[W]ith the summer holidays fast approaching, the RSPB and discount supermarket ALDI, are challenging families to get outside and go on a wild adventure this summer by taking part in the Wild Challenge.
As the amount of time children and families are spending outside in nature continues to decline, the RSPB launched the Wild Challenge online awards scheme to encourage families to get closer to the natural world. By completing fun wildlife related activities, children are able to learn about nature and earn awards.
Every family who achieves a bronze, silver or gold award during Wild Challenge Week (30 July to 5 August) will receive a Wild Challenge kit to help them continue on their own outside adventure. The kit includes a selection of wildlife goodies, including a minibeast viewer and a bee attractor pack.
To kick start the Wild Challenge, and for those who really want a wild time, a whole host of activities are on offer this summer at RSPB Leighton Moss in Silverdale. From the ‘Find my food’ quiz trail, ‘Tots Tiles’ trail and self-led den building, available daily, to a unique ‘Big Wild Sleepout’ offering participants the opportunity to sleep on the reserve on Saturday 25 August. ‘Birds in the Barn’ and ‘Going Batty’ events are also taking place through August, so there is an exciting variety to get involved in through the holidays.
Jon Carter, Visitor Experience Manager at RSPB Leighton Moss said: “We’re challenging families across Cumbria to go on an adventure – get together, get wild and discover the amazing wildlife on their own doorstep through the Wild Challenge.
“Getting outside and discovering nature is important whether your motivation is happy healthy children, memorable family time or to see our towns and countryside richer in nature. As well as taking part at home, we’re offering a range of Wild Challenge opportunities here at Leighton Moss throughout the summer too, including the exclusive experience of sleeping on the reserve, so we hope to see lots of people coming along to get involved.”
The Wild Challenge is an exciting new scheme thanks to a partnership between the RSPB and Aldi aimed at bringing families closer to nature.
Fritz Walleczek, Managing Director of Corporate Responsibility for Aldi UK said: “Here at Aldi we’re delighted that our partnership with the RSPB is helping young people and their families make the most of the great British outdoors. We’re passionate about the British countryside, with so much of our fresh produce being grown and produced in Britain, and encourage people to discover the outdoors this summer with the Wild Challenge.”
There are 30 Wild Challenge activities to choose from that will take you from your own back garden to exploring towns, cities, woodlands and even the coast as well as your local RSPB reserve. There is something to do at all times of the year, no matter what the weather. Each activity comes with helpful ideas and resources to help families on their wild adventure. Families can log their achievements on to the RSPB Wild Challenge website and collect bronze, silver and gold awards.
To start your own Wild Challenge adventure go to: www.rspb.org.uk/wildchallenge
To discover more about the Wild Challenge events and activities at Leighton Moss visit www.rspb.org.uk/leightonmoss
