A mum, dad and daughter having a family day out in a bluebell woods. Picture: Tom Marshall
BBOWT is calling on the public to do one wild thing every day for a whole month this summer, as the UK’s biggest nature challenge returns.
The Trust is encouraging locals to join this year’s 30 Days Wild in June to reconnect with nature and feel better as a result.
The fun challenge is run by The Wildlife Trusts, which invites people across the country to do one wild act a day such as going for a walk in a park, feeding the birds or taking a picture of a sunset.
Sisters Stephanie and Rebecca Godwin have a picnic at Wildmoor Heath nature reserve with their mum Sarah as part of their 30 Days Wild activities in 2021. Picture: Sarah Godwin
Sarah Godwin, from Berkshire, joined 30 Days Wild with her girls Stephanie and Rebecca last year, and for a month they chased bumblebees around bushes, walked barefoot through the grass, hunted for bats and drew pictures of flowers.
Now they are planning to take the challenge on again next month and are encouraging others to join them.
Sarah, who lives with her family in Wokingham, said:
"The 30 Days Wild challenge gave us a chance to connect with nature on a daily basis, and all the tasks were achievable and enjoyable. My children learnt so much because there was a variety of activities, from a day out to reading a poem.
"Stephanie, my elder daughter, said her favourite task was painting the sunset and that nature makes her feel happy. Rebecca, my youngest, said she enjoyed walking barefoot on our grass and that nature is lovely!"
Daily wild acts can be as simple as having your lunch in the wild, paddling your feet in a stream, gazing at the clouds, or just reading a poem about the natural world. Everyone who signs up gets a free pack bursting with wild ideas and fun activities to keep going through the whole month.
The challenge is coordinated locally by BBOWT, and last year more than 4,000 people signed up across our three counties, including more than 675 schools, 35 care homes and 35 businesses.
Participants are encouraged to share pictures and videos of what they are doing on social media to inspire other people, and BBOWT also posts ideas throughout the month.
BBOWT CEO Estelle Bailey having a wild photoshoot as part of 30 Days Wild.
Estelle Bailey, CEO of BBOWT, said:
“I know that getting closer to nature really does make me happier and healthier. We all need nature – for clean water, food and fresh air – and for our physical and mental health. Taking part in 30 Days Wild is a wonderful way to explore the natural world on your doorstep and to take action to help nature, too.
"So why not get in touch with your wild side and sign up for our nature challenge this year? It’s good for you, it’s good for wildlife and it’s brilliant fun.”
A girl hugging a tree. Picture: Eleanor Church
Some of last year's most popular activities were wildlife watching, eating outdoors and planting wildlife seeds.
A survey of participants revealed that the pandemic positively affected their appreciation of the natural world, and that by connecting with nature, people were inspired to take action for the world around them:
▪ 78% of participants said the pandemic made them value nature more
▪ 88% said they were very likely to make their garden more wildlife-friendly after participating in 30 Days Wild, or had already done so
▪ 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
Sign up for this year's challenge and get a free activity pack at wildlifetrusts.org/30dayswild
