Get out and go wild (From The Oxford Times)

Get out and go wild

6:50am Thursday 29th July 2010 in

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Summer holiday: With the summer holidays stretching ahead of us and the words “I’m bored” poised on the lips of our children, most of us are trying to think up new and exciting activities to keep our children entertained.

But there is help at hand. With a whole world out there to explore, why not make the most of the sunny weather, get some fresh air and exercise, and head out into the great outdoors?

Think back to your own childhood, and your happiest memories… were most of them outside? I know mine were!

It doesn’t matter whether you’re on a nature reserve or in your own back garden, there is plenty to do and you do not have to spend a fortune! Here are five things to try this summer: Go on a bug hunt: Get face to face with some of Britain’s most fascinating, but often overlooked, creatures.

The tiny creepy crawlies that occupy almost any outdoor spaces can be just as exciting, and often easier to spot, than our larger animals. Look out for giant shield bugs patrolling the hedgerows; watch a real hungry caterpillar in action; follow the flight of a bumblebee as it moves from flower to flower and try lifting up a log to discover what lurks beneath.

Use a simple bug viewer — a pot with a small magnifying glass on top — to watch your quarry but remember to return your beasties back to where you found them.

Organised event: If you would like a little more information about the animals living wild in Britain, why not come along to an event and ask an expert?

SCEEC is open from August 14-27 for Wildlife Detectives and Damsels and Dragons events.

You can learn more about some of the amazing creatures that live at the reserve here and have a go at creating your own crafty bugs to take home.

Pack up a picnic: As the sun shines, head out to a BBOWT nature reserve near you and spend the day exploring, investigating and enjoying the natural world.

From dragonflies to pond skaters, woodpeckers to deer, there is plenty to see in these wildlife havens along with places to run, hide and explore. When you are all tired out from being a wildlife adventurer, settle down to a well-deserved picnic. (Do not forget to take your litter home with you).

Build a den: Whether you just want to create a little shelter for your favourite teddy bear in the garden or build a medieval fortress in the woods, den building is a great way to while away long summer days.

Make sure you do not pick up sticks that are too heavy, only use material that is dead and dismantle your den when you have finished. Visit SCEEC on August 28-30 for our Den Building and Wild Art weekend.

Find a magic wand: The cheapest and easiest way to keep kids entertained is to let them find an interesting stick! Sticks are the most wonderful toys; I have seen them being used as magic wands, spoons for stirring mud pies, swords and even remote controls for space shuttles!

For more information about SCEEC, BBOWT and events happening this summer, visit www.bbowt.org.uk