The Wildlife Trusts’ annual challenge, 30 Days Wild, which is calling on everyone to go wild every day in June starts this weekend. This year looks set to be bigger and wilder than ever and so far Northumberland Wildlife Trust has 459 people signed up and is encouraging everybody in the region to sign up to receive a free pack of ideas and take part.

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

Supporting the 30 Days Wild challenge this year are:

James McVey of The Vamps said, “30 Days Wild is a fantastic challenge and everyone can take part - whether it’s building a den, listening to the dawn chorus or visiting a favourite wild place, enjoying our wonderful wildlife can help us to feel happier and healthier, I’ll be joining in this June!”

Dr Amir Khan from Channel 5’s GPs behind closed doors 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!”

Mike Pratt, Northumberland Wildlife Trust Chief Executive says: “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, so make the most of it. Take time out to sit in a wild spot, enjoy the sunset, drink a gin outside, feel fresh air 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.

Miles Richardson from the University of Derby said; “Our research looked at the impact of 30 Days Wild on 1000 people, two months after completing the challenge. All those taking part benefitted, feeling 30% healthier than when they started on average. People who reported a disconnect from nature and who spend less time outdoors, showed the greatest improvement in happiness and pro-conservation behaviours.  

“At a time when poor mental health is on the rise and the decline of our wildlife show no sign of slowing down, 30 Days Wild demonstrates what a much needed new relationship with nature might look like, for everyone, throughout the year.”

Sign-up to 30 Days Wild is still open, download a free pack! Over the next month, thousands of wonderful experiences will be shared on social media. Take a look at #30DaysWild @30DaysWild and see how daily connections with nature are inspiring people to enjoy the wild world around them wherever they live!