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1:14 PM 3rd July 2019
family

Get Close To Nature And Go Wild With The Big Wild Weekender At RSPB Old Moor

 
RSPB Old Moor Nature. Photo by Craig Hartley
RSPB Old Moor Nature. Photo by Craig Hartley
RSPB Old Moor nature reserve near Barnsley is inviting families to its Big Wild Weekender festival to explore, discover and celebrate all things nature and wildlife this summer.

Over the weekend of 3 and 4 August children and their families will be encouraged to immerse themselves in nature, exploring areas of the reserve usually closed to the public, discovering what creatures can be found and delving behind the scenes to see the wonderful wildlife that calls the Dearne Valley home.

Events and activities over the weekend include moth trapping, sunset safari, owl pellet dissection, face painting, campfires and much more. All led by the friendly team of staff and volunteers.

Danielle Meyer, Visitor Experience Manager at Old Moor, said: “families enjoy visiting the reserve throughout the year, but on this occasion, we are giving the chance to explore areas of the reserve previously unvisited by the public and providing exclusive access to the reserve when it is usually closed. Families can experience a unique opportunity to discover more about nature, celebrate the wonderful wildlife and have an amazing wild adventure here.”

Families can also take part in their own Big Wild Sleepout at home during the summer holidays. The RSPB provide loads of ideas and resources to help create a wild night. By taking part in the Big Wild Sleepout, participants are taking steps towards the RSPB’s Wild Challenge, a free, year-round nature adventure which offers an online awards scheme, encouraging families to go out and get closer to the natural world.

Completing activities ranging from sleepouts, minibeast safaris and habitat exploring, to making a compost heap and planting for wildlife, participants can log their achievements on the RSPB Wild Challenge website and collect bronze, silver and gold awards. Many of these Wild Challenge activities will be happening at the Big Wild Weekender festival making it the perfect place to start your families Wild Challenge adventure.

Danielle added: “Children and families are spending less time outdoors so experiences like the Big Wild Weekender are amazing opportunities for them to get out and explore the outdoors like some have never done before. The chance to connect with the wonders of nature should be a part of every child’s life and the Big Wild Weekender event is this summer’s ultimate nature experience, here to help you start your own wild adventure.”

Tickets range in price for a whole weekend ticket for children starting at £10 and adults £20 to single day tickets starting from £5 for children to £10 for adults. Booking is essential and done in advance via Eventbrite.co.uk search for ‘Old Moor’ or phone 01226 751593.

More information on this event and others at Old Moor can be found on Eventbrite and the Facebook page (RSPB Old Moor and Blacktoft Sands).

To start your Wild Challenge and Big Wild Sleepout adventure go to: www.rspb.org.uk/WildChallenge