NATURE lovers are being encouraged to embrace the great outdoors by spending a night under the stars.

The RSPB has organised their annual Big Wild Sleepout event for the fourth consecutive year, asking families to venture into their gardens for natural adventuring.

Thousands of people will take part in sleepouts in their back gardens, in addition to organised events at RSPB sites and nature reserves across Dorset.

These events will allow people to get in touch with nature and discover the nocturnal wildlife on show in county, as well as providing a family adventure experience.

Camping methods of all varieties are encouraged, from the comfort of glamping to the simplicity of getting back to basics underneath the stars.

The Big Wild Sleepout feeds into the RSPB's 'Giving Nature a Home’ campaign, which focuses on inspiring people to convert their gardens and outdoor spaces into wildlife-friendly areas.

Organised RSPB events will include activities like stargazing, bushcraft and storytelling around the campfire.

There are also innovative events in the pipeline focused on camping out in unusual locations, such as in a museum or underneath a wind turbine.

James Harding-Morris, Big Wild Sleepout organiser, said: "Thousands of people across the UK will be going on a mini adventure and getting closer to wildlife in our fourth Big Wild Sleepout event.

"Our main aim is to get children and grown-ups connected to nature to help preserve it for future generations and what better way to do this than spending a night under the stars and getting to know the amazing animals around us that thrive in the dark.

"Nature is in trouble and by taking part in Sleepout and sharing your experiences with the RSPB, we’re getting a deeper understanding of the wildlife around us, as well as helping to give nature a home."

There will be a social media dimension to the campaign, with people encouraged to share their experiences and photos via #BigWildSleepout when the night is over.

The RSPB events take place across the last weekend in July, from Friday, July 29 until Sunday, July 31.

If you are interested in taking part, register for a Big Wild Sleepout pack at rspb.org.uk/sleepout.