Go wild in June with the Wildlife Trusts

Date published: 04 June 2019

The Wildlife Trusts’ annual challenge, 30 Days Wild, is calling on everyone to go wild in June. 

This year looks set to be bigger and wilder than ever and so far, a record number of 74,000 people, families, schools, businesses and care homes throughout the UK have signed up to receive a free pack of ideas and to take part. 

30 Days Wild encourages everyone to enjoy nature in our neighbourhoods through daily Random Acts of Wildness: listening to bird song, gazing at butterflies, growing borage for bees and making the most of parks, gardens and school grounds. Evidence shows that taking part can also make us happier and healthier.

Chief Executive Officer of the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside, Anne Selby said: “In the last couple of years, thousands of individuals and families have taken part in 30 Days Wild. It’s great know whole families – boys, girls, mums, dads, grannies and granddads are getting out into the wild. 

“While it gives them a better appreciation of our nature and encourages them to help out to support it, it is also fantastic for their mental and physical health and well-being.

“30 Days Wild has become a national phenomenon and it is great that in the North West we are leading the way.”

Dr Amir Khan from Channel 5’s 'GPs: Behind Closed Doors' programme said:“Spending time outdoors, enjoying wildlife on our doorstep and in our communities is free and can benefit our mental and physical health in so many ways.

"Spend a few moments every day in June taking part in random acts of wildness, notice something new in nature, climb a tree or create space for nature in your neighbourhood, The Wildlife Trusts has lots of ideas and inspiration to help you make the most of the 30 Days Wild challenge. Go Wild!”

Leanne Manchester from The Wildlife Trust said: “30 Days Wild is a much-loved challenge and it’s set to be an exciting month for everyone taking part. Experiencing a moment of nature every day on our doorstep or during lunchtime at work is elating in June when wildlife is so active and visible.  

"Take time out to sit in a wild spot, enjoy the sunset or feel cool grass between your toes – June is such a beautiful month and the perfect time to go a bit wild.”

The impact of taking part in 30 Days Wild has also been tracked by academics at the University of Derby. Their study found that people who did something ‘wild’ each day for a month, felt happier, healthier and more connected to nature, with added benefits for the natural world too. 

This year 30 Days Wild is encouraging care homes to share the joy of nature with their residents. For the first time, there’s a specially tailored activity pack and over 350 care homes have so far signed up to take part.  

Sign-up to 30 Days Wild is still open, download a free pack:

• https://action.wildlifetrusts.org/page/40705/petition/1