Four families headed out with the RSPB boat 'October Storm' to Suffolk's only island on the afternoon of the 10 August 2013 for a true adventure.


Photo by Kevin Sawford, www.kevinsawford.com

Here is what they thought about their exclusive experience on Havergate Island's first ever Big Wild Family Sleepout:

“This was an epic experience and I think everyone should do it. I can’t wait to go back to Havergate Island again.”  Jacob, 8 years old, Tonbridge. 

“I learnt a lot. I liked seeing the hares close up. I liked the Big Wild Sleepout. I enjoyed holding the grasshoppers and watching the grown-ups setting up the moth trap. I liked going on the boat ride. I liked the spoonbills.” Ben, 4 years old, Tonbridge.
 
“Loved every minute! It felt so special being on the island all night and experiencing the wildlife at such close quarters. Really great to have so many knowledgable people on hand – thank you all – and well done RSPB for having such a fabulous idea!” Ribbens family from Tonbridge, Kent.

"Really fun, we had a great night sleep, saw some hares up close & a lot of birds and butterflies." Jack, 11 years old, Bungay.

"What a fantastic place to visit, just brilliant, guides super friendly and very well organised. Well done guys." Read family with Daisy, 10 years old, Jack, 11 years old and Poppy, 13 years old, Bungay.

"It's fun, exciting, learned a lot about wildlife!" Ash, 9 years old, Westleton.

"Fun to meet other children." Holly, 12 years old, Westleton.

"So good to have people to encourage good bush craft & photography at an early age. Very good opportunity to meet other families. Perhaps having 2 or 3 groups going separately & perhaps age determined would have enabled closer observation and learning – though this happend naturally. Helpers and volunteers very friendly and informative. It has been an amazing adventure. Thank you for organizing it." Bryn Raven, Westleton.

"What a wonderful place and a great idea for a sleepout! We have had a wonderful time and all the RSPB volunteers have been fantastic. In my daughters words: This is the best camp out ever!" Trueman family with Stuart, 2 years old, Robert, 5 years old and Laura, 7 years old, Colchester.


Photo by Kevin Sawford, www.kevinsawford.com

Read on with the comments of my wonderful volunteers. The event wouldn't have been possible without their enthusiasm and input of specialities, ranging from art, crafts and photography tuition for young and old, shingle plant identification, catching crickets for the children up to cooking for the whole team and not to forget: carrying lots of stuff from one end of the island to the other and back after the event as well.

"What a fantastic weekend we had on Havergate Island. We all enjoyed each others company, but for me the highlight was defiantly watching the children discover the island and seeing it through their eyes; gave Havergate a new perspective for me. It made it just a bit more magical." Liza Adamczewski, Volunteer Artist in Residence.

"It was so much fun, I would do it next weekend again; an excellent weekend!" Kevin Sawford, Volunteer Wildlife Photography Tutor.

"I really enjoyed the event and would like to thank you for asking me to help. The event ran very smoothly and I think everyone enjoyed it!" Harry Read, Volunteer Wildlife Photography Assistant.

This unimpressed hare in Harry's torch light carried on feeding while the camera clicked many times; photo by Kevin Sawford, www.kevinsawford.com