Join & Donate RSPB home page Reserve information Get involved Events by region Scotland Northern Ireland Northern England The Midlands Cymru/Wales Eastern England South East England South West England Browse all events

Big Wild SleepOut at Lake Vyrnwy

Overview

It’s time to dust off your camping gear and pitch up your tent in the local campsite, on the edge of the reserve.

Once your tents are set up, we'll explore the nearby river for minibeasts and dissect some owl pellets to find out what the resident barn owls have been eating as part of their diet, before we sit down for our very own evening meal (provided by the local village takeaway).

Once everyone has had some food, we’ll hold our ‘Wildlife Quiz’  around the campfire, with marshmallows to toast.  As night falls, join us on a Bat Walk as we listen and look for common and soprano pipistrelles, daubentons, noctules and perhaps even brown long-eared bats! We'll end the evening setting up our moth trap which will be unveiled in the morning.

The early risers amongst you can join us for a guided walk before breakfast (provided by the local village takeaway) before we find out what moths we caught in the moth traps overnight.

This event runs from Saturday 30th July afternoon to Sunday 31st July morning. 

You must bring your own tent and camping equipment i.e. tent, sleeping bag, pegs, mallet, torch, sleeping mat, warm clothes, drinking water etc.

There will be toilets available and hand washing facilities but no shower facilities.

Evening meal and breakfast are included in the price.

In July there may be midges about, so bring a hat and repellent if you wish.

We are going on night walks so good shoes/boots should be worn and bring a torch of some variety.

There is no electricity on the camping site, no wi-fi and limited mobile phone signal.

Bookings only.

Programme

Please note this is a rough timetable to give you an idea of what to expect on the day and is subject to change

Saturday 30th July

Arrive at campsite and pitch your tent from 2pm

4pm Introduction and welcome

4 - 6pm - River dipping for minibeasts and dissecting owl pellets

6 - 8pm - Dinner (provided)

8pm-9.30pm - Marshmallows over the Campfire, campfire quiz (and games to occupy the little ones)!

9.30 - 10.30pm - Bat walk with bat detectors

10.30pm - Set the Moth trap

11pm Bed

Sunday morning

7 - 8.00am - Morning guided walk (for those who can face it!)

8am - 9am - Breakfast (provided)

9am - 10am - Check the Moth Trap

10am - 11am - Thank you, feedback and pack-up

Information on Arrival and Breakfast/Dinner Options

Meet at the Lake Vyrnwy Campsite from 2pm - postcode SY10 0LS (on the left-hand side as you enter the village ( so we can get everyone set up and booked in).

What to bring with you:

Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and footwear for this event; a torch, insect repellent, and binoculars are recommended. The ground may be uneven and possibly damp depending on the prevailing weather at the time.

Please bring any camping equipment you would need for an overnight stay.

Portable toilets will be provided at the camp site, as will handwashing facilities.

Menu Options:

Breakfast - Bacon or sausage or vegetarian sausage bap

Dinner - Burger and chips (Cheeseburger, Chicken burger or Vegetarian Burger)

OR Nuggets and chips (Chicken or vegetarian)

OR Pizza and chips (1/2 a 12" stuffed crust cheese or pepperoni pizza)

Please email sioned.jones@rspb.org.uk with your pre-order when tickets have been booked.

Terms & conditions Cookie policy Privacy policy Charter and Statutes Modern Slavery Act