Families are invited to enjoy a Big Wild Summer with a series of fun, nature-filled events at RSPB The Lodge nature reserve and gardens in Bedfordshire.
The nature conservation charity is also encouraging everyone to help Respect, Protect and Enjoy the outdoors by visiting their nature reserves and the countryside responsibly this summer holidays.
Activities for the whole family
It’s been a long year of lockdown. So, to celebrate a return to exploring nature with loved ones, RSPB The Lodge nature reserve and gardens in Bedfordshire are inviting families to enjoy a Big Wild Summer this year. Throughout the school holidays the attraction will host a series of fun, nature-themed activities to help families discover nature at their local RSPB nature reserve or whilst escaping the everyday on a staycation.
RSPB The Lodge nature reserve and gardens has a wild play area, minibeast safaris, activity trails, and so much more. There’s something to help the whole family spend precious time together, reconnect with nature, and make happy memories outdoors again.
Families can enjoy the reserve’s Minibeast Safari this summer. Children will love to delve and discover the bugs, beetles and beasties living in the undergrowth on the reserve. Suitable for 4-11 year olds. Dates and times to be confirmed here: events.rspb.org.uk/bigwildsummer
Families can also explore the Big Wild Summer Family Trails at RSPB The Lodge. The Big Wild Summer Activity Pack (just £3.50) is full of things to find on the trail. There are also fun things visitors can do when they stop for lunch or get home. Plus there’s a pencil, a certificate for completing the trail, and 10% off in the RSPB shop in-store or online.
Find nature-themed goodies at the shop
The RSPB The Lodge shop has a range of nature-themed goodies available to remember your big wild summer day out. You can give nature a home in your own home with an RSPB bug hotel, nest box, bird feeder, or butterfly wildflower seeds. Or perhaps treat the family to some binoculars or a telescope, a bug ID kit, or wildlife book to continue to explore the nature on your own doorstep.
The shop also offers refreshments to keep you going for the rest of their visit.
Respect, Protect and Enjoy
Vincent Wright, Visitor Experience Manager at RSPB The Lodge Nature Reserve and Gardens said: “We’re excited to welcome families back to RSPB The Lodge nature reserve and gardens for a summer of fun, nature-themed activities, after a really
challenging year for everyone. With our exciting range of Big Wild Summer events, and our shop, we can provide a fantastic day out connecting with wildlife and having fun outdoors together.”
Everyone is keen to get back out into their favourite places in nature or discover new ones on staycation. But the RSPB is encouraging people to visit their nature reserves and the countryside responsibly this summer holidays.
Vincent added: “As we all return to the countryside, we’re asking visitors to help our ground nesting birds and other wildlife by watching their step. Over half of England’s most threatened breeding birds nest on or near the ground. Our nature reserves in particular are a safe space for many of them, along with other vulnerable wildlife. Please follow the Countryside Code and additional guidance at individual sites to Respect, Protect and Enjoy the outdoors you love. Simple acts such as keeping to the paths, keeping dogs on a lead, and taking litter home make a huge difference to protecting wildlife and the experience of other visitors. If we work together, we can create some wonderful memories in nature and help protect it at the same time.”
For more information about the nature reserve and facilities, visit: rspb.org.uk/thelodge
WORDS from the RSPB
