Wildlife and conservation trips for the family

Let your kids go wild with these conservation-themed outings. There’s plenty here to keep them entertained – and they’ll learn something too!

These trips are all about understanding nature better – the more you know about the environment, the more you’ll understand how to look after it.

Nationwide

Take a bird’s-eye-view

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has a fantastic programme of fun events to educate and entertain the whole family.

Visit one of the 150 RSPB reserves across the country or take part in one of their ‘Aren’t birds brilliant!’ events, which give you the chance to get really close to some of the most exciting birds in Britain.

Be a nature detective

The Woodland Trust’s Nature Detectives initiative is all about encouraging children to get in touch with the seasons and appreciate the natural world around them – wherever they happen to be.

As well as fact sheets and log books to get your kids outdoors and spotting wildlife, the website contains all kinds of inspiring interactive and downloadable activities like games, puzzles and craft ideas.

Explore the woods

If you go down to the woods today you’re sure of a big surprise – because your kids can get involved in all kinds of activities run by the Forestry Commission, like mountain biking, tree-top trails, creepy-crawly safaris, deer watches, rambles and woodland games.

Get wet and wild

Find out about migration, watch creepy crawlies or learn how to make a bird feeder to encourage birds into your garden.

The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) is dedicated to conserving wetlands for wildlife and people across the world, with a network of nine specialist wetland visitor centres across Britain where the whole family can observe wildlife in its natural habitat.

See the latest events in your area on the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust website.

In England

Visit Pensthorpe Nature Reserve and Gardens

Green Clubcard reward! Pensthorpe Nature Reserve in Norfolk is a must-visit attraction for all those who love nature, wildlife and the outdoors.

Children will love feeding the birds, pond dipping, completing a nature quiz and discovering mini beasts on the Bug Walk – before letting off steam in the adventure play area.

You can also enjoy the stunning gardens designed by Chelsea Flower Show gold medallists, get closer to nature in the bird hides and find out about their conservation programmes.

Escape to the WWT London Wetland Centre

Green Clubcard reward! The beautiful London Wetland Centre is Europe’s best urban site to watch wildlife. Located on the banks of the River Thames in Barnes (SW13) and easily accessible by public transport, this 42 hectare site is a watery haven for more than 180 species of wild bird and countless other wetland creatures.

Stroll past beautiful lakes, pools and lagoons (via accessible tarmac paths) or take advantage of six different bird hides to view the wildlife and enjoy the changing seasons. There’s also a children’s discovery centre and expansive glass observatory overlooking the nature reserve and its wildlife.

In Wales

Explore the Welsh botanic gardens

Green Clubcard reward! Come and see the world's largest single span glasshouse and new Double Walled Garden set in the rolling countryside of the National Botanic Garden of Wales (NBGW).

The NBGW is the first national botanic garden to be created in the new Millennium. Since opening in 2000, the gardens have blossomed into one of the most fascinating and successful gardens in the UK.

Open all year, with vast undercover space, the NBGW is bursting with life with something to appeal to all ages.