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28 November 2008
Natural England launches Red Letter Days on its National Nature Reserves.
You’ve seen the wildlife documentaries - now Natural England and Red Letter Days, the UK market leader in gift experiences, are taking people out of the living room and onto National Nature Reserves. This is the perfect chance to go behind the scenes and experience some of England’s most spectacular wildlife, up close next spring.
Vouchers are available from Monday 1 December, giving everyone the chance to take part in sporting challenges and time-honoured conservation activities - including making and shooting longbows, pond-dipping and moth trapping – amongst some of England's wildlife packed reserves, all located within an hour of London. The days will be led by expert Natural England staff who help manage these special places.
Dr Helen Phillips, Chief Executive for Natural England, said: “The secrets of the great outdoors are not just the privilege of wardens, birdwatchers and Springwatch cameramen. Activities like badger watching, deer stalking and stories round the camp fire are fantastic and fun ways to enjoy and learn about our natural environment."
“This is a fantastic addition to our already very successful selection of family experiences,’ says Bill Alexander, Managing Director of Red Letter Days. This is the first package of this kind we have offered and we expect it to be a great success. Natural England's National Nature Reserves make a wonderful day out for any family and we are very pleased and excited to now bring that to our customers.”
Where you can go and what you can do:
Helen Phillips continued: "Society is becoming increasingly detached from nature and we want to reverse this trend. The best way to secure the future of these areas is to help people to understand them, enjoy them and take care of them. By providing these wild personal experiences, we are showing how our stewardship helps nature in England's wilder places.
"These new and tailored Red Letter Days are an exceptional opportunity to learn about conservation in England, have fun and get back to nature!”
Natural England run over 130 National Nature Reserves across England, all open for the public to enjoy. Many of these offer opportunities for volunteering.**
Notes for editors:
For further information or for interviews with Natural England’s Chief Executive or Red Letter Days coordinator please contact Natural England’s national press office on: 0845 603 9953, press@naturalengland.org.uk, out of hours 07970 098005.
1. To find out more about Natural England Red Letter Days, or to purchase a wild day out on a National Nature Reserve go to www.redletterdays.co.uk
2. Natural England will continue to offer free events and activities on both these reserves and across the country. Any income from the Red Letter Days experiences will be used to further enhance the facilities and resources on the reserves concerned.
3. Natural England also actively encourages people from all backgrounds and abilities to take part in this, and any other, National Nature Reserve event. This week Natural England launched a new online facility which maps out the location and terrain of six of England's National Nature Reserves (NNRs). Using photographs, maps and detailed descriptions, this new online service provides information that everyone will find useful. It will be especially helpful for people with disabilities and their carers and for people with pushchairs to better plan and prepare for a trip to a National Nature Reserve.
Six NNRs have been assessed
For the first time, some of England’s most beautiful countryside will be more accessible . The new facility can be accessed at www.directenquiries.com by clicking on the 'Attractions & Countryside' icon.
4. **National Nature Reserves (NNRs) are some of the very finest sites in England for wildlife and geology, and provide great opportunities for people to experience nature. Almost all NNRs have some form of access provision. Many are fully open throughout the year as we want people to enjoy these wonderful places. To find out more about NNRs or other protected sites, please visit the Natural England designated areas webpage.
5. Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings. For further information about Natural England please visit: www.naturalengland.org.uk
