Countdown is on to the Big Wild Campout in August

With less than a month to go, excitement is building for this unique series of events which will see hundreds of people sleeping under the stars and getting close to nature in very special surroundings.

Those who cannot make it to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Cultra, on August 8 and 9 can visit the Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh on August 23. Cotswold Outdoor will be on hand to help people set up home for the night. There will be teams from Butterfly Conservation Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Bat Group, the Irish Astronomical Association and the NI Space Office and there will be something to keep all the family busy, from nature trails to stargazing and moth trapping. There will even be a film screened for those who want to relax, as well as workshops, including a bush crafts masterclass.

Tickets for these three events are now available, priced at £20 per adult and £15 for children under 16 per night, which includes a hot breakfast in the morning and half-price entry into the museum.

RSPB members will get a 10 per cent reduction on ticket prices

Last year, the event sold out weeks in advance and organisers have advised those interested to be quick and book their spot by the campfire as soon as possible.

Tickets can be bought online at www.eventbrite.co.uk or by telephoning 02890 491 547 for more information.

All proceeds from Big Wild Campout will help to give nature a home here in Northern Ireland.

The organisers are hoping to recruit volunteers to assist with the event. Those intersted are asked to contact Colin Graham on 02890 491 547 or email [email protected]