Families can enjoy a Big Wild Summer together at RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands nature reserve

It’s been a long year of lockdown and to celebrate a return to exploring nature with loved ones, RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands nature reserve in Chesire 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.

From getting to know our amazing moths and other nocturnal creatures, to den building and so much more – RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands has something to help the whole family spend precious time together, reconnect with nature, and make happy memories outdoors once more

Everyday throughout the school summer holidays, families can enjoy a Big Wild Summer Activity Pack to help them explore the reserve and the wildlife that calls it home - these include a nature book, trail sheet, pencil and certificate so you are all ready for your adventure. Activity packs cost £3.50

For full Big Wild Summer event details at RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands nature reserve, and other reserves across England, visit: events.rspb.org.uk/bigwildsummer

The RSPB’s first mail-order shop at Burton Mere Wetlands has a range of nature-themed goodies available for the family to remember their big wild summer day out. Give nature a home in your own home with our bug hotels, nest boxes, bird feeders, and butterfly wildflower seeds. Or treat the family to some binoculars, a bug ID kit, or wildlife book so you can continue to explore the nature on your own doorstep.

A range of light snacks, hot and cold drinks and ice creams are available to satisfy the whole family’s appetite. Visitors can pick up a tasty picnic or look out for a Big Wild Summer meal deal which will keep you going for the rest of your visit.

Dan Trotman, Visitor Experience Manager at the RSPB Dee Estuary nature reserve,  said: “We’re really excited to welcome families back to RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands for a summer of fun, nature-themed activities, after a really challenging year for everyone. With our exciting Big Wild Summer activity packs, our mail-order shop, and our range of refreshments, we can provide a fantastic day out connecting with wildlife and having fun outdoors together.”

As everyone is keen to get back out into their favourite places in nature or discover new ones on staycation, the RSPB is encouraging people to visit their nature reserves and the countryside responsibly this summer holidays.

Dan 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, and the vast saltmarsh and fragile shingle beach and sand dunes of our Dee Estuary reserve are a safe space for many of them. We’re reminding visitors to please follow the Countryside Code and additional guidance at individual sites to Respect, Protect and Enjoy the outdoor spaces they 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:

http://www.rspb.org.uk/burtonmerewetlands

Pictured - Dad carrying his daughter on his shoulders through a RSPB nature reserve by Leila Balin.