Run by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Wilder Wednesdays is a programme of weekly wildlife sessions which is expanding thanks to additional support from Whiteley Town Council. Following a successful first year, the Trust is now increasing the number of activities, giving families even more opportunities to experience nature close to home.
Set within a major new neighbourhood planned for around 3,500 homes, Wilder Wednesdays already reaches many new local families. This year activities will include family nature walks, evening bat walks, a breakfast moth spotting session, plus the Trust’s signature Wilder Wednesdays’ family nature sessions.
The programme is part of a wider effort to help children and adults discover wildlife on their doorstep, whilst also building confidence outdoors and strengthening a sense of community.
Dawn O’Malley, Senior Engagement Manager at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust said: “Wilder Wednesdays gives families in North Whiteley the chance to explore local wildlife and spark those early steps towards nature connection. When children experience nature first-hand, they begin to value and care for the world around them, and that connection is essential if we want future generations to protect the environment we all depend on.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Whiteley Town Council for their support and funding, which means that even more families will be able to enjoy these experiences and connect with nature in 2026.”
Katie Mattingly, Community Development Officer at Whiteley Town Council said: ““We’re thrilled to support Wilder Wednesdays and the fantastic opportunities it gives families to enjoy the outdoors together right on their doorstep. Creating chances for people to connect, build friendships and feel part of their community is really important to us, and this programme does exactly that while also helping children develop a love for nature. We’re proud to be working with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust to make these experiences accessible for more local families.”
A family-friendly nature walk will take place at 10am on Saturday 21 February, leaving Barn Farm Community Centre in Whiteley at 10am. During the 2.4 mile walk the Trust will talk about the local wildlife to participants. Families can also join halfway through for a shorter walk. Further information is available by searching Whiteley Nature Walk on the Eventbrite website, or visiting here.
The programme in North Whiteley is led by one of the Trust’s Super Champions Rowena Cowton, who is helping families to discover wildlife together. Rowena adds: “It’s been wonderful to see families realise just how much nature there is around them. Watching children grow in confidence outdoors and seeing new friendships form has been incredibly rewarding.”
The programme continues to be funded by the National Lottery’s Reaching Communities Fund.
If you’d like to help wildlife and nature, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust runs an initiative called Team Wilder which helps people take action for wildlife in their own communities. From creating wildlife-friendly gardens and volunteering, to joining surveys and supporting local projects, there are lots of ways to make a real difference.
Find out more about Team Wilder and how you can get involved here.
