Last year 400,000 people took part in The Wildlife Trust’s initiative across the UK, completing over 10 million ‘random acts of wildness’. 2020’s challenge is more important than ever as we enjoy the wildlife close to our homes, benefitting from the solace nature can provide during times of uncertainty.
Those signing up for the challenge can download an online pack with a colourful wallchart, a wild bingo game, a colour-in window poster and a logbook with ideas to record your activities, ready to start on Monday 1st June. You will also receive emails throughout June containing ideas for wild activities you can get involved with at home.
DWT’s Marketing Manager, Sally Welbourn, said “We’re so pleased to see the return of 30 Days Wild. It fits perfectly with our Dorset Wildlife Window campaign, which, since March, has been encouraging people to share photos and videos of the wildlife they are seeing in their gardens, on their balconies or out of their windows. It is comforting to see wildlife is carrying on as normal, even if we can’t. 30 Days Wild is for everyone – wherever you live, whatever your age! There are plenty of support materials in your online pack, with ideas for crafting with nature, going plastic-free for a day, or how to help bees and butterflies in your garden.”
Research from previous years shows that taking part in 30 Days Wild is good for you. Participants reported feeling happier, healthier, and more connected to nature after taking part*.
The Wildlife Trusts’ health ambassador and TV doctor, Dr Amir Khan, 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 every day this June?”
Share your wild activities with Dorset Wildlife Trust using @DorsetWildlife on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, using the hashtags #30dayswild and #dorsetwildlifewindow.