The UK’s biggest nature challenge, 30 Days Wild, kicks off on 1st June.
Last year, more than 760,000 took part in the challenge, which encourages people to do something wild every day throughout June.
30 Days Wild is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
Popular activities include wildlife-watching, breakfasting outdoors each day, and listening to birdsong. 30 Days Wild fans interpret the challenge in different ways – from planting for pollinators to taking on sporting challenges to raise money for The Wildlife Trusts. Treasured moments from the challenge include:
- The participant who posted packets of wildflower seeds to their neighbours
- The person who woke up 5am every day to catch the sunrise and dawn chorus
- The enthusiast who crocheted a blanket with 30 wildlife species – one square a day
Actor and presenter Cel Spellman is backing 30 Days Wild this June, citing the health and wellbeing benefits of spending time in nature.
Cel Spellman, ambassador for The Wildlife Trusts, says:
“30 Days Wild is a brilliant way to explore and develop our relationship with nature and to enjoy new experiences outdoors. Not just that, the benefits that time in nature has for our physical and mental health are quite amazing. I can’t wait to get involved this year, and I hope that people of all ages and backgrounds do the same. It's good for the soul and good for nature.”
Nick Acheson, Norfolk Wildlife Trust Ambassador, says “30 Days Wild is a firm fixture in my calendar. It’s a brilliant way for people to get outside and experience the amazing wild things that Norfolk’s nature has to offer.
“We know that the natural world is struggling and needs all the help it can get. 30 Days Wild is about everyone in society becoming nature advocates and defenders!
“This June I’ll be going on plenty of wild walks, climbing trees, swimming in rivers, teaching workshops, sharing photographs and writing about nature; all with a view to sharing the wildest 30 days of my year.”
For the first day of the challenge, Norfolk Wildlife Trust are inviting you to join them in eating breakfast outdoors! Head into your garden, nearest nature reserve or local green space, and kick off the month with a munch amongst nature.
Norfolk’s wildlife calendar is full of highlights in June, and Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s wild spaces and events across the county are the perfect way to spend some time in nature.
Or maybe you’d like do something to support your local wildlife? Some ideas include:
- Celebrate World Swallowtail Day on Sunday 12th June 2022, by heading out to look for one of these rare and spectacular butterflies at sites including NWT Hickling Broad, NWT Upton Broad and Marshes or NWT Ranworth Broad
- Enjoy a free family fun day at NWT Cley Marshes
- Take part in a beach clean on the Norfolk coast
- Plant some bee-friendly plants in your garden or local green space
- Feed the birds
- Sketch or take a photo of something wild every day in June
A survey of 2021 participants revealed that taking part in 30 Days Wild improved people’s relationship with nature and inspired them to take action.
88% said they were very likely to make their garden more wildlife-friendly after participating in 30 Days Wild
74% said they had either already taken action to reduce their carbon footprint, or were very likely to after taking part in 30 Days Wild
30 Days Wild is for people of all ages and from all backgrounds, with families, schoolchildren, and care home residents all taking part.
A five-year review of 30 Days Wild participants, run in conjunction with the University of Derby, found that people reported they felt happier and healthier from taking part, with positive effects lasting for at least two months afterwards.
Sign up to take part in 30 Days Wild today to receive a free pack with a calendar to track your wild month, and regular emails featuring loads of great ideas for rewilding your world here in Norfolk, visit:
wildlifetrusts.org/30dayswild