Family-friendly outdoor wildlife scheme set to expand in North Whiteley

Wilder Wednesdays, run by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust in North Whiteley, will expand in 2026 with extra activities supported by Whiteley Town Council. The programme will add family walks, bat and moth sessions while continuing weekly family nature activities.

Wilder Wednesdays is a weekly wildlife programme run by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust in North Whiteley. It offers hands-on nature experiences aimed at families and young children. With additional support from Whiteley Town Council, the scheme will expand to offer more activities in 2026. Organisers say the change is intended to help families spend time outdoors together and build connections with local wildlife. Details: - Wilder Wednesdays runs weekly in North Whiteley and focuses on family nature activities. - Whiteley Town Council is providing support and funding to expand the programme in 2026. - Planned additions include family nature walks, evening bat walks, a breakfast moth spotting session and the Trust's established Wilder Wednesdays family sessions. - Dawn O'Malley, senior engagement manager at the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, said the programme gives families a chance to explore local wildlife and begin building nature connection. - Katie Mattingly, community development officer at Whiteley Town Council, said the council is proud to work with the Trust to make these experiences accessible for more local families. - A family nature walk is scheduled for 10am on Saturday, February 21, starting from Barn Farm Community Centre; further information is listed on Eventbrite under "Whiteley Nature Walk". Summary: The expansion is expected to make more family-focused wildlife activities available to North Whiteley residents in 2026. Organisers report the programme supports community connection and early nature experiences for children. The next scheduled event is the family nature walk on February 21.