Go wild uncovering nature in Greater Manchester this summer

Pond dipping at Hollingworth Lake Country Park

With the summer holidays fast approaching, the RSPB and discount supermarket ALDI, are challenging families to get outside and go on a wild adventure this summer by taking part in the Wild Challenge.

As the amount of time children and families are spending outside in nature continues to decline, the RSPB launched the Wild Challenge online awards scheme to encourage families to get closer to the natural world. By completing fun wildlife related activities, children are able to learn about nature and earn awards.

Every family who achieves a bronze, silver or gold award during Wild Challenge Week (30 July to 5 August) will receive a Wild Challenge kit to help them continue on their own outside adventure. The kit includes a selection of wildlife goodies, including a minibeast viewer and a bee attractor pack.

Jenny Hackland, RSPB Mersey Valley Project Officer said: “We’re challenging families across Greater Manchester to go on an adventure – get together, get wild and discover the amazing wildlife on their own doorstep through the Wild Challenge.

“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. As well as taking part at home, we’ve teamed up with Southway Homes and Manchester City Council offering a range of Wild Challenge opportunities here in the Mersey Valley throughout the summer too, and we hope to see lots of people coming along to get involved.”

The Wild Challenge is an exciting new scheme thanks to a partnership between the RSPB and Aldi aimed at bringing families closer to nature.

Fritz Walleczek, Managing Director of Corporate Responsibility for Aldi UK said: “Here at Aldi we’re delighted that our partnership with the RSPB is helping young people and their families make the most of the great British outdoors. We’re passionate about the British countryside, with so much of our fresh produce being grown and produced in Britain, and encourage people to discover the outdoors this summer with the Wild Challenge.”

There are 30 Wild Challenge activities to choose from that will take you from your own back garden to exploring towns, cities, woodlands and even the coast as well as your local RSPB reserve. 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. Families can log their achievements on to the RSPB Wild Challenge website and collect bronze, silver and gold awards.

To start your own Wild Challenge adventure, go to: www.rspb.org.uk/wildchallenge

To discover more about the upcoming Wild Challenge and Big Wild Sleepout event visit www.wildcwp.eventbrite.co.uk. The August Wild Challenge event details can be found at www.rspb.org.uk/events