PEOPLE are being urged to sign up to spend a night outside in a bid to reconnect children with nature.

The RSPB is asking people to sleep outside this weekend to get closer to nature as part of its Big Wild Sleepout event.

The group believes a generation of children with little or no contact with the natural world and wildlife is one of the biggest threats to UK nature.

And the Big Wild Sleepout aims to help families experience the sights and sounds of night-time wildlife and be inspired to help protect it.

Adventurous families are being urged to build dens and shelters to sleep in but you can stick to tents and caravans.

Big Wild Sleepout events will be happening across the country on RSPB reserves and partner sites.

Hundreds of people across Wiltshire have already signed up to take part in this weekend’s Big Wild Sleepout.

Morwenna Alldis, of the RSPB, said: “Whether you’re camping in a back garden or attending your local RSPB reserve event, we hope that thousands will be getting closer to nature and be inspired to help save it.

“Some of our best-loved garden favourites are among the creatures shown to be in serious trouble.

“And by taking part in this fun outdoor activity; we’re making the nation aware that nature needs our help.”

The Big Wild Sleepout is part of the RSPB’s Giving Nature A Home campaign, which is aimed at inspiring everyone to do their bit for nature, wherever they live and however big their outside space.

The RSPB has produced a free Big Wild Sleepout explorer pack containing all information on the event and ideas.

For more details visit the website, which can be found at rspb.org.uk/sleepout