The Wildlife Trusts’ are counting down to the start of this year’s 30 Days Wild: June’s national nature challenge to do something wild every day for a whole month. Back for its sixth year, 2020’s challenge is more important than ever as we enjoy the wildlife close to our homes and the solace enjoying nature can provide.
30 Days Wild is for everyone – wherever you live, whatever your age! This year, all the amazing resources will be available exclusively online and include a colourful wallchart, a wild bingo game, colour-in window poster and a passport log-book with ideas to record wonderful wild actions – including crafting with nature or going plastic-free for a day, to taking action for bugs, bees and butterflies in your garden.
People signing up can receive more ideas from Norfolk Wildlife Trust throughout June. These will include more inspiration about wildlife gardening, nature photography, writing and blogging and making wildlife films.
Research shows that taking part in 30 Days Wild is good for you. People say they felt happier, healthier and more connected to nature after taking part. Studies also show that when people feel connected to nature, they are more likely to care for it.
Dr Amir Khan, The Wildlife Trusts’ health ambassador and TV doctor, said:
“Being outdoors and enjoying nature is fantastic. Not only to see what’s going on around us, but also for our physical and mental health. A lot of research has shown that spending – even a short amount of time – embracing nature, can have a positive effect on our health. Why not join us and do something wild everyday this June?”
Conservation Officer at Norfolk Wildlife Trust, Helen Baczkowska said:
“I know I am not the only one to have been seeking solace by watching nature over the past few months and working from home in spring this year gave me an opportunity to take time to enjoy the wildlife on my doorstep. Each year, the Wildlife Trusts run 30 Days Wild encouraging people to take ‘random of acts of wildness’ to enjoy the natural world; this doesn’t necessarily mean trying to identify species or learn long, scientific names - just being outside and appreciating what is around you.
“Norfolk Wildlife Trust will be sharing ideas to try, either on a local walk or at home. Here are a few I am going to do as soon as I can: stargazing on a summer night (look out for shooting stars) and watching webcams of nature reserves as young birds fledge and take to the skies. I want to try the ‘race to find a rainbow’ in the garden – finding natural things, from sticks to petals, that match all the colours of the rainbow and finally I will be inviting a friend into nature by sharing our wildlife photos and sightings online.”