IT’s time to celebrate the rich nature on our doorstep by spending a month doing something ‘wild’ every day.

THE Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) 30 Days Wild challenge has been running for six years and is part of a national initiative to get us outside – and appreciating the natural world.

This year’s challenge is more important than ever as we enjoy the wildlife close to our homes and the solace that spending time in nature can provide.

The 30 Days Wild challenge is for everyone, wherever you live, whatever your age. This year, all of the amazing resources will be available exclusively online and include a colourful wallchart, a wild bingo game, colour-in window poster and a passport log-book with ideas to record wonderful wild actions.

Suggestions range from crafting with nature or going plastic-free for a day, to taking action for bugs, bees and butterflies in your garden.

People signing up can receive more ideas from wildlife trusts throughout June. These will include more inspiration about wildlife gardening, nature photography, writing and blogging and making wildlife films.

Research shows that taking part in 30 Days Wild is good for you.

Read more: See how this wild Oxford band have been spending lockdown + watch video here

The wildlife trusts and the University of Derby evaluated survey responses from over 1,000 people who have participated over five years and discovered that the positive effects are still felt two months after the challenge is over.

The people who benefit most are those who have a relatively weak connection with nature at the start.

The health of participants increased by an average of 30 per cent, and 30 Days Wild inspired significant increases in pro-nature behaviour.

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I feel the benefit of it myself. Just taking time out of the day to complete a random act of wildness helps to calm and improve my mood and gives me the opportunity to take a moment for reflection and connection with nature.

Two personal favourites are to take an early morning walk and listen to the bird song, and to lie in the grass and watch the clouds and birds overhead.

Read more: Could YOU create a piece of art for the Ashmolean Museum?

The challenge enables everyone to take part by accessing any space where you can complete your random act of wildness.

That space could be a local park, street tree, your garden or watching from your window or an online webcam.

Our lives can be busy, hectic and stressful, especially during the period of lockdown that we’re all living through right now. By taking a few minutes each day to engage, it reminds us how nature can help ground us and make us feel better, highlighting how impactful nature is on our wellbeing.

Oxford Mail:

Over a million people have taken part in 30 Days Wild during the last five years. Last year was the most successful so far, attracting 400,000 participants.

This June, the wildlife trusts believe the challenge will prove more popular than ever as the UK battles with social restrictions and people are looking for ways to keep spirits up and entertain young families.

People of all ages can sign-up and download fun ideas, wallcharts, activity sheets and inspiration for going wild in nature during June. This year the campaign is 100 per cent digital and everyone can download materials for free.

BBOWT staff will be taking part in 30 Days Wild so follow us on our social media for any inspiration you may need – but importantly sign up and join in, because after a few random acts of wildness you’ll be hooked!

  • Sign up for the challenge at wildlifetrusts/30DaysWild