Sat. Nov 23rd, 2024
RSPB Make and Do at RSPB HQ The Lodge, a family creating a handmade birdbath, Sandy, Bedfordshire, April, 2015

Go wild in Surrey this Easter and uncover the nature on your doorstep

RSPB Make and Do at RSPB HQ The Lodge
  • RSPB Connecting with Nature report revealed that only one in five children are connected with nature and are spending a healthy amount of time outside
  • Backed by RSPB President and BBC TV Presenter Miranda Krestovnikoff, the RSPB and ALDI have today launched the Wild Challenge aimed at encouraging families to spend more time outside exploring the nature wonders on their doorstep
  • Families taking part in the Wild Challenge during April will be entered into a prize draw to win an Ultimate Wild Challenge explorer kit worth over £500

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.

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.

Paul Birmingham, RSPB Families Development Manager, said: “Families will always remember their amazing discoveries when out getting wild in nature. From the thrill of uncovering mysterious creatures while rock pooling or spotting their first hedgehog making use of the homemade hedgehog cafe.

The RSPB will be on hand with hints, tips and rewards through your wild adventure. www.rspb.org.uk/wildchallenge

 

The Bentall Centre

This April The Bentall Centre will be transforming their lower ground floor into a magical spring wonderland, filled with Easter inspired treats, delights and activities for the whole family. With craft activities and an egg hunt with an Easter Princess, the centre has ensured a fairytale time for all customers who visit. Little Easter bunnies are invited to join The Bentall Centre to design their very own Easter Bunny Ears on Thursday 13th April. Coloured foam ears, glitter, 3D embellishments and other crafty supplies will be available for your little ones to experiment with designing their very own holiday headwear. A must have Easter accessory!

The Bentall Centre’s Easter Princess will lead Children and their families through the centre in the search for tasty treats and hidden discounts on Thursday 6th April and Thursday 13th April. Five giant sparkly eggs will be hidden amongst the centre’s 75 stores for seekers to find. The giant eggs will be surrounded by prizes and delights for all, so make sure you are quick off the mark. Egg hunts will take place on 13th of April  from 12:30 – 12:45 and 15:30 – 15:45. Visit: www.bentallcentre.co.uk 

 

Easter Fun at Chertsey Museum

Chertsey Museum will be holding four activity day for children aged 5 to 12 year olds over the Easter school holiday. Super Spring Cards Tuesday 11 April Create fabulous cards with pop ups and lots of pizzaz! Cost: £2.50 per child. Sessions run: 10:00am-11:00am or 11:30-12:30pm

Springtime Papier Mache Bowl Thursday 13 April Create a papier mache bowl, and decorate it with dried flowers or other sparkly bits. £3.50 per child. 11:00am—12:30pm

Prior booking essential: please telephone 01932 565764

 

Calling all little Easter bunnies…

Meet Freya Rabbit from Sylvanian Families when she makes a special appearance to celebrate Easter on Saturday 15th April at the Belfry Shopping Centre in Redhill from 11am. The human-sized lovable rabbit is looking forward to meeting all her fans and you can even have a photo taken with her!

There’s loads more exciting activities going on at the Belfry during the school holidays, including a free Easter Egg Hunt from Saturday 1st to Monday 17th April. All eggsplorers will receive tasty chocolate eggs when they hand in their entry forms to Toy Barnhaus at the Centre, and the winner will receive a GIANT chocolate Easter Egg, plus a £25 Belfry shopping voucher!  www.redhillbelfry.co.uk

Experience Mercedes-Benz World this Easter Holiday

Located on the famous Brooklands site in Weybridge, Surrey, Mercedes-Benz World has everything you need to keep the whole family entertained this Easter. With driving experiences, two cinemas and three floors of interactive displays, Mercedes-Benz World has half term covered.

AMG & 4X4 Driving Experience;  Little Learners; Under 17s driving experiences; Off-track Entertainment Mercedes-Benz World has a whole host of non-track related activities, including two cinemas and three floors of interactive displays, including the Driven: Simulator Zone. In the Simulator Zone, you can test the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 car through virtual reality. There are three sizes of simulator available so people of all ages can take part. Take a seat in the luxurious F1 Cinema and gain an insight into the exciting world of F1. With a variety of programming showcasing team history, classic races, behind the scenes footage and much more.

Relax and refuel at The Gullwing Restaurant & Café 1886

Off the track, enjoy a bite to eat at Café 1886 or the Gullwing Bistro which offer a range of food and drinks, from light bites and sandwiches to three-course dining with trackside views.

www.Mercedes-BenzWorld.co.uk

 

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By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.

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