Three thrifty things to do for nature lovers!

Thank goodness things are looking brighter! The weather is improving, days are lasting longer and this summer is beckoning us with a promise of better things to come. As more events and activities open up to us post lockdown, it’s easy to understand why we would want to enjoy them as much as possible. However, as much as we would like to catch up on visiting these places, each activity could cost a lot of money. Your financial situation may have even changed a little over the last year too.

So, you still want to explore, but how do you do it without upsetting your bank balance too much? Here are three budget busting activities to bring you closer to nature and to help you to enjoy your life outside…..

Animal adventures

If you shop at Tesco like I do, you may find that you’ve built up quite a few “Clubcard” points to spend as a result of last year’s lockdowns. Why not use them for an animal adventure in the UK later this summer? There are currently 35 different attractions where your vouchers can be turned into a fabulous adventure for all the family. From safari parks and zoos to butterfly farms and SEALIFE Centres, there’s a huge choice of activities, and each voucher is worth three times the cost of your entrance fee in many cases. Have a browse at the options here. Just remember that zoos and wildlife centres have struggled for funding during the recent lockdowns, so if you can donate a little whilst you are there, you’ll be helping to maintain the wonderful wildlife you see for future visitors too.

Discounted days out

There are plenty of websites on local areas providing inspiration to enjoy nature and wildlife for free. Visit Lancashire has a great selection of nature reserves and animal themed visits, all of which can be enjoyed very cheaply, or in most cases, for free. Visit Dorset has a wonderful top ten list of cheap days out for enjoying wildlife and the great outdoors. Visit Wales has some super ideas for both young and old including dolphin spotting in Ceredigion, Geocaching in the wild landscape of the Brecon Beacons, as well as walking along the magnificent 870 mile long Wales Coast Path. In fact, many regional tourist board websites have brilliant ideas for places to visit on a budget, where you can enjoy local nature and wildlife. Of course, if you are a family and your child has managed to earn their Blue Peter badge, you’ll be one of the lucky ones eligible for free child entry at over fifty zoos, parks and wildlife themed attractions in the UK already!

Nature on your doorstep

Many people have enjoyed getting closer to nature during lockdown in their own gardens. Thanks to the RSPB, they can continue to enjoy and encourage local wildlife by using their “Nature on Your Doorstep” ideas. The activities are designed to be affordable, easy for beginners and relatively quick to complete. There are plenty of ‘how to’ videos and new features on easy ways you can encourage more wildlife. There are masses of ideas to try out such as creating a bee hotel and bird cafe, or even building your own nature highways and byways. The RSPB also have a wealth of creative ideas for children as part of its “Wild Challenge” section, something which I have highlighted in previous blogs. Great for extending that budget, keeping families entertained during the summer holidays and maintaining that close link with nature.

The best thing of course about these budget friendly attractions and ideas is that the cheaper they are, the more you can do! Now get out and enjoy that summer……

Please see the latest UK’s COVID-19 regulations in the RESOURCES section for up-to-date advice on travelling this summer.

For more ideas on outside adventures, follow me at alifeoutsideblog.com. If you liked what you’ve read, don’t forget to like, or share this page too!