Wildlife trust's 30 Days Wild event returning

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is inviting people across the county to discover the health benefits of nature on their doorsteps.

The organisation is part of national movement The Wildlife Trusts’ annual 30 Days Wild challenge. 

A new poll has revealed that connecting with nature close to home significantly boosts health and wellbeing, and this June is the perfect opportunity to experience those benefits firsthand.

The Savanta poll, conducted ahead of the 30 Days Wild challenge, found that over half of respondents felt that listening to birdsong, hearing bees buzz, and seeing and smelling wildflowers improved their health and wellbeing. 

This aligns with feedback from last year’s 30 Days Wild participants, where three-quarters reported improvements in their mental health and wellbeing through simple activities like spending time outdoors and observing wildlife.   

This June, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust will be encouraging everyone to connect with nature through a series of fun, themed weekly activities. They can sign up now to receive an inspirational guide packed with ideas and a free packet of herb seeds to kickstart their wild adventure in Wiltshire.

Liz Bonnin, TV presenter and president of The Wildlife Trusts, said: “Connecting to the natural world is the first step to caring for it and playing a part in protecting it. 

"It starts with the simple things – listening to morning birdsong, to hedgerows humming with life, or even just pausing to watch the clouds drift across the sky. This June, join us for #30DaysWild with The Wildlife Trusts, and fall back in love with nature. 

"I believe in the magic of nature. It heals, it inspires and reconnects us to what truly matters in life. If you’ve never taken part in 30 Days Wild before, this is your year. Fall back in love with the planet – one wild day at a time.”

This year’s 30 Days Wild challenge offers fun, distinctive, themed activities each week:

- Help nature where you live: Try growing wildlife-friendly plants, leaving out food and water, or building homes for wildlife.

- Get physical with nature in mind: Find adventure in the everyday by going for local bike rides or new woodland walks. Try out wildlife yoga or play sensory bingo.

- Learn about the amazing wildlife around us: Download our spotter guide and see how many creatures you can find, join a wildlife talk and learn from experts, or read a book about wildlife.

- Get creative with nature: Start a nature journal or create a wild picture using fallen objects.

30 Days Wild encourages everyone to connect with nature. Wiltshire Wildlife Trust has curated a  list of simple and fun activities for each day in June. 

Becki Mckinlay Director of Engagement and Fundraising for Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, said: “We’re so excited to see the communities in our county enjoy our glorious wildlife in Wiltshire through the 30 Days Wild challenge. 

"Whether you want to visit one of our reserves for the first time, try something new like pond dipping or wildlife photography, or join one of our volunteering activities, there are endless ways for anyone and everyone to feel the benefit of nature. In taking part, you are also helping us to support Nature's recovery here in Wiltshire. We encourage everyone to get involved and spread the word to their friends and family.”

People can find out more and sign up via wiltshirewildlife.org/30DaysWild.