FROM discovering amazing bats, summer stargazing, and bug safaris to poetry workshops and a big wild sleepout, RSPB Cymru has a packed programme of fun, nature-filled events to keep the whole family entertained this summer holiday.
Grab your sun hat or showerproof and immerse yourself in the wild wonders of RSPB South Stack, RSPB Conwy, RSPB Ynys-hir, and RSPB Newport Wetlands. It’s time to indulge in endless playtime with nature.
For a comprehensive list of events offered at our nature reserves in Wales, please visit: https://events.rspb.org.uk/Cymru
Here’s a sneak peek of what’s in store:
RSPB SOUTH STACK
Beginner Birdwatching
Ever wanted to explore the world of birdwatching? Whether you’re a beginner or someone looking to enhance your skills, join us at RSPB South Stack for an introductory session with our knowledgeable guide. Please note that the event is weather-dependent.
Dates: 29 July & 29 August Time: 10am – 12pm Price: RSPB Members £8.75 / non-members £10.75 Link: https://events.rspb.org.uk/southstackcliffs
Photography Walk
South Stack boasts incredible views, from towering granite sea cliffs to the iconic lighthouses nestled amidst a blanket of purple heath. If you enjoy photography, join experienced photographer Hanna Baguley for a guided photography walk. Engage with the landscape, biodiversity, history, and geology of the reserve in a unique and creative way.
Dates: 20 & 27 July / 10 & 24 August Time: 1pm – 3pm Price: RSPB Members £8.75 / non-members £10.75 Link: https://events.rspb.org.uk/southstackcliffs
Wildlife Walk
Join one of our experienced volunteers for a guided walk across the reserve and witness the array of wildlife that call South Stack their home during this time of year. Please note that the event is weather-dependent.
Dates: 25 July / 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 August Time: 1pm – 3pm Price: RSPB Members £3.75 / non-members £4.75 Link: https://events.rspb.org.uk/southstackcliffs
Clwb Twr – Children’s Nature Club
Introducing Clwb Twr, our new and exciting nature club for kids! Join us every last Saturday of the month from 10am to 12pm for fun nature-based activities at RSPB South Stack. Wear suitable outdoor clothing and footwear as we may venture outside (weather permitting). There is no minimum age requirement, but the sessions are aimed at children of primary school age and older, and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Dates: 29 July & 29 August Time: 10am – 12pm Price: RSPB Members £4 / non-members £3 Link: https://events.rspb.org.uk/southstackcliffs
Family Trail
Embark on a self-led summer trail and learn about the incredible butterflies that call South Stack their home.
Dates: 20 July – 3 September Available between: 10am and 4pm Price: RSPB Members £2 / non-members £2 Link: https://events.rspb.org.uk/southstackcliffs
RSPB CONWY
Big Wild Sleepout at RSPB Conwy
Don’t miss the opportunity to spend a wild night under the stars at RSPB Conwy. Experience the nature reserve after hours and discover the amazing creatures that come alive when the sun goes down. Enjoy magnificent moths, brilliant bats, tasty campfire treats, and much more. Remember to bring your own tent and camping gear. We’re happy to assist with setup, but we cannot provide camping equipment. If you wish to have an evening meal on-site, please bring your own food and means of cooking it. Hot water and light refreshments/snacks will be provided. Breakfast baps and hot/cold drinks will be available for purchase at our coffee shop on Sunday morning.
Dates: Saturday 5 August, 6pm – Sunday 6 August, 10am Booking essential Prices: RSPB Members: Adult £25.75/ Child £20.75, Non-members: Adult £30.75/ Child £25.75 Link: https://events.rspb.org.uk/conwy
Bug Safari at RSPB Conwy (6-12 years)
Discover the secret world of amazing creatures hiding all around us. From the treetops to the depths of the pond, we’ll explore different habitats and take a closer look at the incredible insects that reside there!
