BBC One Show's Mike Dilger travels to Rugby to hold 'Really Wild' events for residents

Wildlife Reporter Mike Dilger joined residents at Houlton to host a series of ‘Really Wild’ outdoor events, encouraging locals to see, hear and explore the living world around them.

The event, held on Wednesday May 19, saw attendees of all ages enjoy getting back to nature through the series of ‘Really Wild’ sessions, held on-site at Houlton's ecological habitats and green spaces.

Wildlife expert and BBC reporter Mike Dilger, best known for his work on The One Show, hosted the events to engage differing age-groups.

Activities included big bug hunts and mammal observation for younger children, through to plant spotting and bat walks for teens and adults.

Hosted annually, The Really Wild event provides a fun, interactive and educational opportunity for residents to actively learn how they can help to preserve and encourage wildlife across the extensive green spaces, ponds and wildlife corridors of Houlton.

‘Really Wild’ has become a popular annual event at Houlton alongside the introduction of several community initiatives across the ecological habitats, including the protection of the great crested newts and a ‘hedgehog highway’ project to help address a rapid decline in population of the species nationally.

Galina Bardarska, from Urban&Civic said: “We are dedicated to helping create and preserve natural spaces throughout Houlton, and we’re proud that the development is already home to a wide variety of ecological habitats and mature green spaces.

“This year’s event proved to be another success and it was great to see residents of all ages attend to learn more about the wildlife living on our doorstep and get outside to explore the extensive natural habitats.”

Mike Dilger, TV ecologist, said: “After the pandemic, it was great to be able to hold the outdoor event for Urban&Civic. It was a fantastic opportunity to further emphasise the importance of green space and the wonderful variety of wildlife living just on their doorstep.”