- Research by the RSPB shows that only one in five children in the UK are connected with nature and are spending a healthy amount of time outside
- Backed by Miranda Krestovnikoff, the RSPB and ALDI have today launched the Wild Challenge aimed at encouraging families to spend more time outside exploring the natural wonders on their doorsteps
- Families taking part in the Wild Challenge during April will be entered into a prize draw to win an Ultimate Wild Challenge explorer kit worth £500.
The RSPB is challenging families to get out and get wild in nature this Easter and be in with a chance of winning a bumper pack of prizes worth £500 as it launches its new and exciting Wild Challenge.
With the amount of time children and their families are spending outside in nature on the decline, Europe’s biggest nature conservation charity and discount supermarket Aldi, have collaborated to help families take a step closer to nature.
The Wild Challenge is the RSPB brand new online awards scheme encouraging children, families and schools to go out and get closer to the natural world.
By completing fun and engaging activities ranging from minibeast safaris and habitat exploring to making a compost heap and planting for wildlife, participants can then log their achievements on to the RSPB Wild Challenge website and collect bronze, silver and gold awards. There are 24 activities to choose from that will take you from your own back garden to exploring towns, cities, woodlands and even the coast.
Miranda Krestovnikoff, RSPB President, said: “I enjoy nothing more than spending time outside with my family and showing my children what’s out there – be it a glamorous, majestic bird of prey or a quirkier creature like a slow worm. Research keeps proving what our instincts know – time outside isn’t just good for us, it’s vital. As a family, we’ve enjoyed going on our own wild adventure from discovering the minibeasts in our garden to exploring the rockpools in Marlowes Beach in Pembrokeshire.” [note 2]
For every family who achieves a bronze, silver or gold award during the month of April they will be entered into a prize draw to win the Ultimate Wild Challenge explorer kit worth over £500. The kit includes a selection of wildlife goodies to help them continue on their wild adventure. [note 3]
The Wild Challenge is open to all; whether you live in a busy city, seaside haven or a sleepy village. There is something to do at all times of the year, no matter what the weather. Each activity comes with helpful ideas and resources to help families on their wild adventure.
Research by the RSPB has shown that the amount of time that children in UK spend in nature has radically declined. In 2013, groundbreaking research revealed that only one in five children between the ages of 8-12 had a connection to nature that was considered a realistic and achievable target for all children.
The RSPB’s ambition is for the Wild Challenge to help more families across the country reap the benefits of spending time outside in nature. 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.
Paul Birmingham, RSPB Families Development Manager, said: “Families will always remember the amazing memories of their first discoveries when they are out getting wild in nature. Whether it is the thrill of uncovering mysterious creatures while rock pooling or spotting their first hedgehog using their homemade hedgehog cafe.
“Getting outside and discovering nature is important whether your motivation is happy healthy children, memorable family time or to see our towns and countryside richer in nature. The opportunity to connect with nature should be a part of every child’s life and the RSPB’s Wild Challenge is here to help every family go on their own wild adventure.”
This exciting new scheme is thanks to a partnership between the RSPB and Aldi aimed at bringing families closer to nature. [note 4]
Mary Dunn, Communications Director, from Aldi, said: “We are delighted that we are working with the RSPB to help connect children with nature. We encourage families across the UK to sign up to the Wild Challenge to celebrate the great outdoors this spring.”
The RSPB will be on hand with hints, tips and rewards through your wild adventure. To take your first steps to your bronze, silver or gold Wild Challenge award visit – www.rspb.org.uk/wildchallenge
For more information about Aldi’s partnership with the RSPB, visit https://www.rspb.org.uk/forprofessionals/teachers/outreach/
