GUEST COLUMN: Enjoy the outdoors with #30DaysWild, by Coun John Knight

With its country parks at Bestwood, Rufford Abbey and Sherwood Forest, there are plenty of natural habitats for families to explore as part of the charity’s campaign to encourage everyone to enjoy the great outdoors.

The national 30 Days Wild campaign sets people a series of tasks with educational packs, stickers and wallcharts to give away. It also sets some interesting challenges such as feeling the wild landscapes on the soles of your feet and switching off mobile phones and other gadgets for a day to enjoy nature. It is being promoted locally by the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, and formore details, visit: www.wildlifetrusts.org/30Dayswild The campaign hashtag is: #30dayswild

We are very pleased to be supporting the 30 Days Wild campaign once again during June. Many of the tasks during the 30 days challenge people to seek out and learn about wildlife and there are many opportunities to do this in our country parks. Some ideas at Sherwood Forest include...

Summer Minibeast Safari: Thursday June 2, 10.30am to 12 noon. £1.50 (concessionary: Accompanying adults free) Did you know over 1500 different invertebrates and 250 species of spiders have also been recorded on site? (£3 car parking charge)

Nightjar Walk: Saturday June 4, 8pm to 10.30pm Sherwood Forest Country Park £5. Join RSPB expert Carl Cornish as you go in search of the mystical Nightjar also known in folk law as ‘the goat sucker’. Advance booking is essential.

Tracks, Trails and Signs: Sunday June 5, 10am to 12.30pm. £3 (concessionary: £1.50 children) This Ranger led guided walk will help you investigate the food and footprints. Either book by phone or alternatively call in at the visitor information. (£3 car parking charge)

Welsh Clearwing Day: Saturday June 18, 11am to 3pm. Free event. The Welsh Clearwing was discovered in Sherwood Forest in 2008, making Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve only the second site in England to record the moth. No need to book. (£3 car parking charge)

Make a Minibeast Hotel: Saturday June 25, from 10.30am to midday. £1.50 per hotel. Work with our ranger team to make a habitat for minibeasts to help insects feel right at home. Ideas include recycled old canes or twigs or corrugated cardboard. Drop in sessions. (£3 car parking charge).

For bookings and inquiries please call the venue on 01623823202.