PERIVALE Wood will become a makeshift mattress for many a nature lover on Saturday night as part of the RSPB’s Big Wild Sleepout.

The project aims to raise public awareness about the creatures with whom they share their homes, as well as money to help protect them.

Rustic sleepovers are taking place throughout the country from today, and Saturday’s event, which coincides with the summer solstice, offers residents the first-ever opportunity to spend the night in Perivale Wood.

Organiser Richard Bashford, who described this as the charity’s biggest-ever fund-raiser, said: “Everyone is doing their bit to help save the UK’s threatened wildlife and, hopefully, having a lot of fun at the same time.”

Visitors will enjoy a bonfire, music and a night time walk through the Selborne Society Reserve – while being at one with some of the wildlife said to be endangered, including hedgehogs, starlings and butterflies.

Tickets cost £20 and booking is essential.

Gates open at 6.30pm and attendees are advised to bring a tent and sleeping bag, warm clothes and an evening picnic, but breakfast will be provided.

For more information and to find out where the money raised will go, visit: www.rspb.org.uk/events