The month of June is a super time to get outdoors and enjoy the many joys and delights of nature. It’s no coincidence that The Wildlife Trusts chose this month for its annual 30 Days Wild challenge, which asks us to connect with nature and enjoy new experiences throughout June to benefit our health and wellbeing. With lush vegetation, long days, tuneful birdsong and (fingers crossed) plenty of sunshine, it’s a showstopper of a month as far as our natural world is concerned.

Here at Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, we’re calling on you to soak up this joy, through a weekly series of fun, themed activities and you can sign-up now for a participation pack full of hints, tips and ways to enjoy it to the max! There’s even an option if you’re taking part with children to opt for a kids’ version, which is suitable for families, schools and youth groups.

So, let’s gear up to naturally making our lives that little bit wilder - and better - this June, with 30 ideas to set you on your way!

Sign up for 30 Days Wild!

Help nature where you live

Knowing that we’re doing our bit for nature is great for our feel-good factor and doesn’t always take much time or effort. You could try any of these things this June

1. Don’t mow your lawn or leave a patch of grass – the ultimate lazy way to benefit nature, especially our pollinators who will benefit from the diversity of plants that will grow and provide nectar - just sit back and enjoy the buzz!

2. Fill up a bird bath, saucer or tub with fresh water for wildlife to drink and bathe in

3. Pick up the litter on the street outside your home…or if you feel inspired do a bit more and turn your street, community space or wider neighbourhood into a litter-free zone, go for it!

4. Create a log pile, where invertebrates can thrive, thereby providing a food source for a wide range of wildlife

5. Make a mini-pond out of a washing-up bowl or old sink – here’s how!

6. Pop a pollinator plant or seeds in your garden – look out for those with a ‘Plant for Pollinators’ logo or check out these plant recommendations here

7.  Give nature a home – put up a bird box or make a bee hotel

Move like wildlife

Seek adventure in your local neighbourhood and look out for what’s singing, buzzing, flowering and moving whilst you’re on the go.

8. Take the same walk at different times of the day and notice how the light changes

9. Watch the clouds move as you do too

10. Feel the wind on your face on your walk to school, commute or when you’re hanging your washing out!

11. Organise a team game with family, friends or colleagues in a local greenspace where everyone can join in

12. Listen to the sound of water flowing, birds singing and bees buzzing

13. Take your work or a meeting outdoors

14. Splash in a puddle – it’s wildly liberating!

15.  Wiggle your toes in the grass and feel the earth under your feet

Learn about wildlife

Wildlife is fascinating and there is so much we can learn about it and from it. Whether you get your inspiration from a book, online, or in the field, discover something new about our natural world this June.

16. Smell wild herbs or flowers – which do you find the most fragrant?

17. Check out the Peregrine Falcons nesting on St Albans Cathedral – watch them on the Cathedral’s webcam and keep your eyes peeled for weekend Peregrine Watch events being scheduled here

18. Read a book about nature or keep it brief with a poem!

19. Become a citizen scientist - sign up and take part in the Bugs Matter survey

20. Look at the wildflowers that grow on the roadside verges – can you identify them?

21. Protect our rivers by learning how you can conserve water

22. Learn more about our precious chalk rivers throughout Herts Rivers Week

Get creative with nature

Nature has inspired some of our greatest artists, writers and poets. Let it inspire you to get creative too!

23. Set a nature treasure hunt for family, friends or colleagues

24. Capture nature with your camera or smartphone

25. Learn to draw Kingfishers online – sign-up for this special event now!

26. Start a nature journal and write or sketch what you see

27. Go on a colour walk and mindfully seek out a particular colour – you can take inspiration from our blog here

28. Create a piece of nature art from found objects such as twigs, cones or seedheads

29. Use paper and a soft pencil to create bark rubbings of different species of trees

30. Make a nature-themed playlist

Of course, you’ll have your own ideas and we’d love to hear about them so please do share what you’re up to with the hashtag #30DaysWild on socials or by emailing us at media@hmwt.org

Sign up for 30 Days Wild!