at the Middlebere lookout. This was followed by a hearty breakfast, with bacon rolls AND pastries on offer.
All too soon it was time to pack up and say farewell. The Polaris sprung back into action to take everyone’s luggage back to the car park, and Granville the dinosaur definitely preferred his trip back much better in the company of our super volunteer Barbara
Of course, this event wouldn’t be possible without the supreme efforts of all our volunteers (big BIG thanks to them, they are the real superstars!) Perhaps you would like to know what it’s like to help overnight at a Big Wild Sleep out here at Arne? Answering just that is our very own Terry Smith, one of our overnight heroes…
What did you enjoy the most about this event?
The best part was seeing that interaction between the visitors and the natural environment. It was amazing to see one of the kids go from crying when they just caught a glimpse of a snail to smiling with delight when a grasshopper jumped onto her hand! Experiencing the sunrise in the morning was just incredible and the food cooked by the catering team was incredible too.
Did you learn anything new from volunteering at the event?
I learned a lot actually - especially how to identify mini beasts and bugs many of which were new to me. I also gained a fascinating insight into the complex ecosystem of a pond.
Very important question…how did you sleep?
Well…I forgot how uncomfortable it was sleeping in a tent but luckily exhaustion from the day’s exploits took over! A blow-up mattress next time would be a good idea perhaps!
Would you recommend this event to other volunteers?
Absolutely! It is a rare and fantastic opportunity to interact with visitors and nature at the same time in such a special setting.
So…would you do it again?
Yes! I had a great time
And finally…Terry’s Top Tip for enjoying a night in the wild!
Get up early, make the most of the sunrise and your time of being in the wilderness and appreciate where you are in the moment.
Hopefully this has inspired you to get outside and maybe try something similar in your own garden or outdoor space, or maybe even check out our Big Wild Sleep Out event next year! And again, many many thanks to all the volunteers and staff who made this happen-can’t wait until the next one!
Anna (Centre Assistant at RSPB Arne)
To see all of our events that we offer throughout the year at RSPB Arne, as well as the Big Wild Sleep Out, head to our events page.