It’s once again time for the RSPB’s Big Wild Sleepout. This annual event encourages families to get closer to nature and discover the wildlife that’s active after dark, by camping out under the stars.
Whilst at first glance all might seem quiet in your back garden after dark, it’s really not the case. This is the time of day when many animals are just waking up to start their day and you can spot lots of exciting animals including bats, moths (there are over 2,000 species of moth in the UK) and even mammals such as mice, hedgehogs, and foxes.
If you fancy spotting some of these with the kids, then there are several ways to get involved. The easiest is simply to camp out in your own garden with a torch and see what you can find. Putting a red film over the torch will help to filter the light so less wildlife is disturbed and you’re more likely to see things like bats, particularly at dusk You could also combine your camping with fun activities like toasting marshmallows or cooking your tea over a fire. .
If you’d like to make more of a weekend of it though, for the 4th year running Fairburn Ings nature reserve near Castleford will be taking part in the weekend, with a nocturnal adventure!
Families are invited to camp at the Ings for the weekend, with a variety of wildlife and nature activities being hosted by the RSPB. They will be running varied and exciting daytime activities including bushcraft, fire making, den building and pond dipping. Then on the evening night-time wildlife walks, moth trapping and late night astronomy. You might even be lucky enough to spot a fox or a badger. Also if you’re taking part in the RSPB’s Wild Challenge, then the Big Wild Sleepout counts toward this too.
If you’d like to join the event at Fairburn, adult tickets are £30 (£24 RSPB Members) and children are £25 (£20 RSPB Members).
You’ll need to bring your own camping equipment plus food and drink for the weekend (the visitor centre will be open 9am – 5pm and sells drinks, sandwiches, and snacks). All activities are suitable for children from age 4; younger children are very welcome to attend but may not be able to take part in every activity, their attendance is at parent’s discretion. The main event field is difficult for pushchairs, but each guided walk will have an option that is accessible to pushchairs so very young children will still be able to take part.
Book is essential as places are limited. To book visit the Big Wild Sleep Out event page here
Event runs 12pm Saturday 28 July to 11am Sunday 29th at Fairburn Ings, Newton Lane, Castleford WF10 2BH