Dates: Every Thursday throughout the summer holidays, starting from Thursday 27 July until Thursday 31 August Time: 11am-12.30pm Booking essential Prices: RSPB Members £6.75 / non-members £8.75 No charge for adults (max. 2 per booking) Link: https://events.rspb.org.uk/conwy
FunPlay Friday at RSPB Conwy (3-8 years)
Let your imagination run wild at FunPlay Friday. We’ll provide loads of fun activities like den building, chalk drawing, badge making, and more! Please note that this event is weather-dependent.
No booking required. Small charge for some activities. Free entry to the event only. Normal entrance fees apply if exploring the reserve.
Date: Friday 28 July Time: 11am-3pm
RSPB YNYS-HIR
Bat Walk at RSPB Ynys-hir with Ceredigion Bat Group
Join us just before dusk at RSPB Ynys-hir for a walk onto the reserve and witness the diversity of bats in the area. From small pipistrelles along the woodland edge to the fast Daubenton bats skimming the surface of the pools, there’s so much to discover. What will we see?
Date: 17 August Meeting time: 8.30pm at RSPB Ynys-hir Visitor Centre Ticket prices: £3.50 child, £6.50 RSPB Adult member, £8.50 Adult non-member Link: https://events.rspb.org.uk/events/46384
Magical Animals and Secret Trees at RSPB Ynys-hir – Story Walks with Milly Jackdaw
Accompanied by Milly Jackdaw, embark on a journey around RSPB Ynys-hir reserve through enchanting stories of fairy foxes, moon-struck nightingales, speaking ravens, all-powerful toads, wish-making magpies, and the adventures of a shapeshifting bard. Listen as Milly tells us the Tale of the Trees, where we may even discover the oldest of all animals. Suitable for all ages, bring a picnic and make a day of it.
Date: Sunday 20 August Two sessions on different themes: 11am – 1pm: Magical Animal Tales 2pm – 4pm: Tell it to the Trees Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please dress for the weather as paths are not suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs, or mobility scooters. Ticket price includes both sessions. Price: £25.75 per Family (max 2 Adults, 4 children) Book online: https://events.rspb.org.uk/events/47472
Natural Dyeing Workshop at RSPB Ynys-hir
Learn about plants and their natural dyes in this hands-on workshop with Jenny Dingle. Start by lighting a fire, spend time gathering and foraging for plants, and then delve into the art of dyeing with them. At the end of the session, take home a collection of dyed wool samples.
Date: Sunday 13 August Time: 10.30am – 4pm Cost: £40 per person/day Cost includes all tuition and materials, plus a hot drink. Please bring a packed lunch and be prepared to spend the day in the woods. The workshop location is a 15-minute walk from the woodland spot. Book Online: https://events.rspb.org.uk/ynys-hir
RSPB NEWPORT WETLANDS
Butterfly and Moth (Lepidoptera) Guided Walk at Newport Wetlands
Join our moth and butterfly enthusiast for a leisurely Lepidoptera stroll around Newport Wetlands. We’ll be on the lookout for butterflies, daytime flying moths, and other wetlands wildlife.
For early birds, we’ll open the moth trap at 9.30am, demonstrating the process of identifying species caught. Make a day of it and visit our café for lunch and take a stroll around the reserve for some general wildlife watching.
Date: Sunday 16 July Prices: RSPB Adult member £6.35/ Adult non-member £7.75/ RSPB Child member £4.75/ Child non-member £5.75 Link: https://admin.nuwebgroup.com/events/48327
Brilliant Bumblebees at Newport Wetlands
Calling all young bumblebee lovers and conservationists! This activity is perfect for getting to know your bumblebees and learning how to identify them in your gardens and local green spaces. The event includes a 1.5-hour session with a short walk to spot our common bumblebees and, hopefully, some special ones too!
Please wear sensible clothing and shoes. Hat, sunscreen, and water are recommended. In case of inclement weather, the event may be postponed, with a full refund or the option to book on a new date. All equipment will be provided.
Please note this event is suitable for ages 7 years and above.
