Over the last few weeks we have been working with the team at Beyond Escapes to explore the art of dens and how we could get all children, everywhere, falling in love with den building again.

It comes off the back of research with 1,000 parents that found over a third, 36 per cent, of UK mums and dads don’t think their children spend enough time playing outside. This despite all of the evidence showing that learning the art of den making is a great way to encourage kids to leave the tech behind this summer, and let their imaginations run wild.

We’ve teamed up with Beyond Escapes to help kids BE Wild! with information and ideas for how to build the ultimate den and games to play once your basecamp is made.

Beyond Escapes Devon is a newly opened holiday and leisure experience. To inspire holidaymakers to get outdoors and create their own den, it is now offering den kits available to hire free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis from reception. The complimentary kits include instructions, a basic den, guides on foraging for natural materials, camouflage face paints and more, for use on the Beyond Escapes Devon grounds.

Pupils from Collaton St Mary’s Primary School in Devon were among the first to put their den-building skills to the test, and we helped them to create a whole load of different den structures. Watch them in action, find a how-to build a den guide and lots more about the campaign here.

The den-revival campaign by Beyond Escapes Devon and The Wild Network is also supporting Save the Children’s annual den day initiative, helping to build a better world and make sure children have a safe place to sleep and play. Beyond Escapes is hoping to raise over £1,000 for Save the Children, with 50 pence donated for every different den picture posted on social media using #BEaDenHero, of dens built at the Beyond Escapes Devon resort.

For those keen to get den building in their own garden, or to practise their den building skills before visiting Beyond Escapes Devon, follow these seven key steps produced by BE Wild!

1. Find: Locate your perfect den spot

2. Forage: Source the material you want to use to make your den

3. Foundation: Pick your base tree to build your den around

4. Frame: Construct your den frame

5. Finesse: Add the final personal touches to your den

6. Fun: Games to play with your new den

7. Friends: Make den friends and have lots of adventure

For more information about Beyond Escapes Devon, the BE Wild! campaign or to book a stay, visit https://beyondescapes.co.uk/be-wild-a-den-hero