Spend a night under the stars in Cheshire and show your support for nature

Rare chance to discover the secret world of RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands after dark

Thousands of people in Cheshire are being encouraged to spend a night in nature’s home next month by taking part in the RSPB’s Big Wild Sleepout.

Running from 7-9 August, the event – which is now in its third year - encourages families to sleepout overnight and find out which creatures they share their homes with, while raising money to help protect them.

From pitching a tent or building a shelter in the back garden, to just simply heading outside and sleeping under the stars, there are plenty of ways to join in.

Organised sleepout events will also be held at various RSPB reserves across the country, offering all ages the chance to experience the secret world of a nature reserve after dark – including RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands in Cheshire.

On Saturday 8 August, join the Burton Mere Wetlands team for an exclusive chance to spend the night on the reserve. This fantastic sleepout event, which will run from 5.30 pm on Saturday 8 August to 9 am on Sunday 9 August, offers a variety of fun activities, including a dusk walk, bat detector fun and a meet the moths event.

Tickets, which are £30 per adult (£25 RSPB member) and £15 per child under-14 (£12.50 RSPB child member), include all activities, an evening meal on Saturday evening and a light breakfast on Sunday morning. Hot and cold drinking water will be available throughout the event and hot drinks and snacks can be purchased on-site. However, participants are asked to bring any other refreshments and food they will need, along with camping equipment, tents, sleeping bags and torches – teddy bears are optional!

Spaces are limited. For more information or to book, please call RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands on 0151 353 8478 or email deeestuary@rspb.co.uk.

The Big Wild Sleepout is part of the RSPB’s ‘Giving Nature a Home’ campaign, which is aimed at inspiring everyone to do their bit for nature, wherever they live and however big their outside space

Sarah Houghton, Big Wild Sleepout organiser, said: “Whether you’re camping in a back garden or attending your local RSPB reserve event, we hope that thousands of people will be getting closer to nature and be inspired to help save it.  Some of our best loved garden favourites are among the creatures shown to be in serious trouble and by taking part in this fun outdoor activity, we’re making the nation aware that nature needs our help.”

This year’s Big Wild Sleepout is being supported by Rohan, designer and supplier of outdoor clothing and footwear

Roger Cann, Managing Director for Rohan, said: “We pride ourselves on gear to keep you protected in the world's wildest places and for many people a love of adventure starts close to home. The RSPB’s Big Wild Sleepout is inspiring, accessible and encourages people to get outdoors, discover local wildlife and help preserve it for future generations, which is something we at Rohan fully support.  

“Whether it's wrapping up warm with base layers or waterproofs to keep the rain out, the RSPB's budding naturalists can kit themselves out for a night in the wild at Rohan!”

For more information and ideas on how to make the most of your Big Wild Sleepout, visit: www.rspb.org.uk/sleepout.