It's a wild night out - but not as you might expect.

The RSPB's annual Big Wild Sleepout will see families across the UK going on a mini adventure this weekend, with Lakenheath Fen one of the sites taking part.

And the bird charity says they are in for a treat after a warm July led to a surge in sightings of nocturnal creatures such as owls, bats, moths and hedgehogs.

As well as official events at designated sites, families are being encouraged to get wild in their own back garden by camping out.

Ben Andrew, RSPB Wildlife Advisor, said: 'The UK is home to 2,800 species of moth but like many nocturnal creatures they are the stuff of mystery – enigmatic species that we rarely see.

'The warmer weather has meant species like hedgehogs, badgers, bats and owls are out earlier looking for moths and other food in gardens and outdoor spaces, providing people with the best opportunity to see them.'

James Harding-Morris, RSPB Big Wild Sleepout organiser, said: 'Spending time as a family in nature is something special – whether it's camping out under the stars, seeing your first hedgehog or building a den.

'The Big Wild Sleepout is the perfect opportunity for children and families to break free of the norm and spend a night out in the wild looking for the amazing animals around us that thrive in the dark.'