Date: Saturday 5 August Prices: RSPB Adult member £6.35/ Adult non-member £7.75/ RSPB Child member £4.75/ Child non-member £5.75 Link: https://admin.nuwebgroup.com/events/48201
Summer Poetry Workshop with Adam Cairns at Newport Wetlands
RSPB Newport Wetlands has partnered with poet and photographer Adam Cairns to offer a year-long program of poetry workshops held on the reserve. These workshops explore the changes that each season brings to the beautiful landscape, observing how nature adjusts throughout the year.
Each workshop includes a short guided walk to inspire creativity, followed by a workshop designed to help participants produce a first draft of a poem to take home. Techniques such as line-break, white space utilization, rhyme, meter, and form will be covered, providing a well-rounded understanding of poetry.
Participants can sign up for a single workshop, a season, or the entire year’s program. A discounted rate is available for the purchase of a season or full year ticket. Those attending throughout the year will have the opportunity to have their work published in an anthology commemorating the poetry created over the year.
Subject to interest, a special reading of the anthology’s work will be organized.
Date: Sunday 6 August Price: Single workshop £16.25 Link: https://admin.nuwebgroup.com/events/34416
Summer Spectacular: Stargazing and Wildlife Night at Newport Wetlands
As the evening unfolds and the sun sets, Newport Wetlands presents a special event combining fabulous stargazing with wildlife walks and activities. Suitable for both adults and children, the evening promises something for everyone.
Upon arrival, vegetarian chili with rice, tortilla chips, dips, and drinks will be served. Activities include sweep netting, pond dipping, crafts, and a demonstration by our moth expert. Alternatively, you can embark on a peaceful after-hours guided walk around the reserve.
From 8pm, Usk Astronomical Society will provide a stargazing experience with an indoor planetarium and presentation. Afterward, head outside to observe the dark sky using telescopes. Local bat ecologists will join us for a bat walk, using detectors to identify different species.
Children must be accompanied by a ticket-holding adult. Warm clothing is essential, as temperatures drop dramatically after sunset.
Please arrive at 5:30pm, and the event will conclude around 11:30pm.
There is a car park charge of £4 per car for non-RSPB members.
Date: Saturday 12 August Prices: RSPB Adult member £20.75 / Adult non-member £25.75, RSPB Child member £13.05 / Child non-member £16.75 Link: https://admin.nuwebgroup.com/events/48326
Yogi Duck and the Little Chick Book Launch with Isabel Benavides
Join us at Newport Wetlands for the exclusive unveiling of a brand-new picture book, “Yogi Duck and the Little Chick,” by local author-illustrator Isabel Benavides. This engaging story, inspired by our unique site, shares the adventures of a little moorhen chick while promoting mindfulness and calmness through nature exploration.
The day’s activities include:
10am – Meet and Greet the author 10:30am – Storytelling pond dipping session with mindful activities 11:30am – Book signing 1pm – Children’s watercolour class 2pm – Adult watercolour masterclass
Younger children will enjoy the storytelling session and pond dipping activities, while families can participate in the watercolour workshop with Isabel. Draw and paint your favorite character from the book.
After the event, take a walk and spot the book’s characters or enjoy lunch in the café, where you might even see a real-life Yogi Duck or Little Chick on the pond!
The event will conclude around 3pm, with various activities taking place throughout the day. To secure a slot for any session, please ensure you have booked a ticket. Dogs are not permitted, and there is a car park charge of £4 (free to RSPB members) payable on the day.
Date: Sunday 13 August Prices:
- Storytelling and pond dipping session: RSPB Child member £5.95/ Child non-member £7.25
- Children’s Watercolour class: RSPB child member £5.95 / child non-member £7.25
- Adult watercolour class: RSPB member £11.95 / non-member £14.75 Link: https://events.rspb.org.uk/events/48341?timeslot_id=116446
Before you head home, make sure to visit the nature reserve shops at RSPB South Stack, RSPB Conwy, and RSPB Newport Wetlands. Explore a range of nature goodies, from bug hotels, nest boxes, and bird feeders to bug identification kits and wildlife books. And don’t forget to treat yourself at our cafes, where you can enjoy tasty delights.
