There are a number of ways you can help look after the environment while having a family day out or adventure. And not only do you get the warm fuzzy feeling that you’re making a positive difference to the planet, but you get to do so in some wonderful locations.

The National Trust runs working holidays, which last from two to seven days. Depending on the holiday, you may be working on conservation projects, construction projects or even helping to run a National Trust event. The breaks cost from £60 a week per person, including food and hostel-type accommodation, and are only available to over 16s.

Adopt-a-Beach is a scheme organized by the Marine Conservation Society. Anyone can adopt their favourite stretch of coastline and take part in beach clean-ups and surveys, collecting litter and recording what has been found. You can either organise your own survey or attend an already arranged event.

Local Wildlife Trusts run Wildlife Watch Groups where children can discover wildlife in their local area while getting involved with art projects, recycling and other practical activities, such as pond dipping and surveying barn owls. Kids will be learning about the environment and making a difference at the same time.

Naturally, signing up for an organised activity isn’t your only option. Families can help protect the environment in all their daily activities, by picking up litter in the countryside when they see it and not leaving any of their own, as well as taking care not to disturb the wildlife they come across on other adventures.

More information on National Trust Working Holidays can be found at www.nationaltrust.org.uk, while www.thistlecamps.org.uk has details of similar holidays run by the National Trust for Scotland. The Adopt-a-Beach website is www.adoptabeach.org.uk. You can find out more about Wildlife Watch Groups at www.wildlifewatch.org.uk.

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