Have a wildlife adventure this autumn with the RSPB

Child investigating soil creatures

Now that the summer holidays are over and the kids are back at school, staff and volunteers at RSPB Leighton Moss nature reserve near Silverdale are keen to make sure that children continue to get face to face with nature. 

Teachers and parents looking for ways to engage children with wildlife are encouraged to plan fun, educational visits or take part in family-friendly events at Leighton Moss, with these activities also counting towards the RSPB’s ongoing ‘Wild Challenge’.

Carol Bamber, Learning Officer at Leighton Moss said: “Young children are naturally drawn to wildlife and can’t get enough of exploring the outdoors. We appreciate that it’s not always easy for busy teachers or families to find the time to help nurture that interest, so we have created lots of great, educational events and experiences to bring the wonder of our natural world alive. Following a visit to Leighton Moss, they can then continue their adventure with our Wild Challenge.” 

The RSPB’s ambition is to help more children across the country reap the benefits of spending time outdoors, discovering the natural world around them. Research has shown that children who have a healthy connection to nature are more likely to benefit from higher achievement at school, better mental and physical health, and develop stronger social skills.

With the wildlife on people’s doorsteps becoming increasingly mysterious to them, the RSPB is calling on families to spend more time outside and reconnect with the nature that surrounds them.

By taking part in a range of activities such as bug hunting and pond dipping, creating a hedgehog cafe and planting for wildlife, families can take their first steps on their own wild adventure. The RSPB’s Wild Challenge has 24 activities to choose from that will take families from exploring back gardens to towns, cities, woodlands and the coast. Schools can also take part and there are rewards for completing different levels.

Find out more about school visits to Leighton Moss by visiting rspb.org.uk/schoolvisits and clicking on the Leighton Moss pin. To learn more about the RSPB Wild Challenge for families visit rspb.org.uk/wildchallenge  To start Wild Challenge as a school visitrspb.org.uk/schoolswildchallenge