Go wild this Easter and uncover the nature on your doorstep

Walking through squelchy mud on the moors

With the amount of time children and families are spending outside in nature in decline, Europe’s largest conservation charity and discount supermarket Aldi, are challenging  families to go on their own wild adventure this Easter to be in with a chance of winning a bumper pack of prizes worth over £500 as they launch the new and exciting Wild Challenge.

In 2013, the RSPB Connecting with Nature report revealed that children in the UK were missing out on a wealth of mental and physical benefits from not spending enough time outside, with only one in five having a healthy connection to nature.

To encourage more children and their families to take a step closer to nature the RSPB has launched the Wild Challenge.

By completing fun and engaging activities ranging from minibeast safaris and rock pooling to creating a hedgehog cafe and planting for wildlife, families can take their first steps on their own wild adventure. 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. Participants can then log their achievements on the RSPB Wild Challenge website and collect bronze, silver and gold awards.

Miranda Krestovnikoff, RSPB President and BBC TV presenter, said: “I enjoy nothing more than spending time outside with my family and showing my children what’s out there – be it a 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.”

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.

Every family who achieves a bronze, silver on gold award during the month of April 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 including a hedgehog home, minibeast explorer kit and a bat detector to help them continue on their wild adventure.

Emma Reed, RSPB Families, Education and Youth Manager in Northern England, said: “Wild Challenge is a great way for families to get outside and explore together. Whether you are looking to improve your health, discover more about the wonderful wildlife around you, or simply make some magical memories, Wild Challenge is here to help every family go on their own wild adventure.”

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.

Mary Dunn, ALDI Communications Director, 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