Dare to be wild!

Every June we’re encouraged to take part in the UK’s biggest nature challenge, which inspires daily random acts of wildness – from bird watching, walking barefoot on grass, to sitting beneath a tree.

The annual 30 Days Wild challenge celebrates the rich nature on our doorstep by spending a month doing something ‘wild’ every day and appreciating the natural world.

This challenge, which is organised by the Wildlife Trust, gives us even more reason to reflect on our relationship with nature, enjoy the wildlife close to our homes and embrace the solace that spending time in nature can provide.

Connecting to the natural world and the wildlife is proven to have beneficial effects to mental health.

In fact, the feel-good factor from simple daily contact with nature can last for months, once initiated, according to a review from The Wildlife Trusts. The results show that taking part in 30 Days Wild not only significantly increases wellbeing and a heightened sense of nature, but that this sustained for a minimum of two months after the challenge ends!

And, importantly, taking part also inspires significant increases in positive behaviour toward nature, suggesting that people who feel connected to nature are more likely to protect it.

The lovely thing about the challenge is that anyone can take part.

The Wildlife Trusts provide free online activity packs to help participants of all ages and locations find new, easy ways of noticing nature.

Whether it’s putting food out for hedgehogs, building a bug hotel, sowing wildflowers in your garden, learning more about the natural world, or relaxing outdoors every small action can help reverse nature’s decline, and help us both mentally and physically.

We dare you to join us and be wild every June, and for the other 364 days of the year!

The time for talking is over, today we need to act.