Swap chocolate for the countryside this April

Looking for a low-cost, action packed outdoor adventure with the family this Easter? Then look no further than an RSPB nature reserve.

Packed with puffins, picnics and pond-dipping, RSPB reserves are about much more than just bird watching! Families can enjoy exploring some of the UK’s most beautiful and breathtaking locations, take part in all kinds of activities and finish their day off with some all important tea and cake!

Perhaps the best kept natural secret in the country, at RSPB reserves you can get your boots muddy, relax or get closer to nature with everything you could need for an incredible day out. Fun family events are taking place, so why not have a ‘wildlife experience’ like spotting graceful deer, hares, spring flowers including bluebells in the woodlands, brimstone butterflies, listen out for songbirds in the hedgerows and returning swallows along with the hundreds of birds this Easter? The RSPB has over 200 nature reserves up and down the country meaning there’s bound to be one on your doorstep – from urban locations in major UK cities such as Rainham Marshes in London, to isolated locations like South Stack Cliffs in Anglesey.

After losing yourself in nature, relax at one of the visitor centres which are often open all year round and have picture windows enabling you to look out at the action from the comfort of a cozy chair, or enjoy a hot drink and snack at one of the reserve cafes.

There’s also plenty of opportunities to book a guided walk, or take the kids pond-dipping or nestbox-building whilst enjoying the incredible landscapes, ranging from big skies and grassy meadows in the Broads, to jaw-dropping mountain scenery in the Highlands.

Just head to www.rspb.org.uk/reserves to find out more. Here we’ve picked out the top events and activities taking place this Easter.

Reserves & Easter activities

Northern Ireland

Rathlin Island, County Antrim

There is a special, unspoilt beauty to this reserve just off Antrim’s Causeway Coast making it a must-see for all nature lovers. The adventure starts with the ferry ride over, during which you might spot gannets, gulls and even dolphins. Once on the island you can get up close and personal with the smells and sounds of Northern

Ireland’s biggest seabird colony at the Seabird Centre, or take a walk along the Roonivoolin trail at the south of the island.

Did You Know?

· Recent changes to farming practices have resulted in drastic declines in many species of bird, so donations are needed at this reserve more than ever to fund the conservation effort

· Take advantage of their child friendly assisted telescope viewing to ensure the best sightings

Prices

Free to all. Donations welcomed.

http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/r/rathlin/index.aspx