A wildlife charity is calling on the public to do one wild thing' every day for a month this summer as the UK’s largest free nature challenge marks its 10th anniversary.
The Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust is urging individuals of all ages to take part in the 30 Days Wild campaign in June, and is providing free herb seeds and a guide to those who sign up.
The trust's chief executive, Estelle Bailey, said: "With wildlife in crisis across the UK, it seems fair to ask - are we still a nation of nature lovers?
"I believe the answer is a resounding yes.
"This year is the 10th anniversary of both 30 Days Wild and my own time with Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust.
"Over those 10 years I’ve had the privilege of seeing our communities’ commitment to restoring nature where they live and enjoying all it has to offer."
She added: "While our first year of running 30 Days Wild saw just over 500 people sign up across our three counties, last year more than 4,000 took on the challenge, which is brilliant.
“This momentum comes as no great surprise - connecting with nature is so important for our sanity and general wellbeing."
Ms Bailey shared her advice for those taking part, saying: "Sit, walk, run, lay on the grass, look up, look down, fix on something, don’t be afraid to touch or smell it.
"Smile at the sun, throw your arms out in the rain, get wet, walk barefoot on grass and bare earth, have a cuddle with a tree - be in the moment.”
The initiative, supported by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, encourages people to connect with nature through daily activities such as going on a 'snail safari', eating breakfast outdoors, or listening for bird song.
Participants will receive a 10th anniversary pack to be used during the 30 days.
The decade-long run of this event marks a significant milestone for the wildlife trust's flagship initiative.
The nature challenge has grown from 12,000 participants nationally in its first year to more than half a million last year alone.
The challenge has inspired many people to step outside and form a bond with nature.
Research has consistently found nature to have a positive influence on humans' well-being.
One study found a significant increase in people's health, happiness, and connection to nature through participating in 30 Days Wild.
Participants reported feeling more relaxed, decreased stress levels and an enduring motivation to protect wildlife even once the campaign had finished.
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