Calling all wildlife detectives! Join the team at RSPB Pagham Harbour nature reserve this summer and learn all about the wildlife and bugs that live on the reserve. From pond dipping to bug hunting, and arts and crafts to seashore safaris, a series of special events allow families to adventure in nature together and discover the wonders of wildlife within the beautiful coastal reserve.
Or, for a weekend long adventure, join the RSPB’s annual Big Wild Sleepout on 18th August, and enjoy nature themed activities before spending a memorable night under the stars.
An unspoilt haven of big skies, RSPB Pagham Harbour in West Sussex is a great family day out all year round. Pick up a free self-guided activity sheet from the visitor centre and follow the short buggy friendly Discovery Trail, or journey further along the trails to explore the sheltered inlet at the heart of the reserve which fills with ducks, geese and wading birds.
RSPB Pagham Harbour summer holiday events
Please see the information at the bottom of the page for how to book.
Big Butterfly Count 2018
Friday 20 July to Sunday 12 August
Grab an identification chart from our Visitor Centre and join in this nationwide survey that helps us assess the health of our environment.
Free.
Seashore Safari!
Tuesday 31 July & Thursday 16 August, 10.30am (duration 2 hours)
Can you find sharks on our shoreline? In a special beach-combing event we’ll discover who lives in our seas and on the beach.
Booking essential, £3 per child / £2 members
Hunting for mini-beasts and dragons!
Thursday 2 August, 10.30am (duration 2 hours)
Calling all bug detectives – join us hunting and learning about the bugs that live in our reserve. Discover the world of dragonflies and create your own to take home.
Mudlarks & crafts!
Tuesday 7 August & Tuesday 28 August, 10.30am (duration 2 hours)
Mud, glorious mud – that’s what a lot of our wading birds think! Come and find out what it is that lives in our mud that attracts so many birds, before making your own monsters that might hide in our mud.
Discovery birds of prey!
Thursday 9 August, 10.30am (duration 2 hours)
Learn more about this fascinating group of birds and make a raptor kite to fly at home.
Talk to the animals?!
Tuesday 14 August, 10.30am (duration 2 hours)
Ever wished you were Doctor Doolittle and could talk to the animals? Come and discover how animals and plants communicate and what they are saying, before creating works of art to take home inspired by your experiences.
Big Wild Sleepout
Saturday 18 to Sunday 19 August
Returning for a sixth year, pitch a tent at Pagham and discover the night time creatures living at the reserve. Wake up to a cacophony of seabirds and look out
for lizards basking on the hot sandy ground. Ever heard of a yellow necked mouse? Neither had our campers until a mammal hunt revealed one! What will you discover?
Book your places through Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/rspb-pagham-harbour-amp-medmerry-13741113158
Mini-beasts & Crafts!
Tuesday 21 August & Thursday 30 August, 10.30am (duration 2 hours)
Calling all bug detectives – join us hunting and learning about the bugs that live in our reserve, before creating your own mini-beasts to take home.
Natures Treasure Hunt!
Thursday 23 August, 10.30am (duration 2 hours)
Solve the clues, find the treasures and then use them to create a work of art.
To book a place at any of our events, please call us on 01243 641508 or email pagham.harbour@rspb.org.uk
As part of a 2018 redevelopment, a new Discovery Zone is now open at the reserve, with a pond and activity shelter, and a new accessible hide along with improved disability access and nature trails are now ready to be explored.
Visitor centre, accessible toilets, hot and cold drinks and a picnic area are all on site. Entry is free.
RSPB Pagham Harbour Visitor Centre, Selsey Road, Sidlesham, West Sussex, PO20 7NE