Go wild this June with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
People can participate in lots of simple ways
People in Wiltshire are being encouraged to ‘go wild’ this June.
The 30 Days Wild challenge, run by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust (WWT), is the UK’s biggest nature challenge and calls on people to take on one small act of wildness each day throughout the month.
Kirstine Bowen from WWT says people can participate through anything that gets them outdoors:
“This could include having a picnic outside, Bird watching, going for a walk to your local park, or maybe visiting one of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust nature reserves across the county, you could even include something like hugging a tree or Bee spotting.”
Kirsten added, for those feeling really ambitious, they could build a birdhouse.
Benefit Mental Health by connecting with nature
Research has shown that spending time outside brings mental health benefits, while also increasing physical wellbeing.
Stress, anxiety and depression can all be reduced by being in natural areas.
It is hoped that by participating in the 30 Days Wild challenge, people develop their connectedness to nature.
Kirsten told us, getting outside is the first step: “Hopefully (the 30 Days Wild challenge) will encourage people to get more involved, perhaps by volunteering, or just exploring nature reserves and anything like that.”
Increased volunteers
Last year, more than half a million people took part in the challenge, with hopes of that number increasing.
And Kirstine says people volunteering after taking part has become more popular.
She said: “We have seen an increase in volunteers recently. We now have over 1000 volunteers helping at one of the regular monthly groups from the Wildlife Trust. It’s really exciting to see!”
People can still sign up to the 30 Days Wild challenge, which can be done through the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust website.
If people sign up before 9th June, they’ll receive a free activity pack which includes a wildflower seed park and games.