The Summer Holidays are here! It’s the perfect time to go out and be with nature, spend time with family and friends and find new species. August may not be the most active month to see wildlife, most of the busy nesting and territory marking has been done, many flowers are fading and species are staying cool, safe and hidden – but if you know what you are looking for there’s still plenty to enjoy.

One group of species you can usually see during August is bats, they are most commonly seen on warm dry evenings and the best places nearby to spot these nocturnal creatures include Paxton Pits and Brampton Woods. Look out for pipistrelles 10 or 20 metres off the ground, Daubenton’s flying low over rivers and lakes and noctules high up in the tree tops. Swifts can also be seen in flocks during August in early morning or late afternoon. They have nested and their young have fledged, now they are gathering together and feeding up ready for their epic journey back to Africa. One day the swooping screams will be ever present and the next they’ll be gone.

We will have events on to keep you entertained and connected to nature throughout August. At Paxton Pits Education Centre there are our Discover and Explore events where all the family can get involved in helping to create birdfeeders for your garden visitors. This will be held on three dates the 17th, 19th and 21st of August 2026.

Also at Paxton Pits, Nature journaling for Youths with Sharon Williamson will be held on the 18th of August, aimed at 11-25 year olds, this will inspire young people to be creative and draw or write about the nature they encounter and love.

Get full information and book tickets at wildlifebcn.org/events