Naturalists, TV presenters and authors are backing The Wildlife Trusts’ national nature challenge to do something ‘wild’ every day during June. Household names have put their weight behind the campaign to reconnect people with wildlife in a fun and inspirational way. 55,500 people, schools and workplaces have signed up to 30 Days Wild which starts on Friday June 1st. Sign-ups are rising, and we hope to beat last year when an estimated 250,000 took part.
- Kate Humble, TV presenter, wildlife, nature and science programmes says:
“I have got a challenge, I want you – throughout the month of June – to go outside every day! That’s 30 whole days going outside. Why wouldn’t you? Just go wild in June!”
Research shows taking part in 30 Days Wild improves health and happiness and encourages people to do something to help wildlife.
- Nick Baker, naturalist and television presenter says:
“Ever since I was a small boy I’ve been fascinated by wildlife and the natural world. It’s so important for us all to have regular contact with nature – I know it makes me feel happier and healthier. Taking the 30 Days Wild challenge is a brilliant way to reconnect with your own wild side – so why not get out and go wild this June?”
New this year is the first ever Big Wild Weekend on 16th & 17th June: Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust are holding theirs along the River Gade water meadows at Great Gaddesden. There will be wildlife activities and family fun. Hertfordshire residents can also enjoy wildlife events running across the month and 30 Days Wild social media updates every day with fun ideas to try themselves.
New research
New research shows that 30 Days Wild is unique in improving people’s perception of beauty in nature, and that noticing natural beauty makes people happier and want to care for it.
Dr Miles Richardson, Director of Psychology, University of Derby* explains:
“Over the past three years we’ve repeatedly found that taking part in 30 Days Wild improves health, happiness, nature connection and conservation behaviours. Now we’ve discovered that engagement with the beauty of nature is part of that story.
“Tuning-in to the everyday beauty of nature becomes part of a journey which connects us more deeply to the natural world. As people’s appreciation of natural beauty increases, so does their happiness. We respond to beauty – it restores us and balances our emotions. This, in turn, encourages people to do more to help wildlife and take action for nature.”
30 Days Wild is encouraging people to make their neighbourhoods wilder and green- up their streets, to help wildlife and to share the joy of nature.
Lucy McRobert, Campaigns Manager for The Wildlife Trusts says:
“30 Days Wild is a lovely way to get closer to nature and marvel at the everyday wildlife that lives all around you. Sit quietly and enjoy watching dragonflies dance over a pond or take a moment to sow a window-box of wildflowers to help bees. Get together with your neighbours to create hedgehog highways or sow front-garden meadows along the length of your street. No matter how small the action, it all counts!”
30 Days Wild pack
Sign-up to 30 Days Wild and you’ll get a free pack with a booklet of inspirational ideas for Random Acts of Wildness, a recipe for wild strawberry and thyme ice cream, wildflower seeded paper to sow, a wall chart to record your activities and wild stickers. There are special packs for schools with outdoor lesson plans and giant Random Acts of Wildness cards. Workplaces can join in too, with tailored download packs to bring the ‘wild’ to work.