RSPB Wild Challenge

We’re often inspired by the work of charities and partners in Scotland, especially when they launch initiatives that offer a chance for young people to develop a sense of agency through outdoor learning. RSPB is currently running the Wild Challenge Awards, a fun initiative made up of activities that support young people to experience nature and help protect the natural world – with strong links to our Promise to the Planet. We know our young people rank the environment as one of their key concerns, and it’s an area they’d like more opportunities to support. We spoke to RSPB about the initiative, where it links in with Scouting activity badges and how to take part.

Brock Lueck, Acting Scotland Education, Families & Youth Manager at RSPB Scotland, said:

Making the world a better place for nature and ourselves has never been so important. As biodiversity collapses and the climate emergency reaches a critical moment, it’s crucial for children and young people to be supported to take action for nature. The RSPB is the UK’s largest conservation charity, and is always looking to collaborate with like-minded organisations such as Scouts Scotland. We share the ambition of helping children reach goals while they develop, and our Wild Challenge Awards are designed to help young people mark their achievements in experiencing and helping nature. 

Wild Challenge is open to all ages and abilities. Although mainly designed for primary aged school pupils in mainstream education, it can easily be adapted for all abilities – Squirrels through Explorers. There are three levels to the awards (Bronze, Silver and Gold) with many activities set out on the (schools) Wild Challenge website to choose from. Leaders will need to register.

The Wild Challenge website has guides on what you'll need to take part and (printable) step by step instructions for leaders to use. Complete 3 ‘Help Nature’ and 3 ‘Experience Nature’ activities and your group has earned an award to go along with the many Scouting Activity badges that Wild Challenge aligns with.

For instance, Squirrels might want to do some Pond Dipping, which also counts towards a Get Wild Activity Badge, while Beavers can do a Sensing the World activity towards a My Outdoors Challenge Award. Cubs can do a Minibeast Safari in support of their Gardener Activity Badge and Scouts and Explorers could do a Biodiversity Action Plan to work towards their Naturalist badge.

There is no shortage of activities to choose from that will get your group outdoors in nature, learning new skills and achieving while they do it. So, have a look and take advantage of some of the resources available. When done, simply let the RSPB know how many children were involved and upload a photo of what you did. Please send Scouts Scotland your photos too as we’d love you to share your group’s action for nature with other groups.