Throughout the month of June, The Wildlife Trusts for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside are inviting everyone to get closer to nature by taking part in 30 Days Wild. Now running for over a decade, 30 Days Wild is made possible thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery. It is hugely popular and has helped people to get outside to enjoy and connect with nature as part of their everyday lives, boosting wellness, a sense of ownership and belonging, and a responsibility for wildlife.
Each day, participants receive tips and activity ideas directly to their email inbox, suitable for families, friends, or individuals, along with content and inspiration on social media. Since 2015, over three million people have taken part in wildlife walks, identified species, made eco-crafts, learned new things, and re-connected with nature and a sense of wellbeing.
Weekly Themes and Flexible Participation
This year’s challenge features fun, distinctive, themed activities to draw inspiration from each week, with no pressure to do something every single day. A new poll published last month found that nearly half of UK adults spend just three hours or less outdoors a week, despite fond childhood memories of being outdoors. A significant 83.7 per cent of parents surveyed recalled their childhood memories and now wish to encourage their own children to have more natural childhoods.
This reveals a deep connection between childhood and nature in the north west, demonstrating that an affinity with the wild world is seeded in childhood years and continues to grow if nurtured. The joy experienced in nature as a child never truly leaves us. Often, it is not a lack of will or interest that prevents re-connection with the wild world, but schedules, responsibilities, habits, and lifestyle that can feel like barriers to spending more time outdoors.
How to Get Involved
The survey results show that most people recognise that taking actions for nature is beneficial for themselves and for the next generation. This is all the more reason to join 30 Days Wild this year, to see how simple nature-focused tasks and activities can make a huge impact on mindset and help participants feel part of something bigger. Sign-ups to receive the resource pack and emails close on June 14. Participants can do one thing every day for the month, or just a few things in a week.
Whatever you choose, you will be making a positive impact for people and the planet. The Wildlife Trusts encourage sharing your 30 Days Wild journey on social media, highlighting how it has benefited you. Join the 30 Days Wild community for daily doses of inspiration, wildlife facts, and eco-activities. Use social media to connect with others across Greater Manchester who are embracing nature this June.
Sign up for the daily mailing and activity pack via the Lancashire Wildlife Trust website. Join in via social media on Facebook or Instagram to enjoy extra content and share your journey and discoveries with the rest of Manchester. By Amy Shakeshaft for The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside. To become a member, visit the website at www.lancswt.org.uk or call 01772 324129. For more information about Cheshire Wildlife Trust, call 01948 820728 or go to www.cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk.
