[Source: The Wildlife Trusts]
– This year’s 30 Days Wild is supported by stars including The Vamps’ guitarist James McVey
– 78% of last year’s participants say the pandemic made them value nature more
– Two million people have taken part in the 30 Days Wild nature challenge so far
The Wildlife Trusts are counting down the days until the start of this year’s 30 Days Wild – the biggest nature challenge in the UK. Last year a record 760,000 took part and approximately two million people have participated since 30 Days Wild began in 2015.
Every year The Wildlife Trusts invite people to do one wild act every single day during the month of June, with the aim of bringing people closer to nature. Last year supporters completed over 16 million acts of wildness; the most popular activities were wildlife-watching, eating outdoors, planting wildflower seeds and listening to birdsong.
Other suggested wild acts include litter picking in your local area, bug-hunting and even taking on a fundraising challenge for wildlife. When surveyed, most participants said their favourite activities were those that directly helped nature, or those that expanded their knowledge of the natural world.
Funded by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, 30 Days Wild has an enthusiastic fan base and has attracted celebrity support from the likes of TV presenters Monty Don, Liz Bonnin and Dr Amir Khan, and this year is championed by The Vamps’ guitarist James McVey.
James McVey of The Vamps says:
“I’m really looking forward to getting involved with 30 Days Wild this summer. It doesn’t matter where you live, countryside, city and everywhere in between. I personally take huge enjoyment from being in nature, whether that’s doing 10,000 steps from my house, down to the river and back, or even something as simple as opening the windows and listening to the green parakeets in the summer (yes, we really do have them in London!). I like 30 Days Wild because it’s open to everyone and we can all benefit by giving just an ounce of effort! Please get involved.”
A survey of 2021 participants revealed that the pandemic positively affected their appreciation of the natural world, and that by connecting with nature, people were inspired to take action for the world around them:
- 78% of participants said the pandemic made them value nature more
- 88% said they were very likely to make their garden more wildlife-friendly after participating in 30 Days Wild, or had already done so
- 74% said they had either already taken action to reduce their carbon footprint, or were very likely to after taking part in 30 Days Wild
30 Days Wild is for people of all ages and from all backgrounds. From mums, dads and kids to schools and care homes, participants come from all walks of life.
Alison Loudon, a mum of five from Coatbridge, who participated in 30 Days Wild last year, says:
“I felt like a bit of a fraud joining the challenge as I wasn’t really an outdoors person at all, and just joined in as part of home-schooling my kids. I found I learned as much as they did, and the experience has been so enriching for myself and my kids. 30 Days Wild totally converted me and taught me and my family to pause for a minute, take in what’s around us, and do our bit for nature.”
In 2020, a five-year review of 30 Days Wild participants, run in conjunction with the University of Derby, found that people reported they felt happier and healthier from taking part, with positive effects lasting for at least two months afterwards.
