How you can get involved in 30 Days Wild nature challenge starting in June

Research has shown the effects of connecting with nature can have a long-lasting impact

There's never been a better time to get close to nature and so far a record 430,000 people agree, as they prepare to join in The Wildlife Trusts’ 30 Days Wild challenge.

The UK's largest annual nature challenge kicks off once again on Monday, June 1 and interest is higher than ever as people seek out nature during the coronavirus pandemic.

Locally, the wildlife charity encourages everyone in Nottinghamshire to do something that connects them with nature where they live every single day of June.

And here at the Nottingham Post we will be celebrating those moments of nature with you, sharing your pictures and tales every day in our newspaper and through our Instagram page over the next month.

Whether its bird watching from your window, exploring a nature reserve near your home, or building a bug hotel in your garden - the key is to keep it wild.

More than a million people have taken part in 30 Days Wild during the last five years with 2019 being the most successful so far, attracting 400,000 participants.

But this June, The Wildlife Trusts believe the challenge will prove more popular than ever as the UK battles with social restrictions and people look for ways to keep spirits up.

While time spent outside may be limited, daily nature activities – even at home – can open a door to a world of sensory delights, from listening to birdsong or growing a pot of wildflowers on a windowsill.

And recent research by The Wildlife Trusts and the University of Derby proved the benefits of connecting with nature have a long-lasting impact.

Surveys taken of more than 1,000 participants of 30 Days Wild over the past five years showed the challenge significantly increases people’s happiness, health and sense of nature.

But more importantly, the positive increases are sustained for a minimum of two months after it is over with people starting with a weak connection to nature seeing the greatest benefit.

Dom Higgins, head of health and education at The Wildlife Trusts, says: “Our lives have been changed by coronavirus and this is giving people a reason to reflect on our relationship with nature, the way we live our lives and how we spend our free time.

"Precious moments outside on a daily walk help us to relax and feel happier. Even watching wildlife from a window, or on a webcam, connects us to that sense of being a part of nature, not apart from it.”

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This year, as well as a record number of sign ups, more than 1,000 care homes have also shown their interest, proving the challenge is perfect for anyone, whatever your age, interests or location.

Erin McDaid, Head of Communications at Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust said: "In 2019 we experimented with a new activity pack for care homes and the response was tremendous.

"So many of us have been seeking a connection with nature during the pandemic but we’re thrilled that double the number of care homes have signed up to do 30 Days Wild this June.

“We have also developed a new guide to going wild for people supporting elderly relatives at home – full of ideas to help them experience the wild, even if stuck indoors."

Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust has worked closely with the team at Langwith Lodge care home near Mansfield.

Ahead of the third consecutive year of taking part, Louise Baker, of Your Health Limited, said: "The benefits of 30 Days Wild have been far-reaching for our staff and residents and have lasted well beyond June.

"Residents have been reminded of their own wild childhoods, reminiscing and telling stories of summers gone by. The sensory benefits of nature, of soothing scents and textures, have really inspired us too.

"We have also noticed that residents are less inclined to anxiety when they're engaged with nature; nature has a habit of calming the soul and does wonders for residents' mental wellbeing.

“We are thrilled that so many care homes are joining us this year, and cannot wait to hear about their adventures."

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To get involved, free activity packs are available online to help you find new and easy ways of noticing nature even while social distancing.

These ‘random acts of wildness’ range from walking barefoot on grass, to sitting beneath a tree or watching birds on a feeder.

The 2020 challenge also has new downloads to enjoy from a range of well-known supporters including: wildlife gardening tips from Monty Don, a beginner’s guide to wildlife photography from award-winning George Stoyle and wild fitness ideas from Zanna Van Dijk.

And don't miss out on the Big Wild Weekend, held Saturday 20th June which this year will invite participants to camp in their back garden or create a wild and beautiful nature den indoors.

Sign-up, download inspiration and get ready to share your daily #30DaysWild by visiting www.wildlifetrusts.org/30DaysWild

You can also share ideas and photos on Instagram using the #30DaysWild hashtag at @Nottswildlife.

The Post would also like to see your photos too - send them to nottinghamshirelive on Instagram or @nottslive on Twitter.